Changing Bag Without Changing Wafer: Smelly Bag Dilemma

I am new to this. I've only been home from the hospital for a couple of weeks. I recently changed my appliance 2 days ago but my bag smells. I was wondering if I can just change the bag but leave the wafer. Also, if I can, do I clean the area around the wafer or just put a bag back on it? I use a 2-piece system.

You don't use a drainable bag? I don't use a two-piece, but I would presume you do clean around the wafer before putting a new bag on.

Yes, you can clean the wafer and put a new bag on the wafer. The wafer can usually last 5 days or longer without needing to change it. If your 2-piece is drainable, some like to flush the bag out with water.

Welcome Satas96. With a 2-piece system, you should be able to change just the pouch. And yes, just wipe around the wafer where the new pouch will go on. I assume you use a drainable pouch. Each time you empty, just swish some water around in it to get it clean. I use a small squirt bottle. Also, using a lubricating deodorant would help with the odor.

Hi Satas,

Like everyone said.......sure you can change your bag. That's the benefit of a 2-piece system........if your bag springs a leak....or your dog's nail catches it and causes it to leak.......you can just replace it without doing a full barrier change. If the bag is intact and just smells bad then you can put a new bag on, and you can clean the old bag and save it for another day, or as a backup in case your supplies don't arrive on time. Normally when you order ostomy supplies you order the correct number of bags for the number of barriers. But keeping a few bags on hand in case a few don't last as long as you expect is a really good idea. Having a new barrier to install and no bag really sucks.

So just use a good dishwashing soap, like Dawn, to thoroughly clean the bag, blot with a paper towel, and then let air dry. You'll find they last a good long time, and if you're a cheapskate, or have to buy your own supplies without the help of medical insurance.....this is one way to lower your cost.

;O)

Welcome. Education is key on this new journey of yours. I suggest you check out UOAA, United Ostomy Association of America. It's our national organization. Also, Ostomy101.com. You will learn about foods, blockages, skin care, clothing, ostomy products, travel, activities, and a whole host of other tricks of the trade. You might also want to check out a local support group near you. Just remember you are not alone on this new journey of yours. We're here for you. Best of luck.

Sometimes it is tricky and messy to just change the bag. You also could consider using M9 deodorant in the bag too.

I cannot believe that you would consider washing a bag out and reusing it. Don't you guys get enough products without having to resort to using second-hand equipment.

The supplies are very expensive and not everyone has the insurance or financial means to cover the cost.

You guys should move to Australia, all our supplies are free of charge and have been for many years. You should start a program to get your government to do the same. I thought America was a rich country?

Hi Iggy,

No.....you thought wrong!America is a very poor country. "Third World" even. I just had to trade a guy two chickens (and they were my biggest prize roosters) for a 5-pack of ostomy barriers to get me thru next week. Seems ducks just aren't worth as much these days.....go figure. But hey, those barriers actually look new, even though the packages were opened.....but here in this crappy country we're just glad to get any supplies we can. So yeah, it's pretty bad here. We're just really good at putting on a show, pretending it's the greatest country on the planet,.........but I'm sure we're not fooling the smart folks out there like you!

It is definitely better where you live, hands down.........don't give it a second thought. So please do yourself (and us) a favor and stay right there, in God's paradise of Vegimite sandwiches and kangaroos, and be thankful for what you've got. We won't be insulted.....I promise.

;O)

G'day Mate!

I do the same with warm water but I only flush the bottom half. Every time I go too high into the bag with warm water, it melts the adhesive to my skin and makes it a lot harder to remove, so watch out for that.

I think it's time to move down here.

I feel the same. America is going downhill fast. The products are expensive garbage; quality food is expensive; even gardening is expensive. It's hard to stay afloat. Rent is ridiculous and the housing market is BS. People are asking way too much for way too little. I'd move to Canada if it wasn't so cold.

Sarcasm is alive and well....

Definitely have a few extra bags on hand. I have experienced an occasional defective bag that started leaking, so a spare came in handy.