Today is the first time I have had a bath since getting my ileostomy last June! I've had many other problems because of my messed-up bowels, which meant that I had other tubes and things coming out of me, preventing me from showering or bathing. However, having those things sorted out now, I was finally able to have a proper wash, instead of one out of the sink!
I'm not a shower person at all; I would rather have a bath any day, and I sure as hell wasn't going to let a stupid bag stuck to my stomach change that! I was quite nervous at first that it would become unstuck and leak everywhere (that's not what I wanted to bathe in!) but I knew I had to just go for it.
I checked to make sure he was all stuck on nicely to begin with and thought I could change it when I got out if necessary. However, he was not stuck on nicely at all, so I had to change him before getting in!
But it's now a few hours later and I've not had any trouble with him at all! The only thing I can see wrong is that the edge is starting to come off, but not so much so that it's going to leak, so I am very pleased!!
Baths are going to be a regular thing once more!!
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Information sharing is key, as well as support and understanding, to ultimately bring more harmony into our ostomy life journey. I found here, virtually no ostomy questions that are not touched upon. Questions which some might feel, may be too trivial to contact a doctor about or even too shy or embarrassed to ask their own doctor about. They are all addressed here.
For me, anonymity was very helpful in seeking answers to each phase of this life changing medical and mental event. Sharing initial trauma feelings, ongoing support and finally acceptance was what I found with my membership here. I am not sure what my mental and physical attitude would be today without having found this site.
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Sincerely,
An Ileostomate nicknamed Justbreathe 🫶🏼
I have an ileostomy and only take baths... not fond of showering either. Before my bath, I lift up my pouch and tape it with waterproof tape to my skin just below my boobs, and fill the bath just to where the flange starts... keeps the flange dry, no curling or irritation. Nothing like a nice bath with a glass of wine and a candle... happy bathing, Sophie...
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Isn't that first bath the greatest? I only went four months after my colostomy surgery, and boy, did it feel good. You might want to try Sure Seal Rings; they go over your baseplate and are waterproof. They are the same as the stuff they put over your IV site in the hospital, kind of like a second skin. They also contain any leaks from under the baseplate. I use them for swimming. I have heard other people just cover the baseplate with waterproof tape.
Oh, I thank God for your blog, Soapie. I have just been taking showers since I've gotten Toni, and I miss my relaxation time with my music. It's been a year, and I haven't tried to take a bath yet. I want to thank you all for the positive tips and motivation; it was really helpful and encouraging. Much blessings to you all. Bath tub, here I come...
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I do have some seals to go around the edge, but I thought I would try it without first to see what happens, trial and error really like everything has been since getting him! Beautifullyblessed, I'm glad that I could have helped and enjoy your bath when you have it!
Bathing...yes! Oh, the warm water covering completely is such a comfortable rush! I put a pool in my backyard for my kids, a blow-up one since they are small, and we run warm water from the sink and I am able to get in and hang out. Oh, the joys of moving about, splashing, and feeling silky movement and companionship and fun, enjoying some outdoor beauty in this world. So glad you are able to take a bath again...much physical ease and pleasure to you in this world. We are alive, we are allowed to be happy and thrive!