Paste for ostomy?

JanJan63 said:

I use the powder every time I

I use the powder every time I change my bag. I'm not having any issues with mine, I'm quite happy with it. I'd originally posted this because I thought it might be helpful for people who do have problems. And because I really don't know what the paste is supposed to accomplish but I feel like it isn't helpful at all. The only tme I've had the paste was in the hospital when a nurse was changing my bag and they didn't last very long so I was thinking that might be the reason why some people have problems. 

I've had my ostomy for four years this month and have only had a few blow outs or leaks. I'm quite happy with my products. I feel bad for people who do have issues, though. Worrying about it has to be very stressful. 

Jan

I've read from others that the paste isn't necessary but I use it because I'm used to using it and just keep doing what I've been trained to do and it works for me.

I've only had one leak and that was early on. Waking up twice a night to empty the bag has taken care of leaking/blowout issues for me but, of course, it's not a lot of fun waking up at 1:30 and 4:30 to empty it and then get back to sleep. I think that you need to find what works, even if it means doing something that's not strictly necessary as confidence in what you're doing is a factor.

Every time I am going to drive someplace, I want to empty the bag because it can fill up along the way.

One last thing: it's a pain at work when I need to empty between 1:00 and 2:00 at the office because the handicapped stalls are usually all taken. I sometimes walk to four different bathrooms to find one. I should probably plan better.