First Solo Bag Change and Embracing My New Body

Hey all! Today's big goal is to attempt my very first solo bag change since escaping, ahem, since getting discharged from the hospital 😅

I'm hoping to combine it with an appliance-free shower. I need to take off the incision bandages and really see what SadieBody version 6.0 looks like - and reconnect with me.

I've been putting it off all morning. As much relief as this surgery has brought, and as many times as I've had to fall in love all over again with an updated version of this mortal coil, I am feeling a little daunted.

I don't know my stoma yet. I'm feeling protective toward it. My abdominal area is patchy with varying degrees of numbness and sensation as it recovers. The sheer amount of products and accessories I got sent home with are going to have to find a space to live in, and I'm going to have to learn what works for me or doesn't.

I'll take any well wishes, tips and advice, shared reality, or dog pics for distraction 😜

Good for you! It does get a lot easier and faster. It sounds like you've got a great attitude.

Love the sense of humor.

You'll do fine!

If you got those jokes after surgery, you got this!

LOL, the product influx really is daunting! I came home to 2 ostomies and spent quite a bit of time just sorting out which product went with which stoma. 🤪

I'm still trying to make space for it all.

Good luck with your first solo change. Don't worry if something goes wrong; that's how we learn.

I'm sure you will do fine! One tip my favorite ostomy nurse gave me was, 'less is more,' when it comes to ostomy products. If your peri-stomal skin is healthy, a clean and dry surface is the best platform for the appliance, or barrier ring, if you use one, to stick to. You don't need extra sprays, wipes, powders, or whatever, if your skin is in good condition and even (no dips or crevices). Before applying the wafer, take off the backing and use your hair dryer to warm the surface (the part that will touch your skin) for about 30 seconds. Once you've applied it, hold it down firmly with your whole hand for a good couple of minutes. You should get a good strong seal with this technique.

Terry

Tips on Hernia Prevention with Collin | Hollister

Good luck, sending good vibes your way.

IGGIE

Thanks for all the encouragement! I ended up dividing the shower and the bag change into separate activities, but I'm really happy with how everything went.

We'll see if I flood the bed tonight 😅, but actually everything looks good. 🍰

If it works, Sadie, then next time do the change exactly the same way. If it worked once, it will work again. Good luck. Keep us up to date.

Regards, IGGIE

I have this hanging in my closet to keep my supplies organized and easily accessible.

I like this idea! Unfortunately, I have bi-fold doors on my closets, so I can't hang things on them. I have cobbled something together, so I'm fine.

Hi Sadie, welcome to the site. It's a steep learning curve, but once you get the products sorted out that work for you, it becomes just another step in the daily routine. Well, maybe not daily. I would suggest getting a support belt if you're worried about sleeping and having an accident.

You got this! Love your attitude and your posts.

I still remember that feeling of my first solo change. I was so worried about doing it wrong. But when I was finished, I thought to myself - "You got this. I can do this."

You will figure it out and do fine.

And you will find that any issue you may have in the future, that someone (or usually several someones) has been through the same thing and can provide great information.

Good luck with your first bag change. I hope all goes according to plan. You can do this!