Facing the Back Wall: A Comfortable Ostomy Care Setup

Replies
6
Views
565
IGGIE
Jan 04, 2025 2:47 pm

 
Login to see image

I did put this in once before but we have had a lot of new people join since then and they could think about this way of working with their ostomy. I sit facing the back wall so I have access to all my products right in front on me on a shelf I fitted, sitting this way also give me a larger area in front of me to empty my bag. As you can see I also made a seat to make it more comfortable but you don't really need it if you cant make one, Use it with the seat up, gives you more room.   Don't knock it till you try it first it works great. Regards IGGIE

warrior
Jan 04, 2025 2:59 pm

Interesting photo.

Thanks.

Would removing the seat cover give you more room? 

Since I live alone, I have done that occasionally.  But I do not sit- haven't sat on the throne in 8 yrs. 

I'm glad ppl do this type of " reversal "..ha ha. Lack of a better word there for sure. 

Wouldn't surprise me having a small t.v. on that shelf too. 🤦‍♂️.

I'm sorry I just can't do this type of thing. Bad knees. But I get around the " sit down". 

We become very creative when need be.

Good post. 

Posted by: iMacG5

About seven years ago, just about every aspect of my life was ostomy related. From the moment I was told an ostomy might be needed until some months down the road I existed as a person afflicted with a colostomy. I feared someone other than my immediate family might find out I had a bag. Ugh! What could be worse? Suppose it filled real fast when I was out with no place to hide and take care of myself. God forbid should it leak in church! Suppose I roll over on it in bed. I was a lesser creature, destined to a life of emotional anguish and physical routines different from most of the rest of the world. I felt like a freak. Then I found folks like you guys here, read your stuff, really “listened” to what you had to say and I began looking at things differently. We know perception is everything and I began to understand how good things were relative to what they could’ve been. So many folks had it so much worse than I did. That didn’t make my discomfort go away but it exposed how fortunate I was to be dealing with my stuff and not their’s. I felt a little guilt, maybe selfishness but quickly forgave myself by understanding I just wasn’t smart enough to fix my feelings. Then, I wonder what smarts have to do with feelings. My perception was warped so my perspective toward my existence was warped.
I learned over the last few years with the help of lots of folks right here at MAO that I could be better at living just by accepting some facts. It is what it is and so what? It’s not the worst thing to happen to a person.
I think everything is, in some way, related to everything else. I just put the ostomy thing in the back seat and drive forward.
Respectfully,
Mike

SusanT
Jan 04, 2025 3:34 pm

Nice setup, but I can't change appliances without a mirror. Maybe one day...

eefyjig
Jan 04, 2025 5:03 pm

No wonder a lot of us ostomates feel the most comfortable at home!

IGGIE
Jan 05, 2025 3:44 am

G-Day Susan,

I use the setup in the photo for emptying my bag, but to do a change, I stand facing the back wall and place a mirror where you see the tissue box. Regards, IGGIE

 

My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister

Play
IGGIE
Jan 05, 2025 3:48 am

G-Day Warrior,

You don't need to remove the seat; your legs go around the opening when facing the back wall, and you have twice the space as sitting in a normal position. But the main thing is all your products are right in front of you.

Regards, IGGIE

warrior
Jan 05, 2025 11:56 am

Ahh well... I think the style of the loo would be important in making that decision.

I have a round type bowl.

You may have an oval.

Oval is much roomier.

Round type doesn't give you much room.

Then again, on second thought... removing the lid does sound gross. Never mind the idea. I just shot myself in the foot. 😆🤦‍♂️