Double the Trouble: Managing Two Stomas

So, what is life like with two ostomies? Well, it is often double the work. They both need caring for and looking after - both in different ways.

My ileal conduit bag (urostomy) needs to be changed daily or more in my case. Others may wear their bag for 2 to 3 days or longer before changing.

In between bag changes, it is emptied throughout the day as needed. I'm usually emptying every 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much fluid I drink.

At bedtime, I attach a night bag which means I can sleep through the night without getting up to empty my bag.

My colostomy

My colostomy is quite different to deal with daily. The output from a colostomy can vary greatly and will determine the type of ostomy bag and care needed. My output is quite like my pre-op. Similar to the output of someone without a bag - well formed.

This allows me to wear a closed bag. This means I change it rather than empty it. It depends on what I have eaten but normally only need to change it 1 to 2 times per day.

Depending on where the colostomy is placed and how much bowel is left, some people have looser output and therefore use a drainable bag which works like a urostomy bag and is emptied through the day and changed every 2 or 3 days.

Colostomy vs urostomy fears

When I had my surgery, my colostomy filled me with more fear than my urostomy. I had visions of odor issues and all sorts. I am not a parent, and at that point, I had never changed a nappy, so for me, poo was taboo!

I quickly realized that my relatively predictable colostomy was much easier to manage than my retracted urostomy.

For my colostomy, I use a spray to remove my bag when changing. I clean it, a new bag goes on, and that's it.

Urostomy tools

My urostomy, on the other hand, requires me lots of extras such as stoma powder for sore skin, convex rings to help bring the stoma to the surface, wipes to prep the skin, paste to help fill gaps, and flange extenders to keep the bag in place. All of these tools aren't always necessary for everyone.

Diet-wise, I have little to consider with my urostomy. Key with a urostomy and more so with two stomas is to keep hydrated.

Dietary restrictions with my colostomy

My colostomy has few diet restrictions, but I do need to be careful with certain foods, such as popcorn and dried fruit which can cause a blockage in the bowel.

I have learned that certain things can speed up my output or cause a stomach upset, so I limit these foodstuffs unless I am at home, for example, peppercorn sauce or white wine!

On the other hand, carbohydrates can slow my output, so I increase my carb intake slightly prior to traveling or attending an event such as a dinner or a wedding.

So yes, caring for two ostomies can be hard work. Double the supplies to plan for trips and double the work to look after. However, I wouldn't be without them. They allow me to be here living a full life, and for that, I am truly grateful.