WHY I WEAR A DRAINABLE OSTOMY BAG

Hey ya'll! In this video I discuss why I chose to wear a drainable pouch instead of a closed end pouch. Different things work for different people. I also talked about the difference between the two styles. Which do you wear?
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*The owner of Ostomy Diaries does not claim to be a physician or healthcare provider. All opinions expressed on this channel, or web page are solely the opinion of an ostomy patient. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or have other health concerns please contact a medical doctor.

[@bettertomorrow2625]

My ileostomy is in a month. I'm so worried it's going to be awful to adjust to and I'm going to hate it. I'm watching all these videos beforehand to make it a little less daunting and maybe be able to adjust faster. Your cheerfulness is infectious. It gives me hope that maybe it won't be so bad after all. The information you provide is very useful. Thank you so much for making these! 💕

[@aishaliane]

I'm 5 week post-op. I had stage 4 endometriosis of the uterus, ovaries, bladder, appendix, colon, and rectum. I originally went in for endometrial excision surgery, and came out with the excision plus an appendectomy, bowel resectioning, and ileostomy. I had never heard of an ostomy until I woke up after surgery. It was quite traumatic seeing that no one (surgeons included) expected my endo to be so severe at such a young age (26). I had a colonoscopy in 2018 and it came back normal. I never would have guessed my endo was implanting on my colon and rectum for years. Endo can only be diagnosed with surgery. Luckily, I had an excellent surgical team this time around and the source of my digestive issues was found. I use the opaque, drainable pouch as well. If all heals well, I will have the reversal in August.

[@OstomyDiaries]

Thank you for sharing your story. So many suffer from endometriosis. I have a friend who has had surgery from it and she said it’s so painful. I’m praying you heal up nicely! 💚💜

[@iSheree]

I know this is from 3 years ago, but I am just wondering how you are now. I have adenomyosis, stage 4 endometriosis and PCOS. I need a hysterectomy for non-stop bleeding from adenomyosis. They told me that my endometriosis has spread to my bowels and its really bad and I will likely wake up with a stoma. At least I wont be shocked like you were, but I am still scared! Do you have any advice?

[@alifedreamer]

I just found you on KZbin and thank goodness I did. I have or had colon cancer and after June 7th 2021 surgery got an illostomy bag ... Sad face... I'm still trying to adapt. Having issues with sore skin around my stoma. I finally figured out the adapt paste and seems to be helping. Bless you and I'll be watching all videos to educate myself!!

[@ControlsGuyMike]

just got mine in an emergency surgery so thank you so much for your videos. still healing and learning. 🙏

[@TerriC101]

Amber, first let me tell you that you were a life saver to me nearly 2 years ago now when I had surgery for rectal cancer, which of course required a permanent colostomy. I am a nurse, have been for 33 years this summer, so although I had plenty of medical knowledge the last time I had worked with ostomies was years and years ago and all I could remember about it was those damn pouches never stayed on. ;-) I found you searching for information to help me look for options. I had great education in the hospital, but as you have said, everyone is different. Thank you so much for having such a joyful spirit as you present information. I am not young, obviously from the years of nursing, so some of my emotional issues are different but many are the same. As for pouches, I switched to a closed pouch last year, so maybe about a year into having it. I agree if I had more liquid output most of the time, I would probably have stayed with drainable. Having a thicker output most of the time, a closed pouch saved my mental health. Trying to get thick output out of a drainable, no bueno. Now, that being said, when it is more liquid which can be often depending on my diet, etc., I do have to be careful taking the closed pouch off to change it. It can be tricky, I usually keep a towel in my lap, unless I want a lap full of liquid poo. I was thinking the other day while I was changing out my whole system in about 5 minutes while taking a call, that I had come a long way from taking 20 min with a lot of tears and a few swear words. Just a reminder for those that may be older or even young folks that will need to undergo colonoscopy and therefore need a prep, keep a few drainable pouches for that process. I did remember to plan that before mine in December. Anyway, that is my experience. Again, thank you for everything you have done for me without even knowing it. I always refer to you as the Carrie Underwood of ostomies, when I am telling my sister about something I saw. Being also from the South (live in GA) that is a compliment, so I hope you take it as one. Take care!

[@OstomyDiaries]

Thank you SO MUCH for sharing. I have had some pretty amazing nurses in my life who I swear saved life multiple times. It makes me so happy to know my videos helped you. We are all in this together! You just made my whole MONTH by comparing me to Carrie Underwood. I squealed in the kitchen to my husband when I read it. Thank you so much for your kind words. Peace and blessings friend! 💚💜

[@helenbrown6612]

I'm so glad you said changing with tears...I still get shaky and occasionally cry but I'm only 2 weeks in so it's expected (apparently). It's so reassuring to hear all the acceptance stories. Thank you for sharing x

[@amyoppeau3564]

hi amber, Always love to hear your perspective and positive thoughts on the situations we deal with. I can’t imagine wearing a closed pouch. I have had my ileostomy for 6 years but in 2019 during a routine colonoscopy my colon was unknowingly perforated. I went septic and developed compartment syndrome. I was put in a medically induced coma for a month and had to relearn to even hold my own head up as well as to move my entire body. All that left me with a very unique topography and surface to use a pouch with. The one thing I would love to hear you address is stoma placement. I met with an ostomy nurse who “ helped” me pick the location, which was the standard location according to her. I wish I had worn some sample pouches with my clothes so I could anticipate how things with work for me. My stoma is placed, on the right about an inch above my natural waist. It makes wearing just about anything over my pouch. So that means long tops. Im short so not terribly flattering but other than camisoles I haven’t found a great work around still. Low rise jeans sat below my Ostomy so that was great until styles changed and you could no longer find them. I’m always looking for wardrobe work arounds, but I wish pre-surgery more emphasis was put on placement. It affects daily wardrobe choices and although it sounds like a vanity or less than serious issue, it affects how you feel about your body every morning, every time you have an event, which affects your body image already being pummeled by your new physique. This directly affected my attitude towards my stoma and left me very depressed. But it didn’t have to be that way. I think very surgical candidate should have the option to wear a pouch, even occasionally filled with tap water, to really get a sense of what to expect and how it affects their styles of choice. One other request, although at this point I feel like I have mastered most of processes, I have not been swimming in over 8 years and I love the water! I have never quite understood what’s possible with an ostomy in reference to swimming and what’s socially acceptable regarding pools that are public in nature. No one wants to be the one that caused the entire pool to have to closed for 48 hours for a shock treatment? Would love to hear your thoughts on this. You make everything so easy to understand. Thank you for always presenting such a positive attitude for us to try and keep up with! Amy Crohn’s ileostomy since 2015

[@Kay126897]

I am new to ostomies. I had to get one back in November 2022 due to skin not healing and infections starting. I have a 1 piece Coloplast drainable system and I found out I LOVE it. I'm a full time wheelchair user with Spina Bifida so I can't really get on a toilet to go or anything. I was worried when I got my Colostomy I wouldn't really be able to manage it myself and it made me very paranoid. Luckily I learned my own way of draining it without too many issues and I dont have to keep changing it all the time unless for some reason it doesn't want to stick in certain places. It's easy to empty myself but I still struggle with changing it alone. Coloplast makes some really nice bags I think! I just wish my insurance would cooperate with me over them. It was fine at first but now I have a hard time getting them so I had to recently resort to Amazon. It's EXPENSIVE for just one box!

[@iSheree]

I have spina bifida as well. I am having a hysterectomy soon and because of severe endometriosis involving my bowel, they said I will likely wake up with a stoma. Do you have any advice for me? I do have a carer but would like to be as independent as possible. How are you now?

[@2091734]

Thank you!! I have an upcoming surgery. I am very resistant and anxious about it but symptoms are becoming Increasingly more severe. I Just have reframe my thinking. 😊 Thanks for your videos and positive attitude. It’s very helpful. ❤️❤️

[@benbaker1534]

Thank you so much for your videos. I had to have emergency surgery, and when I woke up, I had a stoma, very traumatic for me.Your videos have been so helpful.

[@taylorpresley4604]

Same here, very traumatic, but adapting.

[@didi012578]

I am so sorry. I knew almost a year before my surgery, and it was he!! It still drives me crazy. I'm only a month and a half in with an ostomy. It's permanent due to colorectal cancer.

[@bereal6590]

So glad to see another video 😊😊 been missing these. Tried to email twice hut maybe you're not using your email anymore and im not fab on Facebook or social media 😯 still waiting for final verdict on surgery. Have loved your videos as a lot of platforms are REALLY GOOD but technical and to the detailed points and forums can be very negative and im already feeling negative as to how this has all come about. Watching your videos you are like so positive and I need to get back happy and I need to get back happy and positive no matter what. You really help normalise this and are very happy positive and spiritual warm person and funny.. (still remember the bean barrio! Lol) 😊😊 so lovely to be updated with a new video... you're a lovely shining star in my dark moments bless you 😊😊😊😊

[@yousisosa423]

Thank you so much Amber, for all you're help, I will be having very soon a dual bagger, my surgery will be on August 10th, and been trying to educated myself on how to handled it everything on dayli bases, and all you're video are so helpful, and am so grateful to found people like you, who's able to share all yours experience with this type of supplies. Thanks one more time, and God blesses you today and always, keep posted we are a big fans.

[@OstomyDiaries]

I’m so glad my videos have helped you! If you have any questions please let me know. You got this!! 💚💜

[@SQUEAKS818]

Hi Amber…..I have an Ileostomy that is just shy over a year now (6/16/21) and I went through all types of EMOTIONAL BREAKDOWNS😢😢😢… I’m ok now but moving forward I like the closed end bags because the drainable ones are messy for me. The closed end ones I just pop off, clean, and attach a new one. 😀😀😀😀

[@wmden1]

O know some people strongly prefer a non drainable pouch, because they don't like, or have a lot of trouble cleaning the closure, after draining a drainable. It is a little aggravating, but with time, and practice it's not bad if you get a good system going. It is my opinion that a non drainable pouch is very impractical. Referring to a one piece, non drainable pouch, if a person happens to get diarrhea, or has a bad gas day, they will have to change it several times in a day, which would not be fun and would be rough on the skin. There would also be undue expense for the person's insurance company, or the person himself, with paying for that many bags. There would also be a high risk of blowing a full bag of, if surprised. Those are just a few of the disadvantages. There are several more. Also, if a person is using two piece non-drainables, cleaning the connecting flanges is considerably more difficult than cleaning a closure on a drainable pouch, to me, anyway, especially if there is a pancaking problem. I know this from trying two piece drainable bags.

[@mariemarieb3250]

Nice to see you again Amber! Glad you are doing well. You are so right about the drainables also. I found your channel over a year ago when my daughter had a illeostomy (UC) we picked up quite a few tips from you. She has since had it reversed and has a j Pouch now. She doing really well. I still look for your videos though and watch! ❣️

[@OstomyDiaries]

Awww I’m so glad she is doing well. Thank you so much for watching and supporting me. 💚💜

[@reptiletailz108]

I can totally relate I had an emergency surgery and woke up with 25 staples and a bag hanging off scared the hell out of me

[@reptiletailz108]

I am still a newby and my incision has busted open so I'm really struggling with the whole thing I have to do a wet to dry pack on the 3 big holes I have right to the left of my stoma and I can't just put a bag on I have to cover the wholes first then attach the bag to that and then use

[@betty24ish]

Thank you for your advice you have been Inspirational and helping me and dealing with this in my depression.

[@OstomyDiaries]

It makes my heart happy to know I’m helping make others smile. Thank you! 💜

[@helenbrown6612]

We (uk) get sent home with a selection of drainable and closed bags. Personally I have wanted to avoid looking at the stoma as much as possible so I prefer the drainable ones. Also now I've got my prescription I had to choose between the 2 and I chose drainable because it means on days out I dont have to go through the rigmarole of unsticking, cleaning and reapplying. I dont mind the output at all as I've been used to dealing with fistulas for the last 6 years and all that goes along with that. So much less mess now, praise God!! 😂 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@loverofvegas6851]

So glad I came upon your videos! I was just diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer less then a month ago, So surgery is def in my future. Not sure yet If Ill need a bag forever for a few months until I heal or, forever .... Thanks alot for these videos they are helping me understand

[@connieforbes3744]

Hello I'm glad I found your page I have crohns dr is going to do this surgery so I've been watching your videos you have really helped me on how to do this Thank you so so much Have a Blessed day

[@stacischuck3844]

Amazing!! Thank you You are such a Blessing!!

[@Michael-MYR]

Great to see you back on, have had my Illeostomy since January, drainable all the way for exactly the same reasons as you. Keep smiling.

[@OstomyDiaries]

With all the coffee I drink I HAVE to use drainable. 🙌

[@hollywitzel7302]

I have my ileostomy surgery in a week this was very helpful.

[@michaelbozinovski9357]

Thanks for being an inspiration to me I’ve had my Ostomy for over a year now! I prefer a drainable as well

[@OstomyDiaries]

You are so welcome! Thank you for your kind words. 🤗💚

[@ttarantulas4u258]

@@OstomyDiaries So glad your back. I worried about you a few months back with the jab. I use a drainable myself. One piece now because of the hernia. I have my life back.

[@dorisstevens5602]

That's what I have. Convatec brand.

[@flame-on-3]

You are lovely, I bet your students love you.

[@chrystalc6405]

Hi Amber i’m a fairly new Ostomate since December and I usually wear a one piece pouch so I got the pouch that you have in this video but as a one piece I like it but I don’t like the fact that I can’t see how I’m placing it over my stoma. how do you manage to set your bag correctly?

[@tammypatten5138]

I wear a Hollister drainable pouch. I also have an iliostomy

[@OstomyDiaries]

💚💜

[@darealsmotpoker4804]

Just had surgery 3 weeks ago today. I have to wear a temporary bag. I didn’t know if i would have one till i woke up . Its a change but i dont have to be near a bathroom all the time now

[@sarahthomas6335]

I like my drainable ones. But I'm a newbie.

[@hamsterSNAKE]

AMbrrrrrrrrr🐻‍❄️

[@neveraonyourlifemana3881]

Will you show us how to use the viewing area on the drainable bag you were holding up (I use the one-piece version of exactly the bag you were showing). The little Velcro thing that allows you to fold up the bag and attach it prevents as much of a view as I would like to have, because it seems like it prevents me from opening what would be the bottom half of the viewing window. What am I doing wrong?

[@OstomyDiaries]

I will do a video on this! I need to do a more detailed bag video anyway! 🤗💚💜

[@edgrabousky9995]

Great video! I must be draining my bag every hour. But I have good news I have my stoma placed back inside next week.😀

[@RD-vz6cc]

Eat more starches. It will slow the flow.

[@OstomyDiaries]

Yay!!

[@redheadsrule2785]

@@RD-vz6cc omg, thank you for posting this. I'm a newbie with my ileostomy and I'm still struggling but things are getting better. I did have a day were I ate a good amount of potatoes and I noticed that my output was thicker so now I know why. Yay!! Thank you

[@bjohnson1149]

I wear closed-end disposable bags. Wouldn't wear anything else. Way easier and much cleaner. I understand why you use a drainable but I just can't deal with draining.

[@nancyholland6509]

I wear the closed end bag. I had diverticulitis and my colon perforated. I saw one of your UTubes where you wear jeans and tuck your bag under your clothes. I do that too when I go out, but it causes my output to pack around my stoma. Therefore, it doesn’t drop down to the bottom of the bag. Is that normal? That really bothers me.

[@janegomiller7932]

You can buy lubricating deodorant that helps the stool to slide down to the bottom of the bag. Coloplast has it. Its called Coloplast Brava Lubricating Deodorant and Hollister has one called Hollister Adapt Lubricating Deodorizer.

[@RD-vz6cc]

Many insurance companies will not cover a closed end pouch for an ileostomy. It’s not recommended at all.

[@OstomyDiaries]

I can see why they wouldn’t! I wish the lady at my supply store had told me. Oh well, you live and you learn! That’s why I’m trying to help spread the word haha! 🤗

[@modaenlaciudad3183]

I have a question, do cronhs disease cause depression? Did you have it?

[@OstomyDiaries]

I have dealt with anxiety and depression. I was on antidepressants for 4 years after my surgery. Sometimes chronic illness is tough. 💚💜

[@hotshotwpg]

Isn't the drain part all full of poop after? How do you keep it from getting on your clothes when you roll it back up? I don't think I will have the stomach to drain it - I'm nervous!

[@charminsavage2512]

I'm only 2 months in to a colostomy and was blessed with wonderful nurses that showed/told me how to drain without mess. I use a shower chair and face the toilet when I empty my ostomy bag, I also put a few pieces of toilet tissue in the bowl to help with splash back. As to the drain being full of poo, wearing gloves (disposable, and I go through a set each change) I wipe out the opening with toilet tissue until it's mostly clean and then use diaper wipes/wet wipes to get the remainder of mess, then I use a bit more tissue to dry the opening and clean anything remaining...when you roll it back up the drain should be mostly clean to avoid transfer to your garments. I was blessed with a cast iron stomach and had 3 children, so draining isn't overly hard for me - but if the smell is an issue I suggest a face mask to help "damper" the smell. I use an amazing amount of toilet roll, but I'm willing to foot the bill for that to avoid ruining clothes. Don't be nervous, it's a learning curve - but you've got this.

[@OstomyDiaries]

I wipe out the end with a baby wipe. It was rough at first but now I’m so used to it I don’t even think about it!

[@63LindaLou]

I've had an ostomy bag for 3 months now and I use the drainage method. I buy the Kirkland brand of paper towels from Costco (I live in Canada) and rip off about 7 sheets at a time (they're already half size). I then use scissors and cut them into 3 sections so I have a whole pile of paper towels that I leave on the back of the toilet. After I have emptied the bag out, I use the paper towels to clean off the end (I put a disposable glove on my left hand which is doing the cleaning and I squeeze the enclosure with my right hand). It usually takes about 4 or 5 paper towel sections to clean it and then I just fold it back up and velcro it into place. I found this is way less expensive than using toilet paper or wipes.

[@jamesfuss1840]

I found that too, It is quite messy when you roll it up it keeps accumulating. I use a clip and seems for me easier

[@brendadelamora4024]

Are u kidding. My output is thick as mash potatoes. Try draining that mess. I've pushed anD shoved. I can't stand more 5 min. I take a gallon hot water squinting in, squeezing the crop out in bathroom sink. So unsanitary to me.

[@taylorpresley4604]

Maybe hydrate more.