This topic is all about finding ways to make draining an ostomy pouch less messy. The person who started the discussion finds it challenging because splashes often hit the toilet bowl, seat, and surrounding areas, even when using toilet paper and wipes. They usually drain while standing but have tried kneeling, which is uncomfortable and causes dizziness due to low blood pressure. They are looking for methods to reduce or eliminate splashing. Here are some helpful tips and insights shared by others:

1. Place a layer of toilet paper or a half-sheet paper towel on the water to absorb the impact. Sit far back on the seat, keep the pouch tail close to the water, and empty at a slight angle rather than straight down.

2. Start flushing before releasing the output as the water level drops. Some people turn off the water supply and flush to keep very little water in the bowl before draining.

3. Sit to empty instead of standing. Straddling the bowl with your legs reduces the drop distance and splash. Shorter individuals and those with liquid ileostomy output report less mess when squatting very close to the bowl.

4. Kneeling works for many people. If standard kneeling is painful, try placing a plastic or aluminum shower chair (or a similar stool) in front of the toilet so the pouch hangs directly over the bowl while you sit astride the chair.

5. Use a thick plastic bag or small container to collect the output, then dispose of the contents in the toilet. This method is cleaner than aiming directly into the bowl and is helpful when you can’t sit or kneel.

6. Keep toilet paper and a wet wipe ready to clean the inside and outside of the pouch tail immediately. Folding the tail backward before opening makes wiping easier.

7. Switching to closed-end pouches eliminates the need for draining altogether for some users.

8. The early flush technique also helps pull odor away quickly.