One-Handed Techniques for Managing an Ostomy Bag

I have to have shoulder surgery this winter and am really concerned about emptying my ostomy. How to empty and rinse it with only one hand. I really don't want to burden my wife with this task.

If it's in a sling, it's in about the perfect position to hold your back while you use the other hand to do the wiping/cleaning.

Hi Trucker,

I know we've discussed how to change your barrier/bag with one hand, but I'm not sure we talked about emptying and/or rinsing. I just tried emptying mine now, and it is a bit challenging. It depends on your bag and securement method, but I find the Velcro closure on my Sensura Mio easier to deal with than my older Hollister bag with the plastic clip. Now, I don't rinse mine, so I'm not sure how that would work; it seems you'd need two hands for that. But we'll see what the other more innovative folks on here chime in with.

;O)

bob

You have time to practice in advance, so that's a good start. By the time you have surgery, you will be able to do it with ease. Just be hard on yourself while practicing; no cheating. Make sure you only use one hand.

It can be done and is easier than you think to empty and change a bag one-handed. I had surgery on my right hand, so I had to use my left hand, and I have very little feeling in that. I managed very well without any help, even with Velcro and a roll & lock closure system. I never rinsed mine out; that would have been a problem for me, and I couldn't clean the spout on the bag very well after emptying. I did try two-piece bags to start with, so I could just throw the bag away instead of emptying it, but I didn't get on with them very well and found my normal one-piece much easier to use.