ostomy appliance and night bag

Gene,
I never had a routine on when I cut my finger nails. Now, I cut them the morning of the bag change. This way I can scratch to my hearts content without leaving marks or causing bleeding.

Rick,
We have another thing in common, how good it feels to shower, rub the area for awhile, as the itching is bothersome at times for me...your right,,I to go ahhhhhh!!!! ITS A WONDERFUL THING!!!! Gene Beane

I tried several pouches before I found the one that fits my body best. The suppliers sent me two or three of each kind until I found the right one that I use.
I use a night bag. It snaps onto the end of my daily otstomy bag. I only open the valve of my daily bag. There night bag I use does not have a valve. THe night bag has a four foot hose that is really secure to the bag.

I change pouches every 8 days. After removing the pouch, I shower and shave under the pouch area.(Oh, the scratching feels so good for that 15 minutes of fredom from the pouch).
After drying the area with a dry hand towel, I apply my pouch laying down. I snap my ostomy bag on right away and rub the pouch down thoroughly. Since I do this right before hitting the sack, I connect it to my night bag right away. The night bag creates a suction that causes me to have a great seal. The pouch has not leaked in the past year.

During the time between changes I just unsnap the bag from the pouch and take a shower. I clean out the bag while in the shower, then re-snap it on when I am done.

I personally use the HOLLISTER 8478, it works best for me. I apply my bag standing up in front of the mirror, it seems to flatten out better with no wrinkles. I don't use any special remedies, just dry the area off really well, sometimes with the hair dryer, I had stome nurses here for 6 weeks after surgery, twice a week, they do a great job, stay 2 hours, taking blood pressure, they changed my bag once a week until I was ready myself. They also discussed any problems with recovery. I still change once a week, I do not use the night bag, I wear a elastic belt that holds my bag front and center, it clips on to the sides of it, I get up twice to empty, I can roll from side to side that way...hope this helps you out,,,,I would see a stoma nurse if you continue to have problems. Gene

Our ostomy nurse...and you should see one, suggested warm hands on the bag once you apply it to the skin barrier. I thought, well, maybe low heating pad would be better and it seems to work. I apply it for 60 seconds as it is heating up. We are talking warmth not hot. Laying down is probably better, although I have applied it standing up if my wife is busy. Be sure the skin is clean and dry, and like I suggested before, don't use too much stomahesive powder, and let it be a little lumpy...if too smooth it seems to leak. If you use the paste you will get good adhesive qualities...but the paste is harder on the skin.

Also, we cut the hole up to almost 2 inches. This creates a better "dam" for us. I change every 3 days...going any longer usually results in leakage.

I would encourage you to consult with a stoma nurse regarding which appliance is best.

Best of luck, accidents will still happen.

Jeff

We have gotten some solid tips on applying ostomy bag from forum,however, has anyone had issues with valves opening at night, on the night bags, attached to ostomy bag. Any suggestions on whether applying appliance with heat, lying down makes a difference?How does one know which ostomy appliance to try, from which manufacturer ; we have tried at least 7 different styles, and companies. Should my husband see a private ostomy nurse?