This topic is about dealing with persistent odor issues around an ostomy wafer and bag, even when the pouch is empty and there are no leaks. The person experiencing this problem is feeling self-conscious and is looking for solutions to eliminate the odor, which is affecting their social life and comfort in using public restrooms. Here are some helpful suggestions and insights:
1. **Confirm the Source of the Odor**:
- Ask someone you trust to help determine if the odor is truly coming from the pouch, as it might be due to other medical conditions or regular body odor.
2. **Adjust Your Appliance or Products**:
- Consider using Hollister m9 Deodorant Drops inside the pouch, as many users find them effective.
- Try Adapt Lubricating Deodorant from Hollister, which can help with pancaking and offers some deodorizing benefits.
- Avoid pouches with charcoal filters or cover the filter with tape, as wet or faulty filters can leak odor.
3. **Internal or Ingestible Deodorizers**:
- Devrom tablets, which contain bismuth subgallate, are recommended by many and can be found on Amazon.
- Chlorella tablets or capsules, available over-the-counter at health-food stores or online, can help reduce odor throughout the body.
4. **Manage Your Diet**:
- Be aware that foods like broccoli, cabbage, beans, fish, and red meat can create strong odors.
- Foods such as yogurt, buttermilk, mint, and cucumbers may help lessen odor if they are well-tolerated.
- Reducing the intake of odorous foods and red meats has helped some people.
5. **Room and Bathroom Deodorizing**:
- Use One Drop concentrated room deodorizer, available at Walmart, by placing a drop in the toilet before emptying the pouch to prevent bathroom odor. It is not meant for use inside the pouch.
- Baking soda can be placed inside the pouch for odor control, but avoid mixing it with vinegar inside the pouch to prevent a foaming reaction.
6. **Personal Deodorizing**:
- Spraying AXE body deodorant on your abdomen or clothes after changing the appliance can help mask any residual odor for a few hours, according to one user.
7. **Seek Professional Help**:
- Consult with an ET/ostomy nurse to assess the fit of your wafer, the function of the filter, and to rule out any micro-leaks.
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