I survived my colostomy surgery last Tuesday, September 9th, and lived to tell about it! Can anyone out there give me ideas on which works best for them: open pouches or closed pouch disposable ones? Thanks.
jillian
Sep 15, 2014 3:03 pm
Gwen in LA
Sep 17, 2014 5:04 am
My op date was 1/4/13. I was sent home with open-end pouches, which were a HUGE blessing.
Sometimes my BM was very gassy, and the bag would inflate. I could "burp" the bag by opening the end. Also, until my gut settled down, the stool was liquid and the bag would fill very quickly. Again, open end to the rescue.
Just wish I'd switched to a 2-pc bag earlier. It's easy to empty the bag, dispose of it, and have less stress on the abdomen stoma area, not stressing the skin. Only replace the 'plate' every few days.
Hope this helps.
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Mrs.A
Sep 18, 2014 1:51 am
Hi Jillian,
It's pretty simple. Closed end means one-time use. Open end means empty, clean, rinse, and reuse.
Don't worry, you have plenty of time to learn all you need to know. Keep asking questions and read a lot of info on the site.
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iMacG5
Sep 18, 2014 2:00 am
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klark
Sep 18, 2014 2:01 pm
I use both closed and open-ended, as I order once a month and alternate pouch types. When I golf, bowl, or if I'm doing pool and yard work, the closed ones are convenient... soil 'em and toss it! Open-end pouches are usually larger and will last much longer by reusing after you clean them up. Good luck!!
survivor48
Sep 27, 2014 11:53 am
I agree with those who use both. I had my surgery done last Dec. and had a hard time with the open ended because the sticky part is so much harder than the open end ones and I would keep getting leakage there. The closed end ones have a more softer sticky area that conforms to my body and "moves" with me. I did buy a box of open ended ones and I use them on days that I am home and have loose stool because that way I don't waste my closed ends ones.You will just need to experiment and request samples if the company you are dealing with sends them and see what works best for you. Good luck and if you have a support group in your area, I suggest you join one.