This topic is about the experience of taking a shower without wearing an ostomy bag, which can be a refreshing change but also comes with its own set of challenges. The person sharing their story had a mishap when they forgot to secure the Velcro tail on their new drainable pouch, leading to a leak. Here are some helpful tips and insights to avoid such situations:

1. Preventing an unsealed tail:
- Close or Velcro each new drainable pouch as soon as you take it out of the box. Some people find it helpful to prepare the entire shipment at once.
- Fold or crease the tail for easier handling and a more secure seal. Adding an extra fold and a small binder clip can provide double security.
- Consider using factory-sealed (closed-end) disposable bags to avoid tail-sealing errors, especially if your output is more solid.

2. Bag change preparation:
- Pre-assemble complete change kits, including a wafer, ring, adhesive remover, disposal bag, and pre-sealed pouch, in quart-size Ziploc bags. These are handy for travel or emergencies.
- Ensure a two-piece pouch is fully snapped onto the flange, as a partial attachment can cause leaks similar to an open tail.

3. Showering without a pouch:
- Many people with ostomies enjoy regular bag-free showers for skin hygiene and a clean feeling. Timing these showers around low-output periods can help avoid mess.
- Removing the pouch allows water to clear adhesive residue and gives the skin around the stoma a break.
- Be prepared for unexpected output during a shower, sometimes humorously referred to as a "waffle-stomp" situation.

4. Adhesion considerations:
- Avoid placing oily lotions or body oils near the wafer area, as residue can weaken adhesion and increase the risk of leaks.

5. Alternative views on pre-sealing:
- Some prefer to close the tail only just before applying the pouch, believing that pre-sealing for weeks might affect cleanliness or flexibility.
- Others choose to seal in advance only for travel or emergency kits when out and about.