Unexpected Mishap at the Doctor's Office

Gdm not dead yet, you gave me an idea. I carry all that in a tote. Perhaps I can go back to my purses if I only put the items that you mentioned in my purse and download the other items to the trunk. Thanks for sharing! Angelicamarie

I find a two-piece to be reliable, but I don't use an additional wafer around the stoma. I found the additional wafer often was the source of a leak.

My horrific incident happened after visiting my ostomy nurse for help with skin breakdown issues around my stoma. She replaced the flange and pouch, but failed to secure the pouch at the bottom with Velcro. I left there to meet a transport van moving my 94-year-old dad to a rehab facility. I guess driving there, the pouch was sort of folded over to where the poop couldn't escape... YET! I had just gotten inside the building and was standing at the reception desk, waiting for my dad to arrive, when I felt intense warmth descending down my leg, soaking my blue jeans pants leg, into my shoe and all over the floor. I was mortified, to say the least. My face must have been white as a sheet. I explained to the receptionist what had just happened and she was so understanding and helpful. I went to the car to get my change of clothes and supplies. She led me to a private bathroom with a shower stall and towels to use. Thank God, but it was traumatic!

Thanks for sharing: truly, it is appreciated. People sometimes alienate us, and so we really can talk to another that shares this, which no doubt connects us. Yes, it is traumatic. Have a wonderful day. It is 3:01 AM, 8 Dec, AngelicaMarie.

Maybe I'm a little fanatic but my 'kit' stays in my purse, it's a little cosmetic case that I've managed to stock with everything I'd need for a complete change. I've had a few catastrophic blowouts that involved buying garments on the spot. Once I had a disaster in a commuter train restroom. After cleaning up (luckily I was carrying a bottle of water!), I went to the front of the train and did not turn around until I departed the train. 

However since I changed products and brands, I have been fortunate enough to find something that works for me. While still using a 2-piece appliance, it's been a year since I changed, and even the worst leak was not disastrous. My whole disposition has changed, and I feel more like my old self, kinda, because I'll never be quite the same again, but that's ok! 

At the very least I'm carrying a wafer, a pouch, wet wipes and plastic bags. I do miss the tiny tiny purses I used to carry, but I feel much more comfortable as long as the 'kit' is within easy reach.

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

Cuppatears, I thank you for responding. However, what brand do you use? Do you use Hollister products? I had a little episode not long ago, but I had on pajamas and woke before it was bad. Also, I sleep on disposable pads. You know, like you use for babies. They're disposable. So, where did you get the kit? If it is small, how does it hold the pouch, wafer, and the ring? I have purses, but I no longer carry them; now I carry a tote. I carry everything: toilet paper, wipes, deodorizer, and plastic gloves in a ziplock, which I use to empty when I need to, and take gloves off after I clean inside of the pouch. Hey friend, I await your reply. Good to know that you're feeling like yourself; sometimes I feel confident, then sometimes I don't do well. But I have to get in the right mindset.

Hi there Angelicamarie,

I think it's not so much courage as doing what you gotta do when faced with shit flowing out the leg of your pants onto the floor lol!!! The courage comes when you get back out there, into the swimming pool, into the shopping center, onto the plane...hell, just walking down the street and hoping that your "sticky" is still sticky!! LOL
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I have had many very public leaks over the years and it is so disheartening, scary, embarrassing, etc. The worst was in the airport security line at San Francisco Airport surrounded by hundreds of strangers. Happily, it is so busy in that kind of place that nobody really notices much and these are all people you will never see again...ever, so who the hell cares? The poor janitor had a trail of liquid shit leading into the bathroom where all my clothes went in the bin!!! LOL I always have a backpack with supplies, pants, shirt, and new drawers...always within arm's reach, especially when traveling. I had a total blowout on a city bus in Dublin, Ireland, in New York...all over the place.

A valuable tip for you. There is something called "Absorbagel." It comes in small packs like a fat pack of sugar (one inch square). Three of these little packs will absorb a FULL BAG of liquid shit!! Every time you empty your bag, drop two or three (varies) of these little packs into your bag. They will absorb ALL the liquid in the bag (especially useful for ileostomy) and just leave a thick pudding-like load in the bag. This is easy to empty, no splashing, and does not slosh around in the bag as you walk or squash out liquid when you sit in a tight airline seat (they get smaller and tighter every time I fly!!). You can do an 8-hour flight (road trip, etc.) and eat the mystery meal they serve onboard with just one...maybe two bathroom visits. These little packs are lifesavers in everyday life. If you do get a leak, it just sort of squeezes out from under the wafer and sticks to your skin...it will NOT flow like water. I get these packs (Absorbagel) in Ireland, but I'm sure you can get something similar in the US.

One more tip. Micropore Surgical Tape made by 3M (3M brand only one that works) is the best thing ever for taping your wafer to your skin around the edges, for swimming, showering, etc., will never come loose unless you take it off yourself. Getting wet makes it stick even better.

This was a bit long-winded, but I hope it helps, try these two items, they will change your life, I promise you
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Magoo. All the best.

Hey Magoo, thanks for sharing, and thanks Magoo for the two items that I should try. Have a great day! angelicamarie

Hi again AM,

I hope you give them both a try. I have not had a single leak in private or public since I began using them. I can eat out without any anxiety, go swimming at the beach or pool without any worries, and ride my mountain bike (when my often painful butt gives its approval!! lol) without the constant thought of a leak happening.

I'm in California, SF at the moment. I have two or three flights when I head home after Christmas, stopping in DC and New York (I have a big Irish family...all over the place LOL!!). I would be a wreck if I had to worry about leaking and missing flights because of it.

You seem like a wonderful and strong lady, and I wish you well with your challenges in life....

Hugs, Magoo...Merry Christmas to you and your family XO

Thanks, Magoo, for your kind words. I will call the medical supply store in the morning to see if I can get the Absorbagel there. Hopefully, I can; that would be great to not always be worried about leaking, though sometimes I'm not but think I am. I guess I'm paranoid. But again, thank you for your kind gestures, and I wish you as well happy holidays and be safe, friend! Angelicamarie

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you!!

Hollister was the brand that failed me time and time again!

I have since changed to Coloplast Sensura Mio Extra Convex Light, with an Assura pouch. I am one satisfied customer now. Go to the www.Coloplast.us site and scroll down, under "Ostomy" you'll find the Body Check.  Answer the questions and send for the samples.

I don't know if you saw my earlier posts, but last year this time I had my first post-op colonoscopy scheduled. I'd received my samples from Coloplast, used them all, did not order an irrigation kit (on the advice of someone who said I didn't need one, ha!), and had to use my 2-piece Hollister products. Long story short, IT WAS ONE COLOSSAL MESS, the wafer failed with the first output from the laxatives. For two hours I was stuck on the bowl holding a (messy) pouch in place manually, between outbursts I'd grab a towel and try to clean up a little.  

My first surprise was how long I've been able to go between full changes, with care I get at least a week from each wafer, using open pouches, I finally feel as though my life has returned to something resembling normal (it wasn't quite 'normal' before surgery 
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).

I just happened to pass by the computer to check email, here's what I keep in the kit that stays in my purse.

You will need a few items from your local Dollar Tree: moist wipes, ziploc bags, cotton squares, a small mirror, and from the baby section a package of diaper disposal bags (mine are blue and scented like baby powder). I think there are 50 in the package for $1.

Add to that a few folded paper towels, a wafer, a pouch (or two), adhesive remover packets,  protective barrier wipes. I put in a few of the plastic bags, and a nice size square of Press & Seal. (the extra plastic bags have come in handy to do some damage control til I could get to somewhere to change). My little cosmetic bag is 6" wide by 4 1/2" tall (also from Dollar Tree I think) I use the C-strips around the wafer (which is round), but the straight strips fit better in the kit, and they will do nicely in a pinch. They can also be used to secure the plastic bags in place if necessary.

Ironically as I write this there is a commercial on with Julie, talking about the Sensura Mio and her medical supply company! Never saw these commercials until I had surgery!

Hope this helps and if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Cuppatears, I'm so glad you responded. Thank you so much. It's okay that it took you a while; better late than never. I have ordered the free sample! I can't thank you enough for sharing the information! I will also visit the dollar store real soon. Cuppatears, happy holidays to you and yours, and best wishes. Don't be shy; contact me sometime! Best wishes, your ostomate sister, Angelicamarie.

Sorry to hear you had such a bad time Angelicamarie. Wishing you lots of better days from this moment forward!

I also love the Sensura Mio! Also if you look for a product called Sure Seal they are the best thing EVER for keeping the bag and wafer *super secure* and containing leakage. You can find ostomates on YouTube that will demonstrate how they work. 

Thanks, txess. Do they give out samples? I'm willing to try; nothing beats a try but a failure! Can you give me a number or address? Angelicamarie

Tex, sorry. As I read back, CuppaTears gave me the info. Thanks again, my ostomate sister, AngelicaMarie.

Best of luck to you sis :-)

Hello there Angelicamarie!

I have had many accidents while out in public. One of the most horrific mishaps happened while at the registration desk, which was located at the front of the clinic's waiting room area. You stand in line, wait your turn to be motioned to come forward to be seated to complete the check-in process.

I sat down at the desk, completed all the necessary paperwork and insurance needs. As I went to stand up, my bag got caught on the desk and was ripped off. There was crap everywhere—myself, the chair, and the carpet. I was so embarrassed, as everyone standing in line had just witnessed something that I'm fairly certain was a first for them.

Needless to say, I had a few tears in the bathroom as I cleaned up. I felt most awful for the maintenance person that had to clean that all up.

I dried up my tears, put on my best smile, and got through the rest of the day, desperately trying to not let anything steal my joy!

Peace and love,

Gabby 2011 AKA...Tammy

Hey there Gabby 2011, thanks for responding to another horrific time. That is a devastating situation. I think you are very courageous in how you handled the situation. Of course, it makes you feel like crying. Do you carry a change of clothing in your car? I do, for these situations, as they may arise again. But I do give you a high five for not letting anyone steal your joy! Thanks again. Have a great day, Tammy! angelicamarie

I'm new here on the forum today. I do not have a colostomy (yet) but I will be likely having surgery within the next 2-4 weeks.

I have a ton of questions (more concerns) but I am confused about accidents, blowouts, and leakage. Are these issues due to the separation from the stoma (?) and the bag?  Or are these the bag opening up at the bottom (drainage area)?  Or are these bags failing at the seams, basically faulty bags that split open?

Sorry I'm very confused by all of the reasons why someone would have a leakage/accident. Besides adjusting to having this surgery, I have to admit, my one major concern is accidents and leakage. For me, having to worry about this happening would clearly lesson my qualify of life.  

Thank you.

Welcome to the site dlh2, it's good you are inquiring about these things prior to your surgery. That day I had an appointment at VA, I normally empty my bag prior to going into the doctor's office. This particular day I didn't because I felt like I had it under control. Nevertheless, my bag overflowed. Sometimes it's because you haven't snapped your appliance all the way around, or the part that you empty comes loose. Anyway, it was full and it had to come out. And yes, it did; I felt warm. I knew then there was trouble in paradise. I had experienced that before, a full bag, the warmth, and a big mess. Dhl2, you may never have a leak depending on your body and appliance. I use Hollister supplies. However, your surgeon may use another supplier. When you have your surgery, different manufacturers will give you samples and you'll decide what's best for you. You'll learn your body and pay special attention to what works for you. Now and then I may have small accidents but nothing like that episode where I had to rid myself of all my clothes. I also put a shower liner underneath my sheets and above the sheets I sleep on disposable bed protectors. But by God's grace, I haven't had any big episodes. I hope I have answered some of your concerns. It's been two years for me. I like to call this the green mile. We may have different reasons for getting the surgery but we all wind up at the green mile connection like family. Here, there are veterans. Meaning, some of our members have had theirs for 50 years or more, while some were born with ostomies and some over 20 years. So there's help with questions concerning all problems or issues. We here on this site have endured all the things that you are just experiencing. Good luck to you!!! Angelicamarie

Hi Angelica,

Once you've had a mortifying accident... the next one isn't so bad. I've had many and have coped with them over the years. I blew a seal while sitting in a theater, and I was afraid to get out of the seat... concerned that I'd leave a trail. I was lucky... the tape held the leak in, but I had to remove the pouch and seal, clean up, and put the dirty one back on (with tape) because in 50 years, I've never carried supplies with me. Another mess happened when I was working at school. Thankfully, it was at the beginning of my lunch hour. I signed out, found a surgical supply store, used their bathroom, and cleaned up before going back to school. Did that teach me a lesson? Nope. Well... sort of. Now I always travel with tape. Love your attitude, Angelica. Have a great time on your vacation, and if you don't have the right bathing suit in Texas, just wear cut-off jean shorts and a t-shirt.

Best regards,

Marsha

Hi "d," don't let the "horror" stories about leaks get to you. Humans leak! I remember waiting at the bus stop, long before I had my ostomy, doing that "I have to pee" dance. I've been waiting for a train and realized that I had bled through two tampons and a pad, and blood was running down my leg (from my period). When you have an ileostomy, feces runs through all the time... so our pouch fills up after eating... I may leave a restaurant fine, and 10 minutes later, need to empty. But I've had 50 years of experience with this and give it very little thought. Major leaks happen when the flange disconnects from the skin. However, the bottom spout has been known to snap open, or the flange may snap off of the pouch. I generally use the bathroom before leaving the house and run a finger around the flange to make sure all is dry. If you have a colostomy, you may have a different set of issues. Many people with a colostomy choose to irrigate (with water) so that they evacuate waste at a prescribed time. I think it takes about an hour, once a day, or every other day, to clean out your system. People who don't irrigate can have (firm) feces coming through at any time. That can sometimes push off a flange. Discuss these issues with your doctor, who may not be much help... but definitely make arrangements with a Stoma Therapist, who will help guide you through the different steps and the different supplies. You can do your own research on the computer, as many people have posted how they change their ileostomy pouch, and how they irrigate (with a colostomy). Don't let it scare you off if it seems too medicinal, or it takes too long. I'm a "5-minute" change gal... 10 if I'm taking a shower. Some people spend a lot more time doing prep work, drying the skin, spending time without an appliance on. It's really very individual, and there's no right or wrong way to do things. Whatever works well for you is fine.

Best regards,

Marsha

Thank you very much for your feedback/info. Every bit helps. Yes, every bit continues to scare me and I definitely wish I didn't have to go through with this - but I don't really have a choice...and, who knows, my quality of life might be significantly different but maybe significantly better.  

Thank you again!!!!

d

Hi All, Thanks for all the great stories. While not pleasant when happening, getting through the situation helps us plan for the next time and proves what strong survivors we are. My first horrible experience was as a 13-year-old kid, alone in the hospital. I hadn't had my surgery yet, and had virtually no control. The phone booth (no cell phones back then) was at the end of the hall, and I usually called my parents in the evening. I was on the phone chatting when the "urge" overcame me, so I dropped the phone and tried waddling back to my room/bathroom holding in what I knew was going to be an explosion. I didn't make it...and halfway down the hall, the custodian called out, "No problems, honey, I got your back," and he was cleaning up the floor as I was moving along. He was so matter-of-fact about the whole thing that I learned at an early age to take surprise, inconvenience, and disruption in stride. It served me well through the years...and many other "accidents."

I've had three bad incidents--of course two of them just HAD to occur at work--but I'm able to laugh about it later. Although my stoma isn't permanent, I have come to realize that having a dark sense of humor has really helped me. Last weekend at home I had emptied my bag and gone back downstairs. About 10 minutes later, I noticed a splotch on the dining room carpet and realized I had forgotten to close up the bottom of my bag. As I'm cleaning it up I start laughing at the thought of rubbing my nose in it and going, "Bad girl!" 

Scouch Finch

Accidents do and will occur with a stoma; at least you were home, but among the public, it's rather
humiliating. Sounds as if you dusted your knees off and made it through that. At home, yes, it's ugly, but
no one knows. Look forward to your upcoming reversal, good luck, hope it's successful.
Thanks for your comments! Angelicamarie

Before I had my ostomy, I suffered from colitis and had some terrible accidents in public. Once at a Publix supermarket with everyone around, and shit running down my legs as I ran to the bathroom. Of course, I had no change of clothes. Another time at Walmart in the checkout line... the cashier just stood there and watched. I said, "Go get me a towel, I will pay for it." She couldn't have moved any slower... again, this was in front of a line waiting to check out. I was mortified. So when I got the ostomy, I felt some relief in having more control over it. I've only had one accident since then, and it was at home. What a way to live!

Good afternoon, Estrogen, yes it can be rough, but you dusted your knees off and kept it moving. Thanks for sharing! Angelicamarie