This topic is about managing the wear time of an ostomy appliance and ensuring proper skin recovery. The originator shares their method of tracking when they change their ostomy bag to help with memory and skin care. Here are some helpful insights and advice from the discussion:

- The originator writes the exact date and time on their ostomy bag using a Sharpie or permanent marker. This is done before applying the appliance, and the writing is positioned so only they can read it. This helps them remember when they last changed it and provides accurate information for their stoma nurse, especially while recovering from skin irritation.

- They have been able to extend their wear time from 1-3 days to 7-8 days by using the Hollister CeraRing "Cera Adapt" barrier ring and are aiming for 9-10 days.

- Others in the discussion share their methods for remembering change dates. Some rely on memory or a fixed schedule, like changing every Tuesday or once a week. It's noted that wear time can be shorter on days with more physical activity.

- Some people write the change date directly on the pouch or wafer, sometimes adding a smiley face for each successful day. Others keep a notebook, logbook, or phone note, although some admit to misplacing these records. Photographing the stoma and removed barrier at each change can also help create a visual record for medical staff.

- If a leak forces an early change, some people still return to their normal change day to maintain a routine. Those achieving 7-10 day wear times often forget the exact change day, so dating the appliance or logging it helps prevent over-wear.

- One person suggests writing the month and year on each box of supplies to ensure the oldest stock is used first, instead of recording change dates.

- Colostomy users who swap closed-end pouches multiple times a day but keep the wafer for a week usually don't date the pouch. Dating is more useful when both the pouch and wafer are changed together every 3-10 days.

- The overall takeaway is to use whatever method works best for you, whether it's memory, a calendar, a marker, or a fixed schedule, to prevent forgetting and protect your skin.