I had my ileostomy about six months ago, and as the weather and seasons change, I keep learning. With the season of merriment upon us, I'm really trying to attend different events, see old friends, and catch up on the Christmas season I didn't have last year because I was so sick. Recently, I was at a very fancy cocktail party in a private club in a historic (read old) townhouse in New York City. Just like seats in Broadway theaters, the bathrooms in these structures were built for people half the size of the average person today, and I'm only 5'2". Usually, I carry an empty water bottle in my bag to clear my pouch out with when I'm in public. But because of the type of event, I had an evening bag with me that could not accommodate the bottle - which I didn't really think about until I was standing outside a narrow door to use a private restroom. It was right next to the bar, and when a nice gent started to talk to me, I went into a panic because I could feel the pancaking underneath my dress and didn't want to leave a mess. So as the door opened, I reached across to the bar and took a glass of champagne with me. The only problem was the faucet and sink were very old school, and the champagne glass did not tip to fit enough to fill with water. So I said, "F this," and cleared my pouch out with top-quality champagne. There were many bubbles - Merry Christmas!

Navigating Holiday Parties With An Ileostomy And A New Boyfriend

hangingin

Dec 15, 2024 2:57 pm

Reply to Marjatta

Actually it opens a whole new world of possibilities when in a bar!

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warrior

Dec 15, 2024 3:17 pm

There should be studies made of what you can use safely in case of a bag clean if you're ever stuck without water... hmm.

Sometimes we are stuck without much option.

The integrity of the bag is used to acid, like stomach acid.

But... a story about Pepsi or Coca Cola just gives me pause if you're tempted to use soda to clean the bag left with no options.

Coke was used to degrease engines. Strong stuff, huh? 🤔

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warrior

Dec 15, 2024 3:20 pm

Reply to msmacs50

Nah... but a breath test on your stoma is going to cause concern! 😉🤦‍♂️😋

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Your 9-Point Hospital Discharge Checklist

Hollister

Before making the trip from your hospital bed to your home, it's important to review some essential care tips and precautions with your stoma care nurse.
Follow our 9-point hospital discharge checklist.

rlevineia

Dec 15, 2024 7:16 pm

You drank Champagne? No wonder your pouch almost burst! I loved beer & Asti Spumonte. I gave it up! All that liquid should thin out your output. Drinking 8 glasses a day is recommended.

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Navigating Holiday Parties with an Ileostomy and a New Boyfriend

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