This topic is all about finding ways to manage anxiety during ostomy pouch changes. The person sharing their experience had some success with Coloplast one-piece pouches but felt anxious about changing them after a small leak. Here are some of the strategies and insights they shared:

1. Before changing the pouch, they planned to shower and then change the pouch while lying down to try using an ostomy belt for the first time.

2. They preferred experimenting with Coloplast samples over the two-piece Convatec system, which they found noisy.

3. They emphasized the importance of following all steps, including using skin-prep, which they had forgotten previously.

4. To set up for the change, they hung a full-length mirror from the shower head to minimize mess and laid out all supplies, attaching the adhesive ring last.

5. During their first attempt, they used a Coloplast one-piece pouch with a belt and half-moon barrier seals. They were pleased with less residue from Coloplast rings and were back to wearing regular underwear with pads instead of diapers.

6. After a major leak, a stoma nurse quickly applied a Hollister vertical convex one-piece, which stayed on but was hard to empty and had a fabric cover that pilled.

7. They found Coloplast SenSura Mio one-piece and Brava adhesives to be their current favorites, while Convatec two-piece felt unpleasant, though they ordered Convatec one-piece samples to try.

8. Their routine involved alternating between vertical and horizontal orientations depending on belt use, installing an Osto-EZ Vent, and waiting for a delayed Coloplast shipment. The nurse provided three extra pouches.

9. They measured their stoma at 50 mm and used eBay shower caps to keep the pouch dry. They also ordered a German stoma protector and a three-piece set from PouchWear, though delivery was slow.

Here are some additional tips and advice:

- If the stoma sits flush when lying down, consider using a convex wafer or ring. Hollister convex one-piece and stoma belts can add gentle pressure and improve the seal.

- Make sure the skin is completely dry before attaching the appliance. Use stoma wraps, convex rings, Brava Strips, and Sure Seals around the flange for added security. Let the skin air out for several minutes during each change to keep it healthy.

- Schedule changes when the gut is quiet, such as before eating, to minimize output. A Ricksack or similar device can catch any output during changes and simplify cleanup.

- Some successful product combinations include Salts Barrier Wipes, Salts Mouldable Seal, SenSura baseplate with three flange extenders, and a SenSura Mio bag.

- Consider researching colostomy irrigation to reduce appliance usage and leaks.

- For showering, cover the pouch with a child-size shower cap or dedicated shower belt. After showering, pat dry and use a hair-dryer on low for under a minute to finish drying the outer cover.