Ileostomy Bag Change Routine

This week I am writing and explaining my ileostomy bag change routine. I have previously made a video about this, which you can watch here, but sometimes people prefer to read.

My ileostomy bag change routine

I always find filming my bag change routine rather nerve wracking. Having it all out on show is always daunting for me even though I am more than happy to flash my bag. 

In writing this I am hoping others will find it useful if they are facing upcoming surgery and are new to stoma life.

An ileostomy can be a tricky bugger to change due to the fact mine is like a constant dripping tap due to short bowel and bile salt malabsorption.

Plan your change

Planning your change to when your ileostomy is least active is both a life saver for a quick change and to minimise the output coming out onto cleaned skin. Mine is typically least active in the mornings so I aim for my change then, with the Pelican ModaVi bag I only typically change two times a week as the water resistant aspect of the bag allows for longer wear time and showers daily.

Ileostomy output burns and is quite alkaline so having it pumping out and continuously cleaning your skin in that short space of time can cause soreness. It has happened to me, perfectly clean and healthy stoma site vs a flushing stoma during a stomach bug and my skin was a mess by the time I got a bag back on. This is rare for me, but it does occasionally happen. It takes longer to repair the damage caused by output than it does to cause it.

My change routine

I thought I would share my stoma care and bag change routine with you today.

Getting used to changing your appliance and bag can feel daunting immediately post-operative, however, things do change, you get used to your routine and it will be a matter of a few minutes and that’s your bag change routine completed until next time.

Tips for changing…

• I always try to change over the sink, should it decide to spurt off, it’s easier to clean away
• I prep everything prior to changing so it is all to hand
• I use 4 dry wipes, 2 wet with warm tap water & two dry wipes to wipe away the excess water
• I use the Respond Refresh 3 in 1 to remove the bag and as a barrier spray also
• Pelican ModaVi bag in black, the viewing window is incredibly helpful to make sure you have a correct seal around the stoma
• I also use the Eakin cohesive slims which I rip and wrap around my stoma for a correct and close seal around my stoma

Tips for things to not use…

• Baby wipes are a no, most contain moisturizers and oils which means that the appliance may not stick
• Kitchen roll and toilet tissue are also advised against, the reason being they are quite abrasive and if your stoma site is burnt or weeping this can feel quite painful to clean with. It also sticks to the skin and means you will have to clean the site again.

The wipes I use are from Amazon, I pay £5 every couple of months as one pack lasts me a while.

With my smooth and easy bag changes, it is quick but involves a few elements… 

1. Lay out everything you need. Pre-cut the new bag using your scissors and lay to one side
2. I removed the old bag with adhesive remover. The trick for this is to peel the base away a little at the top and spray the adhesive remover behind it. Allow a few seconds for the spray to move down and it’s easier for the bag to be removed without stripping the skin.
3. Using the wet wipes clean around the stoma site and make sure any old adhesive has been removed, if its still there use the spray again to get off the most stubborn adhesive residue
4. Use a dry wipe and wipe of any excess moisture
5. I use a barrier spray which I spray directly onto the stoma site and wipe around the skin and ileostomy with a dry wipe
6. Once that’s all done. I place the barrier ring around my stoma and make sure I have a correct seal, I then put on my stoma bag, using the window on the ModaVi bag to make sure it’s all nice and snug around my stoma.
7. Make sure I tie up my waste bag, wash my hands and place the black bag into the bin.

This may look daunting but I can assure you once you are used to your routine it is only 5 minutes to change and you won’t have to do it again for a few days.

As always 

Many thanks for reading 

Louise Xx