I found this forum while researching how to help my elderly mother adapt to a new bag, when the Karaya 5 was discontinued. I became my mother's caregiver 2 years ago and change the bag for her. At 95 she is still able to empty the bag, but the new material, which is thinner plastic, is very upsetting to her. She has never accepted change well now or in the past. She also still wants some independence and refuses to let me help her with the emptying of the bag. She feels, that due to the thinner material, she is not able to empty it completely and has to rinse it out multiple times. Does anyone know of a slightly heavier plastic ostomy bag still available to use? Unfortunately, she is a creature of habit and is having several meltdowns not being able to adjust to the new thinner material. She also uses the clamp closure due to her arthritic hands. Thank you!
95 yrs old? That's awesome.
Good luck with helping change her ways and finding a decent appliance.
It's not a bag change. It's the entire set-up.
Each brand has their own thing.
I never heard of that brand you mentioned, but you can contact each manufacturer for free samples to determine what she likes. A stoma nurse should be able to help her and you, but it's the nurse's job to provide that info.
You will need to know her stoma size before ordering anything. Then take it from there. And is it an ileo or colostomy?
It will take time and patience for sure. Hang in there helping your mom. Once an appliance is to her liking, you are both on easy street. And it won't cost you but a phone call into the manufacturer.
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If I was a relative newbie with an ostomy, I have no doubt that this site would be very helpful to me. The members are quick to respond to questions and issues and they are filled with experience. When I joined, I already had a lifetime with an ostomy, so I just regard it as a place to meet and communicate with other folks similarly situated. Either way, it is a good site.
Thank you! Yes it's finding the middle ground in her adapting. We have spoken with Home Health and I have called multiple medical supply companies with no luck in finding a slightly heavier plastic for her. Keeping fingers crossed.
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Hi there,
So your best bet is to call each manufacturer and ask for samples. You won't get many samples through the distribution companies. Also, it might be tough to find them these days, as it seems these companies are changing the quality of the product. I know the brand I use; I have used them for 3 years, and in the past year, I have noticed a decline in the thickness of the plastic. The best bet, like I said above, is to call manufacturers, get samples, and try to find one she likes.
At 95 years old, she’s adapted to all kinds of changes throughout the years in all aspects of her life. Order samples, explain to her that the old bags aren’t made anymore and she can pick which one she likes best so it’s her decision and not someone telling her what to use.
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Hi Lilymo, welcome to the site. What a good daughter you are; I hope my girls would be so helpful.
I think the Coloplast Mio, but ask for it without the filter, and the Convatec ActiveLife have about the thickest plastic out there. However, the ActiveLife has a smaller opening and a clip, whereas the Coloplast Mio has Velcro and a larger opening. You can call the companies for samples.