What Do You Keep in Your Go Kit for Ostomy Care?

I carry a backpack with everything that I would need to change my one-piece bag. I use a one-piece Hollister bag that I can open and empty in any restroom. I also carry a washcloth and an extra shirt and summer shorts just in case. I carry a full water bottle with me to the restroom, and after I empty my bag, I wash it out. The only blowouts I've had have been at home at night. I have to change my bag every 2-3 days because of high output. I would never dream of changing my bag in a restroom. It would have to be an emergency. I would also never use a closed bag.

At zip... your stoma nurse told you no leaks per month is the deal? None? Zip? Nada?

Unless I misunderstood, then she's saying zero leaks per month is status quo.

30 days without a leak on the same appliance? She is an ass clown.

Unless you constantly change your bag every 2 days just out of fear, I'd tell your nurse to suck an egg.

Leaks happen with ileos. Fact.

Body movement will affect your base plate and ring. Fact.

Unless you stood vertical 24/7 - without bending, sweating, etc., you're not gonna leak with a good appliance...

BTW... Welcome. It sounds like you got a good handle on your situation. Congrats!

Hey, now don't shoot the messenger for the message.

I did say it was "suggested" by a fellow member, and the replies or comments about the idea were all positive then.

It was a woman, I think. Very clever. Someone also said to use gum to cover that toilet sensor flushing eye.

Me? I stand very still like a deer caught in headlights around those toilets... Works for me.

As a new ostomate (2.5 months), I can relate to you. I've not had a public incident yet but I've had multiple incidents at home and the idea of this occurring in public worries me.

I think it is different when you are still getting used to the ostomies and trying to find what works for you. I've learned a lot from my multiple failures and it has helped me recognize problems earlier but I have so much left to learn. It's a bit overwhelming. 

It was recommended to me to carry a complete change kit and a change of clothing. As a female, I just shove it in my purse and go (women never call security on another woman carrying a purse! Big advantage over being a man!)

You might try a small bag and pass it off as a "man bag". .maybe leave the clothes in your car. You can retrieve if needed. 

Mine is a drainable pouch, so I get to squat and undo the clip, empty and flush the pouch with water that I always carry in a bottle. Easy peasy for me, but I've been at it since 2010. Good luck.

My Ostomy Journey: Keyla | Hollister

Thanks all for your input, I have another question. I am currently having some pretty irritated skin around my stoma.

I have tried and tried doing the crusting thing. All of my attempts result in poor adhesion of my bag and a subsequent blowout.

I've tried dusting with the powder, removing the excess, then applying my wafer.

I've tried dusting then using skin treatment spray, drying well then applying the wafer.

I've tried just the spray then the wafer (drying the spray well before applying).

Of course, every time I shower and wash the area gently and dry well before doing any of the above.

My question is how do you all heal angry peristomal skin while having blowouts?

Thanks for your input - Stoma Hat

Hey Warrior!

Sorry, it's been a long time, but just to answer a couple of things here.

I came up with Stoma hat just to be silly.

My dog is a miniature pit bull, her name is Dulce and she is the most affectionate dog I have ever had.

Good suggestion with the post-its for those auto flush toilets, how about chewing gum? (kidding).

I feel pretty intimidated by the confidence of those here with 30-60 years. I still have too many blow-outs to feel safe leaving the house without my backpack. Currently, I am having real trouble with irritated and very painful skin around my stoma, and all of the treatments I have used cause my wafer to peel off within a day. - Crap!

Too bad bubble gum—the real thick stuff—can't be used over the stoma. Imagine the bubble it could make. Fast way to clear a room before it pops.😋

You will find answers to your issues via certain topics here. It's a hot subject when there is no adhesion. You will figure it out, and once assured, you will be getting out of the house.

Troubleshoot the issue. Give it time. Get treatment for the skin first. Lots of suggestions given; no reason to be held captive in your own home.