Changing an Ostomy Bag

Though it would be nice to have a video for this page, with Hyrums closure in the past it won't happen. But I have been asked multiple times about the process of changing a ostomy bag.

So things I used:

Warm water

Baby Shampoo

Cotton squares or wash clothes

Q-tips

Adhesive Remover

Barrier wipe

Ostomy Powder(different from Baby Powder)

Wafer and Ostomy Bag of Choice (I preferred to use two piece bags. Then I didn't have to "empty" his bag. I would remove the semi-full bag and replace with a clean new bag...thus never touching or dealing with the poo. This also helps cut down on the smell)

Ostomy Paste

Oder illiminator

Heating pad or something similar

How I did Hyrums bag changing:

1) Prep: I changed Hyrums bag in the bathroom, this gave me water and countertop space. I know some do it in front of the TV, but I left the sink dripping water and this alone entertained Hyrum plenty. I would give him extra supplies to keep his hands busy, big brother and sisters were a great help. My (at the time) 10 year old could change his bag. I found involving the older kids helps them as there is so much they can't do it is good to involve them as much as I can. So lay it all out ready to use, cut the wafer ready to apply. This helps so your not scrambling for supplies. Keep it in a shoe box or something similar, keep it on the same shelf whatever works for you, but having it all together helps for when it's time to change the bag.

2) Removal and Cleaning: This is very important. You don't want to leave any residue of stool or wafer. This keeps the skin around the stoma and the stoma itself healthy. Use the adhesive remover to help clean the wafer off the skin. I use the baby shampoo, any non abrasive, soft soap will work. You can use wash clothes or cotton squares to throw away. Between the soap and adhesive remover you want the skin very clean with no residue left behind. I use the Q-tips to clean around and under the stoma. Dip them in water twisting it under and around. Then use a dry Q-tip to dry the same area. Rinse and dry the surrounding areas.

I will sometimes do the above step with him in the tub. This gives him a chance to bath and play without the ostomy bag. When the bag explodes this is great way to clean up. It also gives you a chance to catch your breath and get the supplies ready for the next step, and getting the wafer ready for application. When he is done (and I'm ready) we towel dry and move on to the next step.

3) Ostomy application: Rub on barrier film onto dry skin all were you plan the wafer to touch the skin. Put light dusting of stoma powder onto barrier filmed skin, dusting off extra powder. Place the fitted wafer into place. Add paste around edge of stoma onto the wafer, covering any exposed skin around the stoma. Before attaching the bag to the wafer add 2-3 drops of oder illiminator to the bag. This will help cut the smell, just be prepared as it may change the color of the stool.

4) This is my favorite part. Apply a warm heating pad. I wrapped Hyrum up in a blanket with a heating pad against his newly applied wafer and bag. This was one of the only times he would sit and cuddle. I loved it!