Odor Issues with Colostomy Bag by Day 3 - Seeking Advice

I have noticed since i went from an ileo to a colostomy that by the 3rd day (only 2 nights wear) that the odor seems to seep thru the bag i use drops and i clean the tail everytime i empty it.  I don't see any thing around the stoma to say i have an infection or anything so don't know why it is smelling thru the bag they are suppose to be odor guards on it. Any ideas?

Hi, might help to know the type/make of bag you use? Rachel x

OOps forgot ..Hollister new image lock and roll drainable pouch I used the same one for my ileo with no problems.

I use a Hollister too, not quite the same one but essentially the same. I have an ileostomy and don't have trouble either with odour... until emptying/changing the pouch of course.... and I would say that my waste from my bag smells a lot more than normal waste so I am really not sure why there should be such a difference? Sorry not to be much use! xx

Do you wash the bag out when you have a crap or just wipe it with toily paper,,

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yes, that's my question. what method of cleaning after draining do you do/use?

i've taking a liking to carrying a man-purse, which contains a small water bottle and turkey baster. might sound strange but it works... really gives it good flushing/cleaning.

i swear by it.

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give it whirl, can't hurt.

Deb,



          I have the Hollister drainable roll tail thing too. I have them because I wanted to try a different bag and I change my bag every day, I have weird poo isssues lol, but I have the exact same problem!! I swear the smell is coming through the bag!

I have a very regulated stoma and I go once in the morning by usually 9 or 10 am and after that, there is no poo in the bag until the next morning. But as soon as that poo hits the bag, I smell it!

This only seems to happen with the ones like I am usuing, the ones that have that cloth like material on top of the plastic bag.

Just wanted you to know you weren't alone. lol I swesar I drive my boyfriend nuts always talking about smelling this bag since I have had them!! lol



take care, Hannah

Hi Hannah! If you have such a regulated outputs, you might like 1-piece closed pouch. Just change it to new once you have something in it (60/month covered)

Adapt deodorizing lubricant 2xDay into the bag - might be useful. Also if you have 2-piece, you might want to flush the bag once a day. Do not wash 1-piece (spray bottle), it compromise seal

hi deb crd



I think I posted this a while ago somewhere.  The Hollister rep told me he has heard the same complaint that the pouches with filters only seem to last 1-2 days before an odor is noticed.  So, his recommendation is to change the pouch.  I don't know your insurance and what they are paying for.  Most insurances in the US will pay for at least 20 of the drainables per month.



If the issue is the filter, then you might try a pouch without filter.  You will have to empty gas from the bottom, not sure if this would work out for you.    You could also try to get samples from Coloplast or Convatec..you can google their sites and get the 1-800 number, they are always looking for converts and pretty nice about sending samples.  



My patient's have not had great odor control if the stool is semi solid to solid if using the M9 by Hollister.  I'm not sure about the Adapt lubricating deodorant though.  You may consider using a commercial oral deodorant such as Nullo or plain Chlorophyll tablets.  It significantly decreases stool odor, but must be taken on a regular basis.  Occ. private insurance has covered Nullo in the past.







May I Help WOCN.....Welcome!  Good to have you here!

Thanks for the info guys,

i tried something and put tape over the filter, I did use duct tape..lol...but it worked like a charm! No more smellies!

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WOOHOOO

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I've had a colostomy made into an ileostomy.  I found that the colostomy waste smells worse than the waste from the small intestine.  I think things fester longer in the colon and then smell worse.  I also use Hollister Lock-n-roll.  I don't use filters because as an ileostomate, the filter is ruined withing a few days and it starts to leak...YIKES!  I use M9 drops for odor control and do well with it.

I notice that same problem, but it usually means I need to change the flange.  For about 6 months I've been using the Colo-majic pouch liner.  I LOVE THEM!  You can change it as many time a day as you need because you get 300 liners for $65, or 100 for $35.  You can then use your pouch for a couple of days if you want to. Check out www.cmostomysupply.com.  They are the cheapest and will send you a couple to sample.  The best thing is they are flushable, and you don't need to wash out the pouch.  I use it with a Hollister closed-en pouch.

I tried a sample from Hollister  a bag with filter and found after a day, there was an odor.  I had used Convect before.   The wafer that used were $169 for 10 so was trying the Hollister to see if less expensive and got some samples.  The wafer worked great but the pouch had filter.  When the rep from Hollister called I told her the problem of odor and thought it was due to the filter.  She has sent me some more samples of pouches without filters so will be trying that.     I also use a inexpensive mouthwash and rinse the bags out and that seems to help with the unfiltered pouches.

Good Luck

In the summer months when it is hot I notice I too get order. I ask my best friend "Can you smell that?" and she says no I'm just being paranoid. I carry a small travel size baby powder bottle with me and sprinkle some on the bag and under it against my skin. It cuts down on the sweat as well as the order that apparently no one else can smell...

I had the same problem. You might try this if you are still dealing with the issue.. I heard that some people put a couple of Tic Tac mints in the pouch after emptying each time. It helps somewhat, but of course creates a different smell, or mix of smells of its own.



I thought I would try a stronger mint, call Altoids. These come in a little metal box, and they are VERY strong. They do a better job than the Tic Tacs, and take care of at least 50% of the odor on both the inside and outside of the bag. I just use one of these mints each time. They are very small and look like an aspirin tablet.  I am on day 4 with this bag, and I am just starting to smell it now.



Good luck!

Thanks for the input and tips!  It is so good to have this forum to learn from!!

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  Loren