If you knew me, you would realize I never have just one more thing! I love to talk, but also love to listen. Columbo was the disheveled police detective who solved every crime. I thought of a few pieces of advice I use everyday.
A. When first starting out with a urostomy bag, it’s very important to have a routine in order not to forget important steps. Put the ring and “cork” on the bag every time. Make sure the plastic ring is pulled down over the edge so it’s secure and doesn’t fall in the commode. This little device is helpful because it will hold any leaks that may occur. Getting it on takes practice if you have arthritis in your fingers.
B. Very important to lock the closing lock on the bag. You can tell if it’s open or closed, because there’s a little golden drop of water on the unlock side. This is really important because if it’s not locked shut so it shows no drop of water, then it will leak. I’ve had this experience, it is not pleasant.
C. If you decide to use what they call an overnight bag, you need to make sure that the above lock is unlocked after you attach the tube that goes to the overnight bag. Of course that allows the urine to go into the overnight bag, emptying the bag attached to you. When you receive the boxes of bags and overnight bags there will be a 3″tube that you attach from the urostomy bag to the overnight bag. It’s difficult to attach this to make sure that it is sealed well. I found out running it under hot water for a short time helps to stretch it, making it easier to push onto the overnight bag tubing. The other end of this 3″tube attaches to your ostomy bag.
D. When your first order arrives, it will probably include overnight bags/bedside bags, similar to the ones you had in the hospital. These collect urine when attached to the urostomy appliance so you don’t have to get up overnight to empty the small one attached to you. The hardest thing I’ve found about these is the clamp that goes from the overnight bag to the emptying tube on it. It arrives with the clamp open. It’s just as important to close before using as it is to unlock or unlock your pouch opening. It has a red plastic cap but that might not hold unless the clamp is shut. I find it hard to clamp new ones; the plastic clamp is stiff. I usually push it against a shelf edge to shut it the first time. It’s important to follow the instruction sheets for these devices.
E. Drink lots of water. It’s not only great to flush the kidneys, it also dilutes the urine. This reduces odor. When emptying the bag, or overnight bag, I spray a bit of Lysol on the openings and dry with tissue. This keeps things clean, and helps with any unpleasant odors.
All of this may seem difficult at first. That is why I’ve tried to explain it thoroughly. Getting into a routine is helpful in order not to forget any necessary steps. Keeping dry is a priority. You might find these tips confusing or worthless. I’m trying to appeal to new ostomy users with tips that would have helped me when I first started out. Any advice you have is welcome. Let me hear of your experiences.
The Bag Lady 
You must be logged in to post a comment.