This topic is about managing an ostomy pouch that becomes over-inflated, especially during the night. It can be tricky to handle, particularly if you're half-asleep and trying to avoid any messy accidents. Here are some helpful tips to safely "burp" a full ostomy pouch at night:
1. If your pouch is over-inflated, avoid trying to burp it while lying down. It's safer to sit or stand up first if you can.
2. When releasing gas, support the outlet or spout with one hand to prevent the pouch from detaching.
3. If bending forward is uncomfortable, you might find it easier to lie on the bathroom floor, arch your back, and vent through the drainable end. This helps keep pressure off the wafer.
4. When getting out of bed, roll to the side instead of sitting straight up. This can help prevent the pouch from coming loose.
5. Try to avoid eating 4–5 hours before going to bed. Late meals and drinks that produce gas, like beer, can cause the pouch to inflate more overnight.
6. Consider setting an alarm or relying on your internal clock to wake up and empty the pouch before it gets too tight.
7. Remember, everyone experiences mishaps now and then, even those who have been managing an ostomy for a long time. Developing safe routines can help reduce accidents, but they might not eliminate them entirely.
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