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Tips on managing an ostomy bag


Sat, February 15, 2020 7:20 PM

First time poster. 5 days post surgery.  I was told that i will have a bag for 3 months.  i am having problems adjusting.  it feels that im constantly in the bathroom emptying out my bag.  how many tmes do you empty it?  How do you deal with the weight of it when. its filling.  do you find anything hellpful like the undergarments? i bought a belt which relieves the pressure of weight but is not discreet at all.  I've lost a lot of weight.  any tips on how to make the bag discreet?  im not embarassed but i dont want to deal with the intrusive questions and unhelpful commentary people utter.   Also is there a way to just empty when it fills up with gas?  Thanks.

FPO ladyjustice
Joined Feb 15, 2020

Sun, February 16, 2020 2:03 PM

Reply posted for ladyjustice.

I found my bag failed everywhere but the communion line at church, and missed doing that by five minutes . The strap will help keep the bag attached. I bought slacks with discreet expandable waistlines. Mostly black or dark blue colors.depending where you are, you can discreetly open the clip and let gas out, but beware when you bleed that gas out it smells just like farts.  I went to the third Lord of the Rings movie (three hours) and the theater had free refills on soda. That soda went right thru me and I had to get up and empty the bad three times during the movie.. i’m A guy, and found I had to shave around the stoma, which was tricky, as I had no control over waste coming out.  Not a pleasant time  but it passed quickly.  Oh, and when you are carving out an opening to the gasket, make it as close in size to the stoma or your stomach acids will eat your skin,
 good luck.

FPO charbs
Joined Oct 31, 2016

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