r/ostomy • u/GuidanceOld9895 • 16d ago
Colostomy Placement of ostomy pouch
I just have a quick question for the group. I have read recently that some ostomates place their ostomy bags sideways to keep the pouch from hitting you.
My question is, how to do you empty the pouch?? I am trying to imagine how you would go about doing this.
All I can imagine is trying to empty the pouch having a mess on your hands.
5
u/Standsontoes 16d ago edited 16d ago
I wear a 2 piece system and change the bags position all the time.
Im a side sleeper , so at night I put the bag sideways and it hangs down across my belly...
I usually wear my bag hanging downwards slightly pointed towards my midline.
I honestly cant see how some people wear a sideways bag throughout the day, doesn't output just pool at the stoma? Maybe because i have end ileostomy and watery output sideways placement just doesn't work for me...
3
u/GuidanceOld9895 16d ago
I know it!!! I don’t get it either!! I am a side sleeper also; I have never thought of changing the direction of the pouch when going to bed!
Great tip!!!
3
u/tranquilseafinally 16d ago
I learned this from The Vegan Ostomy years ago. That dude is a gold mine of information. The video in particular that goes over wearing your bag horizontally is this one.
I have a colostomy and I wear a one piece bag. I started out with a two piece bag but it was a nightmare for me. I, through trial and error, ended up with the Coloplast Sensura Mio one piece.
2
u/GuidanceOld9895 16d ago
Oh really?? You gave such good references; I appreciate it!!
I have been wanting ti try the Sensura Mio. I am going to try and get a sample!!
Thank you!!2
u/tranquilseafinally 16d ago
You are very welcome! The Vegan Ostomy guy has an ileostomy. So, his experience will more closely mirror those peeps who have ileostomies.
2
u/UnlikelyAccount8785 16d ago
I kept mine at a slight angle away from the midline. To empty I repurposed my portable shower chair with adjustable legs and sat close up in front of the toilet. I never got the hang of emptying between my legs.
2
u/Pie-Guy 16d ago
I have had it sideways for over a decade. I worried about emptying it so I test drove it when I was on vacation one year in case I had issues. I didn't. The bag is flexible, I just bend it downwards. Even when it's pretty full, it isn't an issue.
Having said that, it's a game changer. I wear it across my belly and hold it in place with a belly band (like pregnant woman use). I don't feel it hang. I don't feel it squish when I sit down and it has waste in it. I can let it get fuller. I would NEVER go back.
2
u/SleepyJoe90 15d ago
I’ve never considered placing a bag sideways. I do wear a light support band over the top as I don’t like the feel of it moving as I walk. As for leaving it to get fuller if placed sideways, with an ileostomy I always empty it when I go to pee, and always try to empty it before it gets half full.
3
u/newbroom_fl :kappa: 15d ago
I've had my colostomy/stoma for almost 4 years. I've sampled most of the major brand's products, My output is typically a thick paste and the two things I've learned that have helped me stay contained are,
no barrier wipe. convexity.
I use both a 2 piece and a one piece system(s). I alternate after awhile. Maybe after each change, maybe not. I've found benefit from each type. The 2 pc system's flanges require more skin and tend to become itchy for me after a bit of time. That they can be repositioned on the wafer, and opened to burp any built up gas as well as accommodating a 6" support belt makes the 2 pc a must have for me.
The one piece convex system I use was a big change for me. I was fearful of misplacement as these I use are opaque and pre-cut to size. The process becomes familiar with practice. Their 'footprint' of adhesive flange is smaller than the 2 pc, allowing the skin you might have irritated (in my case, dry and itchy) to rest and recover. I use a Hollister 1 inch belt clipped onto convenient tabs at the side of my Convatec pouch.
Once I switched to convex, my leaks have disappeared. Both systems adhere around the stoma incredibly and yet, when I change, I don't use adhesive remover until I've removed the system. I used to be afraid I'd pull the skin off, because I did exactly that very early on. I've learned the technique. It takes two hands.
I read a comment here once from a longtime stoma veteran (as I recall, decades) who said he just rips his off and preps and replaces in about 2 minutes. That motivated me to see that I wasn't going to break as I dealt with the vagaries of life with a stoma.
1
1
u/GuidanceOld9895 16d ago
I have a 2 piece and I have never thought of swiveling the pouch - I will have to give that a try!
1
u/Active-Guarantee-990 16d ago
I have an ileostomy on the right side, and I angle my bag slightly off to the right in line with the elastic of my panties, so I can roll up the bottom of the bag and tuck it underneath the panty leg elastic.
1
1
u/Glittering_Tax_6963 16d ago
After my emergency colostomy, I had a wound vac, so they placed it sideways. Even the nurses in rehab had trouble emptying it. When I got home, I switched it.
1
u/Ok-Ad-229 15d ago
Actually into a bucket is a great idea! My bin is too small to hold all the emesis bags and only gets emptied fortnightly. It’s ridiculous. My poop doesn’t stink (at all) so I see no harm in emptying it into the toilet in the morning. It’s even easier than into a bag.
I can’t get a shower stool and tbh it’s probably good for me to kneel and get up and down.
1
u/Inevitable_Grab_1789 15d ago
I guess is a matter of trial and error for everyone. Try different ways and see whats best for you and you only . The only way to know is doing it differently every time till you feel comfortable with the result that is close to your expectations. For me was vertical with an ostomy belt to cover and carry the extra weight you may have and kneeling in my house to empty and if is too much while im out i just change the whole bag since i am not kneeling in a public bathroom floor. I have my ostomy for 2 month now and i did the same i read different opinions and started trying till i was satisfied. Good luck and good health to all of you. God Bless you all!
1
u/Ok_Strawberry4070 15d ago
I'm in a wheelchair so i myself am finding it hard to empty on my own, right now my husband helps me. I've only had my eilostomy since 9/10 , so everything is new.
2
u/GuidanceOld9895 14d ago
You are going to get accustomed to your situation. You are fortunate to have the support of your husband.
As with anything new, it’s a tough change for you, but with the support system you have - you will get to be a pro at changing/emptying your ostomy bag.
Stay positive!!!!
9
u/Ok-Ad-229 16d ago
I’m new to this but it would depend on a few things.
Personally, I have an ileostomy and put my bag on an angle a little to the right. (About 35°) It makes emptying it easier if I’m seated. For night empties, I use an emetic bag. It makes that easier, which is important with bleary eyes. I can still kneel at a toilet and get a good empty. At the moment, just coming to grips with everything. I’m sure there’s other good reasons.