The topic at hand is about keeping your ostomy pouch dry while taking a shower. This can be a common concern for many ostomates, and there are several ways to manage it. Here are some helpful tips and tricks shared by others:
1. Many people find that it's perfectly fine to let the pouch get wet. You can simply shower with it on and then:
- Gently pat it dry or "sandwich" it between a towel. It usually dries by the time you're ready to get dressed.
- Use a hair dryer on a low-warm setting to help dry the bag and wafer or tape.
2. Another option is to remove the bag completely before showering. After your shower, dry your skin thoroughly and put on a fresh bag. This is especially convenient on days when you plan to change your bag or if you use a two-piece system.
3. To minimize water spray, try facing away from the showerhead until necessary, or avoid direct water on the wafer if your seal tends to lift.
4. If you need to keep the bag dry:
- Wrap it in Cling Free wrap or Press-and-Seal, sealing the edges with waterproof tape like HyTape. This method works in a pinch, but you need to tape carefully, overlap the edges, and move gently. HyTape can sometimes be prescribed, so insurance might cover the cost.
- There are commercial options like generic "shower guards" or "shower-proof bag covers" available on Amazon or eBay. These can help reduce moisture but may not completely prevent it.
5. Some additional techniques that might be helpful:
- If you're in a hurry and the stoma is quiet, briefly blow-dry only the wafer and then snap on a clean bag if you use a two-piece system.
- Rinse the inside of the pouch with a hand-held shower or sink spray, empty it into the toilet, and then towel-dry the exterior. This keeps the pouch cleaner and helps with odor control.
These tips include using products like Saran Wrap, Cling Free wrap, Press-and-Seal, and HyTape waterproof tape, as well as exploring options like generic "shower guards" and "shower-proof bag covers" found online.
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