Seeking Advice on Adjusting to Life with a Bag as an OTR Driver

New guy here. I don't have a bag yet, but I am scheduled for surgery to get one soon. I'm an OTR driver, so I'm looking to have a discussion or four or a dozen to help with how to cope and deal with this. Getting into a bit of uncharted territory here, so it's starting to get a little bit scary, and I am kind of needing to know what to do and how to do it. I've heard some stories....

Welcome to the group. I'm quite new here, but I know that there is a wealth of knowledge and support here for you to tap into. Take care.

Thank you

Welcome Misfit, You have come to a good place. Are you scheduled for a colostomy or an ileostomy? What is the reason? It's good to be prepared ahead of time, in terms of expectations, but you probably won't have many specific questions until after surgery. There will be a steep learning curve, but there is a wealth of knowledge and experience on this site. Don't be afraid to ask anything. You can have an excellent quality of life with an ostomy. A good attitude is always helpful because there will be ups and downs to start. Hang in there.

Terry

Welcome to the best lil ostomy website anywhere!

I am a double bagger (colostomy and urostomy) for 6 months now. So I can relate to being new. I didn't find this website until after my surgery, so you're ahead of me already.

As Terry said, feel free to ask anything. We've been there too, and we're used to it.

How to Get Back to Fitness After Ostomy Surgery with Ryan | Hollister

Welcome. Education is key on this new journey of yours. I suggest you check out UOAA, the 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, exercise, 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. Wearing a pouch does not define whom you are. There are solutions. We're here for you. Best of luck.

Welcome

I guess the long-haul driving across the continent is defining your concerns for planning as to how you will manage on a practical basis going forward - including specifics of routine and output management plus recovery time following surgery.

There is a wealth of advice here - and also I think specific long-haul driver members too - who will come forward.

As has been said by others - the causes that have led you to your pending surgery are relevant and the type of surgery and your own personal circumstances will be relevant - as we are all different - and the subtleties mean specific tips appropriate for the person come into play as we find our new normal.

We are all batting for you - and wish you luck with your medical journey and I feel that your own ongoing journeys will, in fact, continue and you have adjustment ahead, yes - but there are good possibilities awaiting you.

Your practical nature and self-reliance will stand you in good stead.

Good luck

BW

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ waves from the UK West Coast ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jayne

Welcome Misfit0507,

Greetings from New Zealand.

All the best for your upcoming surgery!

Gracie

You'll have to tell us what type of ostomy you're getting in order for us to give you better answers because they all have different pros and cons.

Not really sure. It's colorectal cancer. They are removing a tumor from the lower part of my rectum, so I don't know yet, but I'm trying to get any info I can.

Not really sure. It's colorectal cancer. They are removing a tumor from the lower part of my rectum, so I don't know yet, but I'm trying to get any info I can.

Not really sure. It's colorectal cancer, so they are going to remove a tumor from the lower part of my rectum and a good portion of that as well. I don't really know yet, but I'm trying to get what info I can. Thank you for talking to me, though. There are a lot that won't.

Not really sure, Alex. It's colorectal cancer, so they are going to be removing a tumor from the lower part of my rectum and a good portion of that too. So I'm just trying to get as much info as I can beforehand, you know? I appreciate you talking to me, though. Thank you.

Thank you, Gracie. It means a lot.

Hey Worzie, thanks. Yeah, there's a lot about it that I'm really nervous and scared about. I've been driving for over 30 years and I'm not ready to quit. It scares me to think this might get me disqualified from it, though. I've been scouring the net for any info on drivers in the same situation to see how they deal with it and the do's and don'ts of it. I'm a third-generation driver and I love what I do. I'm not ready to give it up yet, and I think it would break my heart if I had to. I appreciate you guys being here for me, though. Thank you. 😊

Thank you, Jane. I'm trying to reply to everybody. I don't know yet how this all works, but I'm working on it. Any advice and help are most appreciated. Thank you. 😊

Thank you, Riva. I will definitely check that out. 😁

G-Day Misfit,

When you drive, do you drive alone or is someone else with you? The reason I ask is that you can empty your ostomy bag in the driver's seat using a container with a plastic bag inside.

I do a lot of four-wheel driving in Australia and have changed my bag in the front seat many times, and no one knows about it.

Keep us up to date and ask as many questions as you need answers.

Regards, IGGIE

I had rectal cancer, which means the tumor was in my rectum. From your description, your tumor is in your rectum as well.

The question is whether they can reattach your colon to what's left of your rectum. If yes, you will have a temporary loop ileostomy to allow the colon to heal. You'd go back for a second surgery to remove the ileostomy. If they can't reattach the colon, you will get a permanent colostomy.

In my case, we expected a temporary loop ileostomy because the tumor was high up in the rectum. But I had so much infection at the time of surgery that the surgeon elected to do the colostomy instead. I can honestly say I'm glad it worked out that way. Colostomies are easier to manage than ileostomies. And I might not have been able to get the expected reversal.

You can do anything with either type of ostomy that you do now. You will definitely be able to continue driving. Stick with us, and we will help you make any needed adaptations.

Hi Misfit, welcome to the site. It's understandable to be anxious about having surgery; nobody wants to be sliced and diced, but we all want to live longer, which my ileostomy has provided me, going on 40 years with it. My oldest brother had colon cancer, had an ostomy for 6 months, and had it reversed. He will be 88 this year.

Hey, New Guy--

Maybe I was too numb to worry ahead of time. Maybe that was a good thing? I had my surgery in April 2023.

Dealing with the ostomy bag was daunting at first. My "pro-ostomy lifestyle" nurse I met with before my surgery was definitely on speed. Or so it seemed. She talked so fast and slapped multiple kinds of barriers on the back of an office chair and tossed several bags on a desk. HUH? I had little idea what she was talking about. Or which would be the right one for me. Trial and error, my friend.

Did they tell you you have to set up the delivery of your supplies before your surgery? OK. But I had NO IDEA what questions to ask, etc. The GOOD news is each company (don't know who is in your area--your ostomy nurse should provide you with the phone numbers to start talking to folks--will send you sample packs. There is a LOT of difference. I settled on 180 Medical because they seemed calm and responsive.

My stoma is quite flat. While I think it looks adorable, I now know it would be easier if it stuck out a little more. Have you watched the videos of very attractive athletes changing their bags? Yeah. Right. What I DID notice was their stomas looked like a baby penis. This is actually helpful as the poop gets dumped further into the bag instead of oozing around the stoma.

The supply place suggested I try a convex barrier, which helped a great deal. I guess you will have to wait till you meet your stoma to figure it out.....

I also started using a hairdryer to soften the barrier to stretch it and kind of melt it onto my skin. Have had very few accidents since using that method.

Oh! It took me a while to realize that if I smell poop----the barrier has failed. It doesn't happen often, but if you smell poop--get thee to a bathroom and bring your supplies.

Too much info? Sorry--just trying to help.

First thing, forget the stories. There is some information you need to get from your surgeon after the surgery. But first, colostomy is more common for lower rectal tumors if the rectum and anus are partially preserved, while ileostomy is more likely if the entire rectum and anus are removed or if the colon cannot be used. Therefore, because the surgery is in the rectum (part of the colon), a colostomy, which involves the colon, is the more direct and therefore more likely type of ostomy in your case.

If you do have a colostomy, +++ find out which type of colostomy you have +++:

• Sigmoid colon colostomy
• Descending colon colostomy
• Transverse colon colostomy
• Ascending colon colostomy

If you have sigmoid or descending colon colostomy, you will be able to irrigate, which will give you the maximum control over your bowel movement. It takes some learning/training but gives you more peace of mind on the road. You will have firmer, semi-solid effluent with either of these colostomy types. The stoma will probably be on your lower left side. You may want to let your surgeon know that you are a truck driver and ++++ request that the stoma not be placed in line with your seat belt +++.

You lose the flexibility of irrigation with transverse and ascending colostomies. An ascending colostomy is highly unlikely since an ileostomy will probably be a better choice.

If you have a colostomy, +++ other things you may want to find out from your surgeon +++:

• Do you have an end or loop colostomy?
• Was a Hartmann procedure performed?
• Approx. how much of your colon was removed and/or how much is remaining?
• Is the colostomy permanent or temporary?

I would also recommend that you get a two-piece ostomy appliance (barrier/wafer/flange and pouch are separate) for its flexibility. Your outputs with a colostomy are much less frequent than those of an ileostomy. Your outputs generally revolve around when you get up and start moving around and around meals. Initially, you'll be asked to eat 5 - 6 small meals until your stoma heals/matures. I eat two meals, brunch and dinner, thus I have 2 - 3 outputs/day — predominantly 2 outputs per day.

With your 2-piece appliance, you have the option to have closed-end pouches. As a truck driver, closed-end pouches give you the ease of snapping off one pouch and snapping on another — can be done in seconds. Insurance normally covers 60 pouches/month.

You will probably be fitted with a 1-piece open-end pouch that needs to be emptied. Before you leave the hospital, +++ ask the WOC nurse to show you how to put on a two-piece appliance +++.

Stoma appliances come with "pre-cut," "cut-to-fit," and "moldable" openings. Until your stoma heals/matures, the size will continue to change. For this reason, the hospital will use a "cut-to-fit," which allows you to safely buy a box of barriers/wafers/flanges and cut to the size you need as your stoma size changes. For a new ostomate, I feel moldable barriers are easier to use. After your surgery, +++ get your stoma size and contact ConvaTec and Hollister to get samples of their moldable appliances +++.

If you have an ileostomy, irrigation and closed-end pouches are not an option. Things to ask your surgeon if you have an ileostomy:

• Is my ileostomy permanent or temporary?
• Approx. how much of my intestine was removed and/or how much is remaining?
• Do you have a loop or end ileostomy?

With an ileostomy, your stoma will probably be on your right side. +++ Let your surgeon know you are a truck driver and ask that your stoma not be placed in line with your seat belt +++.

Accessories you will need:

• Lubricating Deodorant — e.g. Brava lubricating deodorant or Adapt Lubricating Deodorant
• Barrier Extenders — e.g. Brava Elastic Barrier Strips – Curved or CeraPlus Barrier Extenders
• Barrier Wipes**
• Adhesive Removal Wipes**
• Ostomy Support Belt**
• Barrier Ring — e.g. Brava Protective Seal or Eakin Cohesive Slims or Adapt Barrier Ring
• Stoma Powder**

** Products are available from numerous sources, including Coloplast, ConvaTec, and Hollister

Welcome from Oz 🇦🇺

Hello, Mis, and welcome.

Here's what made my life on the road much easier: a five-gallon bucket with a good tight-fitting lid. Double up some good quality garbage bags in there. Lay out all supplies, sit on the edge of the bunk, and let the bag hang down over the bucket. You will want to use surgical gloves. When I still had a butthole, I used a toilet seat that snapped onto the bucket, which was ultra handy with extreme incontinence. This approach really cuts down on the messes and the stresses. As you know, it can be difficult/impossible to find a spot in a truck stop or rest area; this approach makes us independent of that circus.

Using public toilets is no fun; I personally am too large to sit on a toilet seat and empty between the legs.

The bucket fit inside the storage cubby on the passenger side of the sleeper in my Freightliner. Out of sight, out of mind, but right there when you need it.

No reason you should lose your CDL over this—just take care of your general health and you're good to go.