Changing Appliances Single-handedly: Tips Needed

Mrs.A

Jul 23, 2014 1:06 pm

Hi Everyone,

Hope this post finds you in good health.

I have a friend who is going to have some surgeory on his shoulder in early August. He will not be able use his shoulder till things heal and I am posting to ask...

Has anyone ever had to change their appliance with one hand and if so could you please take a moment and let me know what (if any) hurdles did you have to overcome.

I am going to try on my next change to complete everything with one hand to give myself first hand experience as to what he may go through minus any of the issues of pain or the lack of flexibility he may have with his surgeory.

Thanks in advance for replying and any suggestions~

firedup

Jul 23, 2014 6:55 pm

Hello Mrs.A,

I have had two shoulder surgeries since receiving my stoma. One pretty bad and the other I had some function with my fingers. It was difficult at first but it's amazing what one can do with only one hand. There were times when my stoma was active while changing and I would put a wash cloth up to it and lean against the sink to get it done. Sorry I don't have anything more.

I wish your friend a speedy recovery.

Gail

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Immarsh

Jul 24, 2014 9:56 am

Hi, I had carpal tunnel surgery a few years ago, and for the first week, I had to keep my arm raised and against my chest. But I'd been learning to manage with one hand for months before the actual surgery. I had difficult holding anything with my right hand ( and I'm a righty). My best advice, is to set up everything in advance...wet tissue....wipes, wafer ,pouch...etc and plenty of pieces of toilet tissue, to wrap around or under the stoma.... I learned to be more "dexterous" with my left hand, and it really was amazing how easily I was able to adapt... It was more difficult when I was pregnant, had the use of two hands, but couldn't see my stoma which was "underneath my big belly. I ended up using a mirror,....and had to contend with " mirror image", but that worked too. Be creative, and have a sense of humor... This too shal pass.

Marsha

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Mrs.A

Aug 03, 2014 1:23 am

Thank you both Gail and ImMarsh,

I was hoping it wouldn't be so difficult as I did give it a try myself, but seeing how I am currently (and hopefully for some time to come) not in any discomfort it didn't really count. I found it was more so a time thing and an inconvience. Altho it is not a good idea to try and conversate while opening a package of adheasive remover with your teeth
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Changing Appliances Single-Handedly: Tips Needed