How to Change Your Ileostomy: 1 year later, 2 piece bag

[@WendyS996]

I am a 47 medically retired police officer. I had a temporary colostomy 20 years ago, before Internet. I was in my mid 20's and remember telling the Dr I'd rather die than have to have the surgery. 6 weeks later, I was in so much pain I was begging for the surgery. I had a reversal and went on to become a police officer. I did that for 15 years, while battling Crohn's disease. In 2012 I had to get a permanent ileostomy. Saved my life and changed my life for the better. I've read some of the comments on here and the majority are positive. To those that say "no way! It will mess up my sex life, my life...ect" trust me, everyone of us living this way, would much rather be healthy and not need this. But from our perspective, this has changed our lives for the better. Without this, we would have no life. I would have died in 2012. It's 2016 and life is great. I have a 3 year old granddaughter and without my wonderful bag..I would have died when she was 3 months old.

[@harlem6365]

Wendy Sierra You rock

[@NathanielBTM]

Yeah... I have crohns and had the surgery in may. Still have the bag but will get a reversal soon. I went from 60-63kg to 41kg. I was like a skeleton and i was in constant pain for 8 months

[@Porsche993-j6k]

Wendy Sierra - well said my fellow ostomate. 👍🏼

[@susantuckey7778]

My brother-in-law is having his large intestine removed as I type. He just turned 60 and has suffered from Crohn's disease. Videos like this and the comments, add such a better spin to the whole outcome. It's great to see people thriving and embracing the technology that allows them to live a better life.

[@Ostomystory]

Hi! It actually rarely affects my day to day life. Before I got my ostomy I couldn't be a normal person, but now that I do have it, it's increased my quality of life ten fold!

[@kc0eks]

I watched this years ago and never considered I'd actually end up with an ileostomy but here I am so it's a very useful video now thanks

[@valerieoconnor7073]

Thank you so much, I'm a nursing student (the nursing videos are so boring) I learned so much from you, Thank You! You're a brilliant and beautiful teacher!

[@lorindalefevre]

same!

[@vickiecoles2276]

Thank you so much--I have been trying for years to find new and better products - my bags have a difficult time sticking to the skin--the powder and the stoma stick work better than anything I have used before. You have such an incredible attitude about ostomy wear and care-I am 65 and have worn a bag for almost 10 years you have been more informative today than anyone has been in those 10 years. Good advice thank you, Luck to you

[@jackeline152001]

I can't tell you how inspiring you truly are. Your positive attitude is so contagious!

[@zachz3458]

Hey Laura I've had an iliosotomy for 12 years. and I just wanted to tell you I was impressed with your mentaility and willingness to show the rest of the world. I hope that Toshe's show didn't put you off. lol I one time threw my ostomy at someone who had cut me off on the road.. well I just wanted to say you put a smile on my face to see another person not detered by their ostomy. instead you like me have a way of looking at it as just part of life. Thank you for your beautiful presentation.

[@Kcalorin]

I am SO happy I found this! I'm in the middle of education right now and I needed to see this!! So a BIG thanks!!!

[@julescrego7776]

I know I found this years after you did this, so you may have found other solutions for this. For the trash bags, instead of the large one you use consider Hefty Scrap Bags, they are the perfect size. They have a tear off that you can use to tie off the bag when you are done. Another thought, I've had my illeostomy since I was 21 and I am now 64, I have always used tap water to clean with, in fact I open the trash bag and lay it open in a sink so any leakage goes into the bag. Great job on your video. It's so funny that we all develop similar ways of dealing with our stomas. Thanks.

[@Ostomystory]

Thank you so much! That means the world to me! I want to help everyone going through this life changing surgery, and this was the best way I could think of!

[@danielsantos8168]

What is most admirable is the confidence that you display while making the change. I just got operated on Jan 22 2013 and am really nervous about my changes but you made me think that it is not as difficult as I thought. Great video

[@curtism933]

I'm so proud of you for doing this. I was diagnosed with UC almost 4 years ago and as a result was in emergency surgery the same week. I had my ileostomy for just under 3 years and have had a mostly successful reversal procedure. There are many parts of the last 4 years that I wish I had documented but really didn't have the courage to do it. I hope you look back on this and are proud of what you have accomplished and the people you have helped.

[@CBTRGR]

Thanks so much for sharing. As a nursing student you have shown me more in just a few short minutes than my books can explain in chapters. THANK YOU!!

[@death1998]

Wow, I'm shocked at you're sheer courage and ownership of your situation. I'm 45 and have had one for about 6 mo now. Your confidence and positive demeanor are a great boost to me. You're young and beautiful and have the world ahead of you and you seem to know it. Good luck and thanks for sharing a gutsy vid.

[@jasmineanne]

I just wanted to say that you are a truly amazing and inspiring young woman. I'm a registered nurse and I am so glad there are people like you out there showing others the path and that just because you have an ostomy its not the end of the world. Thank you for brightening my day!

[@Dizzle4604]

Thank you for being so brave and forward. I'm a nursing student and it was really helpful to watch this to be able to teach and help others who are learning this process. I also have a few friends with IBD and I have so much respect for everything you go through every day. You rock girl!

[@mariaeugeniafiorini3528]

Thank you!!! I´m a telephone medical interpreter and it helped me a lot to actually see the whole process! Thanks again!

[@1980nevermore1]

This is a great video, I am an ostomy nurse and usually use the UOAA video to show my patients while they are in the hospital or before their surgery. I am totally going to use this video as well or direct them to subscribe to your link. Your positive attitude is great inspiration.

[@jdsalami]

Thank you for posting the video. I am a nursing student in MN and I found the video very useful. You are awesome!

[@WichitaMule]

I'm over 65 years old and male, and have never heard of this or the required appliance. After viewing your video (I have no idea why I did) I am amazed at how casual you seem to be and how this video is likely a huge help to others with this condition. I'd just like to say that I think you are an exceptionally kind person to be showing this to others, and it's a very unselfish thing that you are doing. Good for you young lady and I wish you a long and health, happy life.

[@Ostomystory]

I was diagnosed with severe pan ulcerative colitis in 2010 and went through pretty much all the meds in 2 years. Nothing kept me in remission, not even double dose of remicade, 175mg of Imuran, and 40 mg Prednisone simultaneously. I've had my ostomy for almost a year and a half now, and LOVE it

[@theresemcvey6748]

What a beautiful young lady you are. I am a new ostomy nurse and your video is wonderful. I can't imagine how many people you have helped by having this video. I learned a lot too! Thank you :)

[@Ostomystory]

Thank you Mike! I hope you have an easy and quick recovery from surgery. If you need anything or have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!

[@thenanadebbie]

I cannot say enough what a wonderful woman you are. your so beautiful and full of happiness and life. the encouragement you are giving thousands of women is unbelievable. my sister will be getting one within a few weeks and when she is recovered i will show her your video because you have not let this rob you of life.

[@Fulton762]

Had a ileostomy for 10 yrs, then had the Koch pouch surgery. 12 years with the K pouch and dealing with pouchitis. I miss the days of eating whatever I wanted and short bathroom breaks. Makes me wish for the ileostomy again. Great video!!

[@tiladios]

Very interesting. I'm watching this in 2023. Also, I saw your previous videos. I was so curious about this bag on the stomach, and these opened up a whole new world. Thanks.

[@kinetik615]

As someone who recently had the surgery and strughling big time at learning to do it myself. You're videos are a big help. I've got so many questions lol

[@disco1974ever]

Hi Laura. First of all.....YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Secondly, you are awesome for making these videos, I'm sure it's helpful for others with the same condition but also for people like me who haven't encounted this situation before. I was a little freaked at first but not once I understood the process. Pretty straightforward really. Yes I saw you on Tosh. He's good people. Much love.X

[@tor7492]

Thanks for the demo My mother is 77 and is just getting used to this(still in hospital) and now at least i have a down to earth grasp of the technical challenges that you have have had to get your'e head around . Thank you so much for sharing with the world. Be proud as this is the internet as it should be, at it's best, helping people overcome everyday challenges of life. Well done and Happy Christmas and have wonderful new year.

[@barnowl44]

Many thanks, Laura. This has helped me enormously to understand what I will be facing shortly. More importantly it's helping me to build a positive approach. You are a star!

[@carolinebrittonh3850]

Thank you so much for your videos. My 4 year old nephew is recovering from twisted bowel and now has a stoma - I didn't really understand what it involved or what his mum and dad would need to do going forward but your video has given me so much confidence that he will have a normal happy childhood despite his surgery. I love your upbeat attitude despite what must have been a life-changing experience and thank you for sharing something so intimate and making it seem perfectly normal.

[@greene203]

My anatomy students think you are awesome and so do I! Thanks for sharing your story!

[@WendyS996]

You are a beautiful young lady and I love your positive attitude! Keep up the great work.

[@longtabsigo]

You ROCK! I'm incredibly proud of you & your attitude. You are truly a remarkable role model to people everywhere. Blue skies!

[@m4rk89]

I study medicine and I thank you very much for showing how you do this. I really like your attitude, and I love how you probably make people (who recently have to deal with it) take it easy, see it just like another everyday's life routine and learn from you to make their lifes easier. Really, you have my best admiration. :) Keep being so cheerful and nice!

[@abosaif1234]

Gorgeous girl and great model for my mom who got the same issue recently and stumbling with bag fixing and leaking that bringing her morality down but now she is more optimistic after seeing this ... Thanks Laura and wishing you all the best in your life

[@kixigvak]

Thanks for the great demo! While I was changing my pouch last week I started thinking about making a video. Then I wondered if there were already some on You-Tube. I got some great tips from you. One thing I do differently…..after I remove the wafer I sit and read for an hour. That gives my skin a chance to breathe a little. If the sun is out (I live in Alaska) I give it some sun. This is partially an excuse to sit and read undisturbed.

[@elenimia]

I am a nursing student and this video was great, also you are amazingly beautiful and it is wonderful how you are helping others

[@karenwoo64]

Hi i think u are a total inspiration to others, you have really put me at ease with your tutorial. I have had a lot of problems with my bowels for over 3 years now & a bag is my last resort. I have been having nightmares thinking about it but thanks to u I'm not as worried. God bless you & take care

[@msiidgaf]

Im having surgery April 15 and ur video really help me.. Im not alone

[@dirrtyjaq]

Wow I respect you. I'm overhere complaining about this ovarian surgery scar I have, and look at you girl. Going strong!! God bless :)

[@kleighrocket4895]

Hello there thanks for the informative video. I am not a illeostomy wearer but I thank you for opening your world up to us. Your confidence allows others to be authentic!You rock !!!

[@AlisaGrishman]

Ditto this comment. You are awesome!

[@bethanner772]

Thank you for making this whole process so much less intimidating. You're so informative and easy going. Best of luck...

[@Tony2tall]

Appreciate your willingness to share your experiences. My wife just received her colostomy on Dec 23, 2015.

[@GIguy]

Terrific clip! Just made my own, but not of me changing my appliance, just showing it to the world for the first time. When I got my ileostomy (I'm about 4 months post op) I saw your first clip, Athank you

[@naturallyme63]

thank you for sharing. I have surgery coming up and all I have seen is negative. I just needed to see someone who is living with this in a positive way. Thank you

[@manjitdhami]

I have to say you are sensational, so thank you for your fantastic attitude.

[@mariehemphill7375]

I am really appreciative for your videos! I am trying to learn as much as possible so that I can help my husband through this after his surgery next week. Thank you for taking the time to show people how to do this and for making it look like it's no big deal. :)

[@jro1233]

You know honey, it's strange I just saw your first video and had a whole bunch of thoughts and come to fruition it all came true. Glad to see that you have come to a point that you are so confident about your changing and doing great! Good for you!!!!

[@Ostomystory]

I switched to the two piece for two reasons. 1, I find it easier to see if my stoma is correctly in the hole I cut out for it on my wafer. 2. You can "burp" the gas out at anytime. You don't have to empty if you have just a bunch of gas in your bag. My filters still clog after one day's use. I would talk to your stoma nurse about convex. It's really handy if your stoma does not stick out from your body too much. That's why I switched! Hope this helped! Feel well!

[@Ad7na]

I really appreciate this video. Bravo for your courrage and your optimism.

[@MrTizzzzzle]

WOW....wow....Wow...and wOw. I knew NOTHING about stomas and ostomys until now. I've learned a lot, love your attitude, and love you personality. If you were a nurse for ppl with stomas, my goodness, they'd thank you everytime. very informative. and you named her lol. fav part? when you slapped your belly to dust off the powder. i literally laughed.

[@getezra1]

even though I don't have it I still admire you for doing this

[@ruthjensen5970]

These were so helpful! I have a temporary ileostomy and have had multiple leaks. I had leaked a week ago and the result is a patch of raw seeping skin. I had no idea what to do with the stoma powder - I was afraid the skin barrier wouldn't stick after using it. I've been using the skin barrier wipes as well as the paste and have loads of waxy paste and adhesive left on my belly when I need to change it. Next change I will use stoma powder and not be so worried about picking off all the paste and removing the adhesive - hopefully your nurse was right and it will all blend and bind together. Thanks for being so brave. P.S. Poop happens! (c:

[@jeremiahrae1222]

I admire your positive outlook in life dealing with your ileostomy. Like you I have an ileostomy I'm now on my 9 months I had my frustrations on it bec of leaks. Your vid is such an inspiration I can do my changing without fear or feeling frustrated anymore. I am using hollister brand before but since I moved to another country im using coloplast and convatec brands as these are the only avail brands where I am now but Im having probs on these as Im having leaks and thats where my frustration

[@heathermartin9971]

I really appreciate these videos, because my husband has an ileostomy

[@charlottehardwick4261]

Thanks! Great to see how you've progressed since last year. I've been told I need an ileostomy but I'm very nervous. Helps to see someone living a normal life with one (especially swimming in the ocean!) I found this video helpful. But my friend nearly fainted and had to have a lie down! Why I don't know!

[@rolanddeschain5741]

No need to apologize for your cleavage. Your last video was very informative. I commented on that video about doing the change in the tub or in my case, the shower, just in case of a "runaway" stoma. Hollister makes a great product. They now have a pre-formed wax ring, but it still has to be shaped. You are fortunate not to have any hair because that wax ring is like a bikini wax and pulls out all the hair it grabs on to. I also use the elastic belt to help keep the barrier from falling off at an inopportune moment. You are quite brave for exposing yourself like this. Thank you for your advice.

[@francomonno3256]

what we look like on the exterior is not who we are on the inside. I have a ileostomy to and have had it for years. your amazing

[@Weasel0539]

This is a subject I've never needed to know about. Your positive attitude is amazing and you explain the process very well. I don't know if your bag is permanent or not. I'll have to watch more of your videos

[@Houstontexxxas]

Thank you. You're a wonderful person to do these videos for those of us who are new to this.

[@momofjessy]

Thank you for sharing your video with all of us out here in cyber nation. I am a nursing student and these videos help me a great deal. Again...Thank you! :)

[@paulquirk9041]

thank you again . You are very informative. I'm getting surgery in two days and I'm very anxious. You seem very comfortable and reassuring. Thank you once again

[@christopherwood4982]

So proud of you for been so brave. God Bless You Girl

[@henriettedanefeldt6921]

You are lovely!!! Never had to deal with a stoma befor and Again so very informative!!! Thank you for being you!!!!

[@Emilia2295]

Still I love how you explain, clear and easy to understand, thanks

[@Ostomystory]

Thank you for giving such a great answer! You are so sweet! I still have a fistula (1 year later) from a surgical problem at the anastamosis of my rectum and jpouch which would cause leakage if I was hooked back up. Until it heals I am unable to get my reversal. I think I'll really miss my ileostomy, in a weird, sentimental way.

[@jenniewilliams1668]

Thanks, what a lovely human being you are and so good at explaining. Good luck in all things!

[@吳洪美媛]

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[@LSRossi111]

I stumbled by your video and so impressed with the service you provide for people that have to use ileostomy bags. you are really a blessing you explain everything so well, and have such a charming personality that, you've given me a new way of dealing with the problems we're going. thank you so much, God Bless you

[@larrybo1723]

Hi Laura ( I think) Great job... inspiration for neewbes. A trick I learned is to tuck a small, kitchen trash bag (cheap at 99 cent stores) into my pants, catches squirts, and saves washing all those towels.

[@sheridanlgold]

Thank you for your teaching. I have a friend who's told me she has this but I really never understood it. Now I do! Thank you!

[@drees1742]

Thanks for your courage, strength of character and charm! Your videos are a God send!

[@shanagrantham5221]

Wonderful videos. We used it for information training on ostomy products and how they are used. Coworkers give you two thumbs up. Thanks for sharing.

[@kimbercole6108]

I think you're awesome! Researching for a friend and this was helpful to understand what he is dealing with. He is 26 yrs. old and amazing like you. God Bless you for sharing.

[@kcalla4903]

Thank you for this video. I am a caregiver for my elderly mom and even though i was trained by a great wound nurse in the hospital i still can use all the help i can get for taking care of of my moms ostomy. We still have yet to think of a good name for hers..

[@LoriHoldread]

I agree that the comment was rude. Everyone gets their own routine and yours is one that worked for me, too. Standing up and staying calm are good! I felt squeamish and shaky for the first month, then c=got better at it all.

[@furbluvsu]

You are suck an inspiration to me I absolutely love watching your videos and getting advice, I'm going to the hospital to speak to the surgeon about the ileostomy operation. in a couple days time. So maybe in the next month or so I will have an exact date when it will be taking place. I'm trying to get as much advice and tips as I can before I have it. I am a little nervous about it as I think its going to be abit of a challenge to get used to. But thank you so much for making videos :)

[@elysabethqueffelec9667]

Thank you for sharing and helping so many people!

[@dunksuk]

You're a very inspirational person, and lovely with it...good for you!

[@krlinn62]

Very good job! Wow! You are a lovely young lady! My father has an iliostomy (sp?) Sometimes it is hard to deal with. You are so classy and I'm sure your video has helped a lot of people. Thank you!

[@lorddracul8019]

I love your humor on this video.

[@cmh101950]

thank you for your video.... I came by it by accident.... I just had gotten my ileostomy 1 month ago... and this showed me some things i did not know.....again thanks

[@cazach0122]

This was extremely informative. Thank you for making this video. You're lovely!

[@GIguy]

Agh! Accidentally sent my message...as I was saying, I saw your clip just after surgery, when I was feeling pretty down, but then I saw how easily you handled it, and I thought maybe its not so bad after all. You were my inspiration, and thanks to you, I have the courage to face the world, bag and all! Thank you so much honey (I'm gay, I can say that! Lol), you rock!!!

[@Ostomystory]

Hi Bob, They generally tell you to change your bag every 3-4 days, but after you get good you can get a seal that lasts longer. The longest I've gone with out a leak is 9 days (I wouldn't suggest this...once I leaked on day 6). Generally I change my bag every 5-7 days now. When it starts itching consistently it's time to start thinking about changing it. I would definitely suggest every 3-4 days until you're comfortable with going longer. I'll be thinking about you and I hope you feel better

[@lovedog49507]

Thanks so much for being a brave person to share your story with us.

[@elpasitotuntun]

This video is super helpful and you Laura, seem like a total sweet heart and a great person. You're amazing!

[@Rubyrose0710]

Good vid Laura. MikeTinaRylee, unlike colostomies, ileostomies generally have output continually and it is not as thick as that from a colostomy. Because of that , the pouch needs to be emptied regularly and several times daily! That's why, as a generalisation, people with ileostomies wear open ended pouches. Of course, ileostomy output differs with individuals!! Laura, I love your frankness and honesty and I pray that you never lose it! What's happening with your reversal?

[@kedmark]

Thanks again, you are a great teacher!

[@CuyahogaWing]

Thank you for your excellent explanation. It's better than most of the medical videos I've seen so far! You have a future in education, if you choose :)

[@eduardovillasmil832]

Congratulations excellent explanation .I had 3 days after the surgery and help me a lot

[@Rubyrose0710]

...Wiping the area around the stoma with Mylanta can help the wafer adhere, as well as neutralising the burnt skin. As Laura says, I'd personally be looking for another ostomy nurse. With problems like you're having, you need someone who is going to give you the time required to try and sort out the problems you're suffering!!Living with an ostomy is challenging enough without extra problems thrown in! Laura, I hope you dont mind me writing this, I wish not to upset but to help where I can!!xx

[@kimsnderby2583]

Thank you God bless you for making the video.. I just got of stoma my Ileostomy 5 days ago.. and I'm trying to coop with it... I read and hear that a lot of stoma patients has given it a name... first I didn't get it but I do now. Thank you.

[@Ostomystory]

Hi Elaine, I had quiet a few leaks before I switched to a convex wafer. I would ask your ostomy nurse about trying one out. It pushes the skin away from the stoma, so if you have a hard time getting a good seal it should help. I also might suggest looking for a different ostomy nurse. An ostomy nurse should make sure you have no problems with your ostomy. If you live anywhere around the Chicagoland I could give you a few names! I wish you luck and hope this helped!

[@kellymack2995]

You are brave person just watched your video. Keep being strong and being you.

[@pamtaylor2943]

Thank you so much!!! I am doing this for my husband and will show him this to encourage him to do on his own.

[@Bands1999]

I use convatec paste i put it on my wafer and use smith & nephew skin prep pads when I change. Also use 3m paper tape around the wafer , I wear my for 6-7 days and change. I've had mind since 94. After bathing I use a hair dryer to dry it off, It actual helps the wafer and tape to stick better to the skin longer wear time less leaks.

[@Brownskinhoney]

You are soo brave and an inspiration to MANY!!!! Great Vid!!!!!

[@nancychan3017]

You're amazing ! Thanks. I learn alot from your videos. I'm on my 4th times cancer, surgery will be perform in 2 weeks with an ostomy. You'r a young lady and pretty and you handle this with a smile. Bless you.

[@tiacarrie2561]

I'm just so impressed with you and with the love and encouragement you are sharing with others. I came here to see how this works because I wanted to understand what those who need bags are going through. I applaud everyone who is dealing with this every day and still smiling. So proud of all those who are fearlessly sharing their stories. All the best, Tia