Showering with an ostomy pouch can be a new experience, and it's natural to have questions about how water might affect the adhesive. Here are some helpful tips and insights from others who have been in the same situation:

- Showering options:
1. Most people shower as usual with the pouch on. Ostomy systems are designed to handle getting wet and can be dried quickly with a towel or a gentle blow from a hair dryer on a low heat setting.
2. Some prefer to shower without the pouch or wafer to let their skin breathe and clean the stoma area thoroughly. This is best done when the stoma is inactive.
3. If you enjoy taking baths, it's recommended to keep the pouch on to prevent the water from becoming contaminated.

- Drying and protecting the pouch:
1. A towel is typically sufficient for drying. A hair dryer on a cool or warm setting can help speed up the process without damaging the pouch.
2. To keep the pouch completely dry, you can use inexpensive disposable shower caps, which are available in bulk online.

- Preventing wafer/tape lift:
1. Many people find that their wafer or tape stays secure even after several days of wear.
2. For added security, waterproof tape like 3M Medipore can be applied over the edges of the wafer. Some users report getting 5-7 days of wear with this method.
3. Be mindful of certain soaps, shampoos, and conditioners that might affect the adhesive. Some people choose to change their appliance daily to prevent leaks.

- Routine change schedules:
1. One example is changing the barrier every 5-7 days while showering normally in between.
2. Another routine involves changing the flange weekly and the pouch every 3-4 days, showering first and discarding the wet pouch during the change.

- Accessory feedback:
1. Pouch covers available online have been tried by some, but they may not always be effective.