You re right there John.  I have been as fast as 10 or 15 minutes but also upwards of an hour . If Stella is being pissy in the midst of a change it can be a frustrating and long process.  

I don't try to rush appliance changes. It's nice to take some time and simply use the opportunity to slow down. 

If you think of an appliance change as being more like a meditation, rather than a choir, things become far less stressful and time doesn't matter :) 

Of course, there are instances where you have to change that appliance NOW, but I still suggest not rushing the processes. 

In an emergency, I can have it done in just a few minutes, as long as I don't have a huge mess to clean up. 

My scheduled changes I take my time. I set out all the supplies I will need, set-up my room, shower (with out the bag feel so good), then apply the new pouch. Then there is the clean up. I usually take about 45 minutes and do it right.

Its kind of a Zen like experience for me too. Usually takes about 20to 30 minutes including the shower ( it does feel good to shower 'naked' and it makes my stoma happy).

One thing that helps me is to have a bunch of kits made up and put together in sandwich bags. One of everything I need for a change, right there. I usually make them up 20 at a time after my husband ( amazing one!)has  installed the E-Z Vents. Then I can just grab them day (preferably) or night...in extremis. No digging around for things.  Also, then everything works together.  When I was trying new types and sizes of things it was easy to get mixed up.

Posted by: VeganOstomy

 

If you think of an appliance change as being more like a meditation, rather than a choir, things become far less stressful and time doesn't matter :) 

 

When you take it this way it can be a lot easier, Its also the time when we can take a good look at our skin and the wafer. that will give us an idea of any problems.

Dona, I love the idea of making up complete kits ahead of time.  Another one of those obvious things that my senior brain didn't think of. Going to get some sandwich bags and do it while I remember.

Posted by: Dona

 

One thing that helps me is to have a bunch of kits made up and put together in sandwich bags. One of everything I need for a change, right there. I usually make them up 20 at a time after my husband ( amazing one!)has  installed the E-Z Vents. Then I can just grab them day (preferably) or night...in extremis. No digging around for things.  Also, then everything works together.  When I was trying new types and sizes of things it was easy to get mixed up.

Dona that's a great idea, especially for an unplanned event

The kits have saved me a lot of grief! I always keep one or two in my purse ( guys...you could put some in your man purse, Ha )...I do rotate the stock so the one in my purse isn't old. It is really a lot easier this way.  I just use the bed and kind of deal the piles out ten at a time. Then the next ten. Put on some music! I first made up the bags when I was preparing to travel for the first time after my surgery, and found that it worked all the time.

I too have kits made up in my purse for on the go moments. Makes it so much easier to change Gertie's "dress" when I am away from home.

It is a good idea to take your time when you change it out if you can.

Give your self a chance to make sure everything is clean and dry and positioned correctly.  Once you get a routine down it is no biggie

I have a question: When is it too soon to change your system? I changed my system today, and my ostomy nurse had me change to a Hollister Adapt convex ring with a flat barrier. I had my doubts when I put it on. It seems my stoma is not being gently pushed into the bag and I am pancaking even though my bag is slightly bloated. I was thinking of changing back to a Coloplast light convex in the morning. Would this be too soon?

Stella

Posted by: sjlovestosing

I have a question: When is it too soon to change your system? I changed my system today, and my ostomy nurse had me change to a Hollister Adapt convex ring with a flat barrier. I had my doubts when I put it on. It seems my stoma is not being gently pushed into the bag and I am pancaking even though my bag is slightly bloated. I was thinking of changing back to a Coloplast light convex in the morning. Would this be too soon?

Stella

If you are uncomfortable change it . There is no problem in doing it so soon . Comfort is number one . 

Hi Stella, Yes their would be no harm changing it, some time for what ever reason we have to do an unscheduled one. When you say a bloated bag I take it you mean air, I would be good to work out what the problem is just in case its some thing simple with this new bag.

Change back to what you like. I used a flat barrier for a long time and it worked ok for me but I finally changed to a light convex and it is much better in my case. Unfortunately I think some "medical professionals" make product suggestions based on whichever company is kicking them back incentives. Trust me, why would a nurse change your system if it was working for you to another brand. My docs gave me Coloplast products from the start but the nurse suggested I try other brands and devices. I tried Hollister and Convatec but I found the Coloplast worked best for me. By the way use the Coloplast Xpro barriers not the regular ones. They are much better. This works for me but may not be right for others so try the stuff. I'm about 5 years into this and I have a system that works consistently for me.

Good point was their a reason the new system was suggested to you.

Stella, I had been encouraged to change my system over the one time I saw an ostomy nurse after I was home. I tried what she suggested, but ended up with bruising around my stoma due to the hardness of the plate. Use what YOU feel best using and what works for you. If it ain't broke, don't fix it kind of thing, but it is sometimes worthwhile to try new things just to see.  Samples.  I have only changed over from a regular unvented bag to the charcoal  vent bag,  both hollister flat plate, and I will be going back to the original due to the fact the charcoal vents get in the way of the EZ vent, add bulk, and are basically a waste of materials.  I am in love with this vent like you would not believe. I like the idea of sandwich bag kits, however I seem to only need what I have in my bathroom, a smaller quick grab kit in my purse and then when I have an appointment or am away from the house I have a full kit with a few bags in it in another bag and a few light articles of clothing for those lovely just in case days...but not if I am just going for one appointment. I am an advocate of zip-loc bags period! I have zips in my zips! Lots of ideas and so much encouragement. Thank you all so very much for your input.  I have had a bad week with pain, and saw my doctor today to talk about seeing a specialist in motility again.  The nearest one is in  next next province, about a 12 hour drive. I can not even imagine that at this point. He is going to try ans contact him with my history and see what he says. Fortunately my GP always does as he says and is willing to work with e for the best solution all the time.  I think More surgery is not so much of an option, but they must know something newer by now I would think..I would hope!

Linda

Hi all,

Thank you for your responses - they have given me the confidence to make the change back. I think that my nurse was only trying to find the best system for me. She feels that all convex systems are too rigid. However, I do find that Coloplast Light Convex works well for me. 

God Bless!!!

Stella

Posted by: sjlovestosing

I have a question: When is it too soon to change your system?

If you're going from brand to brand, I honestly try to stick with it for at least two weeks if I can. This allows my skin to get used to the new adhesive and I find my results are much better after that (this is why my reviews are "long-term" reviews, rather than simply after wearing it once). 

Of course, there are exceptions and some systems fail repeatedly. In those cases, I just go back to something else that worked. Not every appliance will work for us. 

Thanks, Eric. Your advice is very sound! I am afraid that my nurse was having me try one appliance after another and it was very overwhelming. The system that she wanted me to try yesterday failed in less than 24 hours. I had a lot of fecal matter surrounding my stoma under the barrier this morning. I went back to the Coloplast Light Convex, which seems a better fit for me. It feels flexible and I don't feel constricted by it. I was using the system before and was happy with it.

Stella

Hi All, i hope no one minds me bring this thread up again but the post about having a rash made me think the most important piece of skin we ostomates have is the bit we only see every few days!! i know to many times in the early days i didn,t really take much notice of my skin when doing my change or my wafer. not until joining VO did i take note of what the Boss said he did. And especially under the stoma have a look what is going on. At some time we all get a problem but the earlier we see it the better.