flange changes

Mackster

Veteran Member

Joined : May 2007

Posts : 781

Posted 9/24/2018 7:39 PM (GMT 0)

I normally change everything once a week. I wonder if I can just change the pouch and leave the flange on for longer, say another week. Would that be too risky, and could it impact the skin surrounding the stoma? Are there any 'rules' on this as it would certainly cut costs.

pombear

Regular Member

Joined : Feb 2018

Posts : 83

Posted 9/25/2018 9:19 AM (GMT 0)

I dont think it would be a problem for the skin as it has a flange on all the time anyway keeping the same one for longer shouldnt hurt anything , iv read on other places people saying you could keep the same bag on for weeks but people dont like to an arent encouraged too my stoma nurse was told me to change it every 2 days ,, but i go 4or 5 i could go much longer probably but i worry it could leak more likely thats the only thing you might be more likely to leak if you keep the same on for an extra week

Mackster

Veteran Member

Joined : May 2007

Posts : 781

Posted 9/25/2018 8:00 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks pombear. Yes I know the bag can become a problem the longer it's on. With a two-piece

system (just found out after 2 years!) it's quite easy to swap-out a faulty bag whilst leaving the flange in place.

My main worry was the very sensitive rash-prone skin around the stoma. But as you've pointed out it's

pretty much 'hidden' all of the time getting exposed to the air once a week for a mere few minutes during the change.

So with that in mind I guess it's worth a try. I just hope I don't find a horror-show on my next change!

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