Showering and Sauna Tips for Colostomy Users

I'm with you on the bag-on for showers. While in the hospital after surgery, the nurses always had me taking a shower minus bags (I have both a colostomy and a urostomy) and then immediately applying new bags, and there were several times I ended up with poop dropping down my legs onto the shower floor! It was gross, so I'll not try it at home. Just worrying about the very real possibility of that keeps me from relaxing and enjoying a nice long, hot shower when the weather's chilly.

I was told in the hospital to shower without a bag on at least some of the time, and I have done just that. Of course, there is the occasional issue of output, but there is no health reason not to clean the stoma.

Hi, ohhh yes I've had a few showers now without anything on, and it felt really good to cleanse completely. My stoma edges are sensitive, so I gently cleaned with my hands and poured warm water also with my hands since the showerhead is a bit much. I really feel you there; my back pain was so high from the day I came home, so every two weeks I get a massage, and it's been helping so much. My stomach muscles are weak, yet I can feel them slowly becoming stronger as I walk a little more over time. I found this waist wrap/band that's arriving tomorrow, which will hopefully help to even out my muscles and provide support. Maybe this could help you too. We're in the early healing phase together; I hope this continues to improve over time 🤞 Hugs

That's adorable that Eddie has a bathing suit; maybe I can find one for my Momo, too.

I tried showering without a bag, but didn't like it when my stoma was active - too much mess. I do enjoy some fully naked time after showers on bag change days. I take my bag off, use unscented Dove soap to clean that area, and then lie on my bed for up to 30 minutes to breathe free!

I have been in saunas and hot tubs, and it's fine to do, but I recommend using an extra seal around the flange.

Tips on Hernia Prevention with Collin | Hollister

Aww, you're from Arizona! I grew up there and have been wanting to visit for so long! 💛