This topic is about the experiences of people who have undergone colostomy surgery and are considering using disposable liners for their pouches. The original poster recently had surgery and is curious about how well these liners work. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:
1. Disposable Liners:
- One person mentioned that they used disposable liners many years ago and found them to work fairly well.
- Another person pointed out that these liners are practical only if you have a two-piece pouching system and a predictable, lower-volume output.
- It's recommended to give your body about six months after surgery to establish a regular output pattern before deciding on using liners.
- Consulting a WOC (Wound, Ostomy, Continence) nurse can help determine if liners are suitable for you and which brands might be best.
2. Alternatives and Other Pouch Systems:
- Some people have had success with Hollister one-piece pouches, finding them to be trouble-free.
- Others have found Coloplast SenSura Mio one-piece pouches to work well, especially for those with higher-volume output.
3. Irrigation as an Option:
- Many people with a colostomy due to colorectal cancer may qualify for colostomy irrigation. This involves flushing the colon every other day, which can eliminate the need for a full pouch. Instead, a small stoma cap or patch is worn between irrigations.
- It's worth asking your care team if you are a candidate for irrigation, as it can significantly reduce the use of appliances and offer more lifestyle flexibility.