I haven't seen any threads titled Tips, so I'm starting my own! I have a few tips that can make daily life with an ostomy a bit easier. If you have any, then post them. I'd really like to keep this thread strictly for tips so newcomers can find the information they need.
1. Carry an extra tailpiece clip with you at all times. This is in case you drop one while you're in the bathroom or if the hinge breaks. This hasn't happened to me yet, but I'm prepared!
2. Buy a box of Wet Naps and carry one or two with you when you go out or to work. These are handy for anything from cleaning a toilet seat, the appliance tailpiece/clip or your hands if anything should get out of control. I use them to clean the tailpiece clip on my appliance during the day at work.
3. Carry loose change in your pocket. The noise the change makes will disguise the noise the ostomy appliance makes when you walk in a quiet area! People will hear the change and not the plastic bag.
4. Use a curved tailpiece clip if you are active. They stay close to the leg and don't get in the way. I've pulled two clips off of my appliance while working, without knowing. Eeek. Both were straight clips. Since I've gone to the curved ones I haven't had any issues and with being a mechanic and going to the gym regularly, that is an accomplishment!
Let's hear any tips you may have. This is a great community and I'm sure there are little things we all do that we take for granted that someone else may say "hey, that's a great idea"!
Paul
Past Member
Apr 18, 2009 12:22 am

This is a remarkable community of 40,833 members.
You will get real advice from fellow ostomates who truly understand you - things you won't find in the books.
And it's not all about ostomy - there is friendship and relationships too.
Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.
Maried
Great site..I have had an colostomy over 30 years..and have been thru skin rash around my stoma,hernias(2), leaks, odor control , needed clothing suggestions and this site has helped me with recommendations and many ideas worked!
I wish it was around 30 years ago. Thank you everyone!
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