General questions; I am 2 months along with urostomy
I had my surgery ( Radical cystoprostatectomy with ileal conduit) on April 26, 2022.
I would like some feedback from other members, please.
Firstly, is there a preference for one or two piece urostomy bags? (I've been using the Coloplast two piece).
Secondly, any feelings about using barrier strips? I find that they add "bulk", but are they really needed?
And lastly, directed toward the male forum members, what type of underwear do you prefer?
Thanks,
Dave
Dave, I have had a urostomy since February of 2020. I use a one piece Coloplast bag, and it works well for me. I don’t think I would like dealing with a wafer. The bag only needs changing (for me) twice weekly. I have no problem with skin irritation, and use plain (no moisturizers or scents) liquid Ivory soap to clean the stoma while showering, being careful to cleanse the stoma last, since my shower gel does contain additives, and I want to clean that off the stoma and surrounding area so the pouch will adhere well. I like that the Coloplast pouch has a couple of little slits in the outer layer where the drain spout can be tucked away to make it less obvious. (I must confess that I did not discover this feature until I had been using that particular bag for over a year.)
Once I learned about not using a soap with moisturizer, the pouch adhered correctly, and I no longer needed barrier strips. Living in a hot, humid climate, I do find it more comfortable to use baby powder underneath the pouch, but wait to use it til the appliance is adequately adhered before using it.
Hope this helps you a bit.
@NaMoosedog - I started with the 2 piece Hollister, moved to the 1 piece Coloplast which I prefer. The Hollister ( snap together like Tupperware) came apart a couple of times as I must not have secured it correctly. Anyway, I was done with those. I like the 2 piece as it made me able to see my stoma as it was putting the wafer on. I use Coloplast brand in 2 pieces but once I have the wafer ( barrier) in place, the bag is secured on top like a one piece. Hope this makes sense. Anyway, I have been using those with nothing else - no strips, rings, etc - for about 7 years and it works great for me. Hope this helps out. My best to you. Linda Urbanski ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
MANoosedog - With the 2 piece that I use, the barrier and bag have adhesive that sticks them together once I have the wafer where I want it. Then it essentially becomes a 1 piece. It does not come apart and I only change every 5 to 6 days. It is very secure. I use the Assura 14554 Bag and Sensura 11305 barrier ( they call it a base plate) . You should be able to look these up on the Coloplast site to see what it looks like and if it is something you might want to try. They are very good at sending samples. My best. Linda Urbanski ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
@NAMoosedog - I have never had a problem with my system as it adhesives together well and actually becomes a 1 piece then. I had issues with normal 2 piece ones coming apart also. My best to you. Linda Urbanski (moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
hi. I use a one piece. My urostomy is retracted so I need the strips. Many don’t or only use for example when swimming. If you don’t need them, don’t use them. I always say, less is more. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net