Reusing ostomy bags - How long is too long?

w30bob · 2020-02-10T10:55:01-05:00

Hi gang,Ok, maybe that's not the question. Bear with me...... So I change my barrier/bag, which is a Hollister 2-piece, every other day. Obviously, I go through supplies pretty quickly. And they're expensive. Yes, my insurance bears the brunt of that, but only after I've met my deductible.....so ordering things after the New Year gets pretty deep in my pockets. Now I'd never thought to re-use my bags until I got on here and read how long some of you can go without a bag change. And I got thinking if some folks are going 7 days without a change then the bag can easily last a week, maybe more. I had been saving and stockpiling my used bags for some time now, I guess just as emergency supplies if I ever ran out of new ones, I'd just clean them real well after removing them. Yeah, it can be an EWWWWW! thing for some, but it's only crap.......about the most natural thing since dirt, so don't be such a pussy. Anyway, I wash them out with soap and warm water, pat dry and then let them air dry.A few months ago I started re-using them on weekends only, as a trial. I only re-use them once and then toss out. But I looked at one I took off this morning and washed and dried it just for shits and grins. Still looks fine to me. So now I'm wondering if I should try to re-use them twice? Not really seeing a reason not to. So I'd like to hear from anyone who's as much a cheapskate as me, or has any info on why or why not to re-use. It's just a plastic bag, so I'm just saving the planet by recycling and depriving the medical supply company of much unneeded profit. Sounds like a win-win, no? What say ye oh wise and honorable ostomates?Regards,BobRemember.....sticks and stones might break my bones....but if not I'm going to pick up the bitches and throw them back at ya!

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gisele76

Jun 25, 2022 6:41 pm

Do you use barrier strips or SureSeals? I change my bag every three or four days, but many people go longer. I don't reuse the bags. Good luck!

gisele76

Jun 25, 2022 6:45 pm

Do you use barrier strips or SureSeals? I change my bag every three or four days, but many people go longer. I don't reuse the bags. Good luck!

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Great site..I have had an colostomy over 30 years..and have been thru skin rash around my stoma,hernias(2), leaks, odor control , needed clothing suggestions and this site has helped me with recommendations and many ideas worked!
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gisele76

Jun 25, 2022 6:46 pm

Do you use barrier strips or SureSeals? I change my bag every three or four days, but many people go longer. I don't reuse the bags. Good luck!

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