Hi, I'm not here to advertise any product. But since getting a melon-sized hernia and switching product lines, I find myself changing ports and bags every other or third day to now often seven days, and tomorrow will be my eighth on this one port. I do change bags out of convenience when severe pancaking occurs, and it's just a pain to rinse out, which I normally do to my bag (just a personal preference), but that is not often. I never could have believed that anyone could last 7 days without a major blowout, but I'm living proof. Is it the hernia curvatures or the product line? Please share your thoughts. I am purposely withholding product info for right now because I'm interested in your experiences rather than a product discussion just at first. Plenty of time for a full disclosure soon.
I usually change my bag every 4 days but have gone 7 days before without issues.
I went 8 days last week. When I changed, I saw no seepage. I use the Sensura Mio Click with a wafer. I was home and didn't have to worry about a surprise blowout. This week, after 4 days, I had a "feeling" that I should change. I saw that oozing under the wafer had started. If I had gone to work, I probably would have had an incident later that day. Trust your feelings, especially if insurance is paying for supplies.
SharkFan
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Well, I hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression. He ticked me off, but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive.
I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best.
But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped, and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring. It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.
Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances, l not only survived but thrived.
I think of all the years I had suffered with such extreme pain, barely functioning, and the many hospital stays and how that is all behind me now. (All fingers, toes, and legs crossed that I never have to go near a hospital for myself ever again. I think I'd rather have a fork stuck in my eye. I loathe every about them.)
So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all. My Angels, each one of you.
And as the Grateful Dead famously said,
"what a long strange trip it's been!"
Im so happy I'm tripping with you all.
I wish ... three days is my cycle and it has never been more. I do have some other products to test drive though .........
Learn more about ostomy accessories, and when to use them.
Lol... and I thought from the subject that you were talking about a cruise being at port for 7 days!!!
Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister
