I want to help my partner sleep through the night, and the gel sachets and thickening agents in the bag are so expensive. I looked at ParSORB and cannot find an ingredient list online. I am wondering if anyone knows of a non-toxic ingredient my partner can put in his bag that will thicken and stop leaks. Thank you all for posting, no one should struggle with this alone.
kmlund42
Jan 08, 2023 5:33 am
HenryM
Jan 08, 2023 9:10 am
You don't say whether you're dealing with an ileostomy or a colostomy, but with that aside... I've had an ileostomy for decades. I've never used whatever gel sachets/thickening agents are. My discharge is wholly a matter of what I eat. Some things will thicken it up; some things will make it more watery. Either way, I think the potential for leakage is more related to how well fit the appliance is. In other words, the thickness or thinness of the discharge ought not matter when it comes to leaks. I support myself with a number of pillows in bed so that I sleep on a slight angle, on my back, to permit the nightly discharge to take advantage of gravity. I don't have leaks irrespective of the quality of the discharge. As for sleep time, I've never slept through the night. It's just part of having the incontinence of the ostomy. You get used to it and I can return to sleep after emptying during the night without a problem (unless the old cat starts squealing). I hope that I haven't totally missed the point of your issue.
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Hugo
This site has been a blessing for me in learning how to cope with and navigate this journey as an ostomate. I have a colostomy as a result of a perforation in my colon since May of this year. I don't know yet if it will be permanent or reversible. The people on here have provided me with so much advice and information about living with an ostomy that I don't think I could get anywhere else. You all have given me hope and a place to come to for support. I still struggle with acceptance, but know that it will come if I am patient. Patience has never been my strong suit! Also, I love all the humor, although it really pissed me off when I first came on here. Thanks to all of you.
Cplumber
Jan 08, 2023 9:52 am
If you have leaks, try wearing a belt to cinch up your bag a little bit to help stop leaks.
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Justbreathe
Jan 08, 2023 1:15 pm
I am guessing there should be no leaks so a change in products might help. I am a belly and side sleeper and usually sleep through the night (8 hours). Yes, results are a very large appendage in the morning but, in 2-1/2 years, I had 1 leaky night. JB
Past Member
Jan 08, 2023 2:46 pm
https://www.veganostomy.ca/guide-to-ostomy-gelling-products/
Eric talks about this... Maybe there is useful info in here for you. Good luck!
Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister
gentlejohn
Jan 09, 2023 2:30 pm
Leaks have many causes. Watery output makes them more likely. But poor bag fit or the anatomy around the bag may require modification in the barrier.
True, thicker stool is less likely to leak. There are not things that work well placed in the bag but pasta, pancakes, and sometimes Metamucil carefully can help thicken the output. Lots of caffeinated drinks and alcohol might make things more watery.
I would first worry that there is a problem with the bag fitting. I agree with wearing a belt. An enterostomal nurse might be helpful watching the barrier change technique and usage of flat vs. a convex bag or use of a wafer under the barrier.