Question for Wendy about colostomy and best wishes to Paula

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Christine B.
Christine B. Member Posts: 137
in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi Wendy, Your mom's experience with the smell of changing the colostomy bag and the frequency of changing it is much like mine. Could you tell me the name of the biological eliminator spray she uses? Also, with changing the bag so often I have found that I would run out of my monthly supply unless I use the drainables or wash out the one time disposables. Did your mom encounter this? What type works for her? I am impressed that she can take care of it all! I am able to drain/change my bags, but the colostomy is located on my right side a few inches above my belly button, and is at an angle that I have a hard time seeing it or knowing the shape to cut the barrier as the stoma changes shapes and size from time to time. Your mom is a strong woman to be able to do it all, I know!

Paula, I read that you had your surgery and am praying that all went well.
Christine

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  • Cindy54
    Cindy54 Member Posts: 452
    #2
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    Christine, my Mom had a
    Christine, my Mom had a colostomy that she could not see to change, so I was the changer. To lighten up things, I used to light a candle or some incense when it was time to change it. I also gave a quick spray around/on her of some of her favorite cologne. I also sprinkled some baby powder or some baking soda inside the pouch when I changed it to a clean one. The ostomy nurse said I could also put a few drops of vanilla or some extract in the clean bag that would help with the smell. I cut out the barrier ahead of time, and I cut them into different shapes. That way I had some on hand to change quickly. I hope some of this helps you. Hugs, Cindy

    PS: The spray you spoke of I tried, but it was a bit too costly and really did not seem to help.
  • wendybill
    wendybill Member Posts: 84
    #3
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    sorry it took me so long to respond
    Hi Christine---my mom uses Mediaire. We purchase a big bottle from Amazon and keep that one around the house and use it to refill the small bottles that we got from the hospital. I have attached the link to the brand at Amazon. It is by Bard.

    http://www.amazon.com/Medi-aire-Biological-Odor-Eliminator-Bottle/dp/B0006UOMMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300749463&sr=8-1

    In terms of my mom's supplies...she prefers the drainable/washable. Im not sure why but she does. She did call Hollister the other day to inquire about some small bags that she could wear with her bathing suit. Gotta love her initiative. Hang in there Christine.

    Oh---my mom's her stoma is lower and in reach but "cashew shaped". With the help of a good colostomy nurse, we were able to find a pre-cut barrier that worked and no longer had to use those darn cut to fit ones. She does have to use the paste underneath the bottom part so help the stoma rise forward some. dumb thing.

    Wendy
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    #4
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    ostomy
    I had an illeostomy. If you call Hollister they will send you a FREE bag of supplies which includes a small pouch to carry supplies in. I don't know hollister's number but I am sure you can find it. It might have included an odor elimator as well. I found one in a product catalog and ordered it. I am looking at the product now and it says
    "ReliaMed" odor eliminator drops. I don't recall where I bought it. Good luck finding a product that works for you.
  • Christine B.
    Christine B. Member Posts: 137
    #5
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    nancy591 said:

    ostomy
    I had an illeostomy. If you call Hollister they will send you a FREE bag of supplies which includes a small pouch to carry supplies in. I don't know hollister's number but I am sure you can find it. It might have included an odor elimator as well. I found one in a product catalog and ordered it. I am looking at the product now and it says
    "ReliaMed" odor eliminator drops. I don't recall where I bought it. Good luck finding a product that works for you.

    Thank you!
    Thank you all for the information shared regarding dealing with smelly colostomies! I will certainly take a look into it for my family's sake ;)!
    Chris

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