Hello ostomates. I found I prefer bag changes after a shower. The chance to shower bag-free, just me and the stoma. Good for peristomal health as well. I do, however, miss a good tub soaking. Is it okay to do that bag-free with the stoma fully immersed in water?
Rene
Jan 24, 2024 6:59 pm
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,411 members.
“I found real people, real humor, and answers I couldn’t get anywhere else.”
“The support here impressed my husband’s medical team - they plan to recommend it.”
“This community saved me when I thought I was a freak. Now I’m thriving.”
“Thank god for this site - I finally knew what to ask my surgeon.”
Posted by: HungryHamster
Hi,
Not blowing my own trumpet or anything, but I was at the healthiest I had ever been prior to getting UC symptoms. I was eating very healthy and exercising 6/7 days. I'd love to know if any lifestyle factors affect UC, but I suppose I'll have to wait until they figure out what causes it.
I've been trying to occupy myself by being in contact with friends often, but some days I am really not in the mood and find it hard to drag my mind away from what ends up being a mountain of thoughts. I suppose it's all part of the learning process and I'm sure it'll happen less with time. This website has been great so far. It's great to be able to write this sort of stuff down and chat with people that understand what's going on. For that, I thank everyone on this website.
Thanks,
Hamish.
Advertisement
Hollister
Living with an ostomy doesn’t mean you have to live with stoma fluid leakage or skin irritation.
Learn how convex skin barriers work and what benefits they offer.
Learn how convex skin barriers work and what benefits they offer.
CrappyColon
Jan 25, 2024 4:01 pm
Ileostomies aren't known for being on their best behavior, so unless you have yours down to a science… your bath will probably be joined by some effluence 😉
Airport Security Tips Living with an Ostomy with April | Hollister
w30bob
Jan 25, 2024 9:55 pm
Hi Rene,
The issue with taking a bath versus a shower is that in a shower the fresh clean water is constantly flowing over your stoma and surrounding area. When you take a bath, the soap residue as well as dirt washed off you and dead skin cells all float on the top of the bath water. If you let that sit around your stoma area, it's not the best thing. And as you get up out of the water, that residue will deposit itself on your skin as well. So at the very least, have a pitcher or large cup full of clean water and wash off the area around your stoma as you get up out of the bath water. Other than that... have a blast!!
;O)
AlexT
Jan 26, 2024 2:50 am
That's why you rinse off with a quick shower after your bubbly bath, duh. 😁
Shawn57
Jan 29, 2024 4:11 pm
Yes, I always shower before I change and give the stoma "a vacation." As for a bath, if you can time it right so that the stoma is asleep, then go for it, but I haven't had much luck with the timing. So when I take a soak, I do it with the bag on. But definitely shower well after you soak if you're doing it without a bag.
wiljpeters
Jan 31, 2024 6:25 pm
I am apparently the odd man out. I've never done the "naked shower" or bath. I have two ostomies, so there isn't really any way to do so without issues. You all have better-behaved stomas than I.
charlie
Oct 07, 2024 2:39 am
I always bathe bag-free; yes, sometimes the timing is wrong, but I don't care, I too deserve a soaking. I have always used an antiseptic (Dettol) in my bath. I find the soaking gets the skin clean in all the nooks and crannies that get missed from day to day.
Advertisement
Hollister
A convex ostomy skin barrier can help prevent output leakage and skin issues. Unfortunately, some misconceptions about convexity may keep people with ostomies from using it.
Learn about convexity and 4 myths surrounding it.
Learn about convexity and 4 myths surrounding it.