Homepage – Forum › Forums › Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer › How to shower daily with a urostomy pouch
- This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 7 years, 7 months ago by
Tom M.
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June 20, 2017 at 12:11 am #8511
RAC
ParticipantI had a RC 18 months ago and have an outside urostomy pouch. As I was recovering I did not find any issues with just showering every 3 or 4 days when I changed my appliance. Last summer I had a nephrostomy tube and a leg bag due to issues with one of my ureters being blocked, so I wasn’t too active and only showered every 3 or 4 days. Winters are easy. I really need some advice on how others have managed to shower daily. I am back to being very active so I cannot stick with the 4 day rotation. I have watched every video on youtube and have tried the cling-free with waterproof tape but find it less than satisfactory. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
Ric
June 20, 2017 at 3:03 pm #21739marysue
ParticipantHi RAC:
Welcome to Bladder Cancer Canada. I have two suggestions. Look for GerryW on the site and private email him. He has experimented with different types of wafers, bags etc. and was working on that very issue.
Also, if you wish I may be able to connect you with someone from my support group here in Calgary that has the pouch and see what they suggest. You can let me know. Take care. (((((HUGS)))))
June 29, 2017 at 9:41 pm #21749Tom M
ParticipantHi RAC:
Because you are in Calgary, I suggest you contact the excellent ostomy nurses at the Rockyview General Hospital. They have an Enterostomal Therapy Clinic – hidden away in a little office on the 9th floor – and they are a first class resource for any type of ostomy question or problem. They work by appointment only but may even be able to help you on the phone. The clinic direct number is 403-943-3238 and you may have to leave a message.
I’m not clear if you still have the kidney drain in or not. I’ve had an ileostomy bag for over a year and daily showers have never been a problem. I just take off the support belt (when I remember) before showering and climb in. It’s a good opportunity to clean the outside of the bag and the water doesn’t affect the adhesion at all. Every 3 or 4 days when it’s time to change the bag and barrier, I take if off before the shower and wash the area, including the Stoma, thoroughly with mild soap (good time to shave a bit too but don’t tell anybody I said that!). If you have a new barrier and bag prepared before you step out of the shower, changing it is a breeze. A gauze pad (I use Kleenex) will prevent any leakage while you get dry.
As Marysue suggested, if you want to talk, send me a private message but I do think the ostomy nurses are your answer. Good luck
With support,
Tom
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