Instead of easier, maintenance is getting more and more difficult! The discs are so big that they show through the underwear and the stoma bags are getting even thicker and the clips larger. However, isn’t it important to us all that maintenance is easier, while attracting minimum attention to our condition?
On top of all this, the equipment is getting more and more expensive with extra air
filters, flow lines and a lot more. Although most of it is covered by the
health insurance what is the point of all this fancy stuff?
Air filters stick together or leak and you need to change the stoma bag constantly. I have tried many alternatives but have only experiences negative results.
For example, double-coated bags trap water, sweat, and cause a damp and uncomfortable feeling.
The only one who profits from it is the manufacturer!
Isn’t it a lot easier to have a plain and smooth bag that is quick to dry after a bath or a shower? Why use a new one? They used to have these in a brownish colour, now these bags are transparent – how disgusting! I wish for opaque coloured stoma bags with small and resealable clips!
However, since nobody is helping us, we have to take matters into our own hands and alter things ourselves; with everyone having the option to adjust or change the bag individually if they wish.
My disc also stays put if I cut the material from the outside right up to the ring. In that case, my disc (that what sticks to my stomach) is only 8cm in the outer diameter.
My stoma bag has three plastic straps near the ring – I only need one strap to open it and I cut the others off.
I do not need the double coating of the bag as I find that the water and sweat sticks to
it. After carefully cutting it off, I have a smooth brown stoma bag left that
is easy to dry and does not wear off.
Finally, I only need to cut the opening diagonally(the narrowing part near the end of the bag) and I
will be left with a very small soiled area.
Now the whole supply fits conveniently into the underwear or swimwear, does not wear off and is easier to handle.