The topic at hand is about dealing with ballooning and venting issues in ostomy bags. The person is using a Hollister two-piece pouching system with a Coloplast Extra Vent, but is still experiencing ballooning due to gas. Here are some helpful tips and insights shared by others:
1. Vent performance and diet:
- Many people find that the Coloplast Extra Vent and similar vents don't always prevent ballooning by themselves.
- A more reliable solution is to reduce or avoid foods that cause gas. Some people use the over-the-counter enzyme Beano when they decide to eat foods that are known to cause gas.
2. Manual "burping" tips:
- To make it easier to release gas without removing the entire bag, try lightly coating the wafer ring with lubricant before attaching the pouch. This helps in cracking the top seal to let the gas out.
3. Absorbent/gel products:
- Using Absorbagel gel packs in the pouch can help. These packs, about the size of a nickel, turn liquid output into a thicker consistency and absorb much of the gas, which can significantly reduce ballooning. Start with one pack to see how it works, and use more if needed. The powder only thickens once inside the pouch, so it doesn't cause pancaking.
4. Odor management:
- Some people suggest dropping a breath mint into the pouch to help control odor when releasing gas. This is something users are trying out to see if it works for them.
5. Product and manufacturer preferences and resources:
- Preferences for pouching systems vary, with some people favoring Hollister and others preferring Coloplast two-piece setups. It's a personal choice.
- For those using Hollister products, the customer service staff at Shield HealthCare are recommended as knowledgeable and helpful for troubleshooting issues.