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Re: Abscess 2 weeks after surgery, back in hospital

Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 7:33 am
by Aqx99
You'll get better at changing the pouch with more practice. It took me forever at first, trying to get everything right. Once my ostomy nurse got me my final set up, it was just a matter of time before I was flying through a pouch change. I try to make sure to time my changes around my meals, so I am not having output when it is time for a change. I set everything up on my bathroom counter before I remove my old pouch. I get the new pouch ready to go on, cutting the wafer, adding the barrier ring, etc. Then I take off my old one and clean and prep the skin. It is only a matter of minutes from taking off the old pouch to putting on the new one, that way if my stoma is being active I have a pretty good chance of putting the new one on before I have to clean a mess up.

Re: Abscess 2 weeks after surgery, back in hospital

Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2017 12:25 am
by ocstacy
Once my ostomy nurse got me my final set up, it was just a matter of time before I was flying through a pouch change. I try to make sure to time my changes around my meals, so I am not having output when it is time for a change. I set everything up on my bathroom counter before I remove my old pouch. I get the new pouch ready to go on, cutting the wafer, adding the barrier ring, etc. Then I take off my old one and clean and prep the skin. It is only a matter of minutes from taking off the old pouch to putting on the new one, that way if my stoma is being active I have a pretty good chance of putting the new one on before I have to clean a mess up.


I find it very fascinating and I think that when I'm done with nursing school that I will want to work in the field of Oncology and help patient's out with their Ostomy's. My mom only feels comfortable with me around her, she gets very embarrassed about it w/ my dad. So many different ways with a blow dryer, plastic baggy's, etc.
Do you have a perm or temp? I am wondering how the healing process is after the reversal? I hope you are well and thanks for the support!

Re: Abscess 2 weeks after surgery, back in hospital

Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2017 7:18 am
by Aqx99
ocstacy wrote:
Once my ostomy nurse got me my final set up, it was just a matter of time before I was flying through a pouch change. I try to make sure to time my changes around my meals, so I am not having output when it is time for a change. I set everything up on my bathroom counter before I remove my old pouch. I get the new pouch ready to go on, cutting the wafer, adding the barrier ring, etc. Then I take off my old one and clean and prep the skin. It is only a matter of minutes from taking off the old pouch to putting on the new one, that way if my stoma is being active I have a pretty good chance of putting the new one on before I have to clean a mess up.


I find it very fascinating and I think that when I'm done with nursing school that I will want to work in the field of Oncology and help patient's out with their Ostomy's. My mom only feels comfortable with me around her, she gets very embarrassed about it w/ my dad. So many different ways with a blow dryer, plastic baggy's, etc.
Do you have a perm or temp? I am wondering how the healing process is after the reversal? I hope you are well and thanks for the support!


I think it is very noble of you to be considering that profession. I have told many people along my journey, it takes a special type of person to work with cancer patients. Every single person I have had dealings with has been wonderful. I have a temporary ileostomy. My surgery was June 14th, so I have had it for almost 5 months. It will be reversed sometime after the first of the year. My surgeon wants to do it 6-8 weeks after my last cycle of chemo, which should start on Monday if my blood counts are high enough. I get good adhesion to my belly with the pouch by pressing and holding it tight with the palm of my hand for a minute or two. The warmth of my hand is enough to activate the adhesive on the wafer. I typically change it right before bed, so I can lay down and hold my hand over it while relaxing.