This topic is about dealing with the anxiety of feeling like you constantly smell due to a colostomy. A person who recently had a temporary colostomy after a bowel blockage is worried about smelling like poop and is looking for ways to manage both the odor and the anxiety it causes.

Here are some helpful tips and advice:

1. Get an Outside “Sniff Check”
- Ask someone you trust, like a spouse or friend, to honestly tell you if they notice any odor. Often, others can't smell anything even if you think they can.

2. Use In-Pouch Deodorants / Lubricants
- Consider using products like Hollister m9 Odor Eliminator Drops, Adapt Lubricating Deodorant, or Coloplast Brava Lubricating Deodorant. Add 2-3 drops into the pouch each time you empty it.

3. Control Odor in the Bathroom
- Turn on the fan and place a few strips of toilet tissue on the water before emptying the pouch, then flush everything together. Use a bleach cleaner spray to remove any lingering odor. Commercial sprays like “Butt First Toilet Spritz” can also help.

4. Block Odor From Filters & Closures
- If you notice odors escaping from charcoal or vent filters, cover the filter with the provided sticker or tape and manually release air from the bag when needed. Some people prefer pouches with built-in charcoal filters and air valves, while others find a fully sealed system with a clip works best.

5. General Appliance Tips
- Use a pouch lubricant/deodorant to prevent sticking and reduce smell. Adapt Medical Adhesive Remover Spray and wipes can help with wafer removal and cleanup without odor. Change the appliance regularly to prevent leaks, as odor is often the first sign of a tiny leak.

6. Dietary Choices That Influence Odor
- Eating green vegetables or taking chlorophyll tablets can help reduce stool odor. Reducing intake of onions, garlic, and other strong foods may also help. Chew food thoroughly and reintroduce previously avoided foods slowly to see what affects gas or odor.

7. Perspective & Coping Strategies
- The smell you notice might be a "phantom" odor that others can't detect. Accept that a brief odor when emptying or changing the pouch is normal, and keep supplies handy to minimize it. Using lightly scented lotion or perfume on your hands after emptying can help mask any residual odor. Maintaining a sense of humor and a positive attitude can also ease anxiety.

8. Quick Tests & Tricks
- Try the “under-the-covers test”: if you can't smell anything under the covers, you're likely fine. If you suspect a leak, a sniff from a partner or a sudden odor can be a reliable cue to change the appliance.