My special needs 25 year old son had a traumatic surgery 2 weeks ago removing his large intestine. He has not healed well. He just had another surgery today and they ended up needing to do a stoma. We are so emotional. I just watched your youtube and felt I must tell you how thankful I am to see a beautiful girl both inside and out explaining how you throw your bags away. The tears are flowing with relief because of you. You are have helped more than you can know. Thank you for being such a brave amazing person sharing your personal story. Thank you!!!!!! Mb

I’m training to be a general surgeon, so I’m regularly involved with caring for people who have just recently gotten their ostomy. I love your videos because they give such a good insight into what daily life with an ostomy bag is really like and that’s what most of my patients’ questions are about.

When I had my temporary ileostomy, I was taught to sit in a chair in front of the toilet to empty my bag. (I had a folding chair in the bathroom) Also, to reduce the possibility of splash back, I was taught to put toilet paper in the toilet prior to emptying the bag. Hope these tips help someone.

You are such a blessing to so many folks. Pragmatic, purposeful and powerful! Thanks for you videos!

I have an ostomy and have only had less than I can count on my hand the number of accidents once I learned how to empty the bag. When you add a little water into the bag, everything comes out of the bag easier. Being able to clean by bag, I have been able to keep the same bag on for a couple of days. I will say that I have been in the hospital three different times and the nurses don't know how to clean them either. I have had to show them the way that I clean them. When I did it their way, it just made a mess and not easy to clean up. I did enjoy listening to your video and am glad that there is something out there to help new patients.

Thank you for posting. I have a family member with a new ileostomy and I'm glad that there are these kinds of resources and information available.

Thanks so much for sharing this video. It's been such a big help for me. Life saving colon cancer surgery a few months ago and ended up with a colostomy. The only thing that bothered me was emptying the bag for all the reasons, you mention; messy, hard to control, etc. This has made living with my bag so much easier!!! So simple to do. it's really brilliant and haven't seen or heard it anywhere else.

Love your KZfaq site and your refreshing, positive spirit! Just had colostomy surgery and getting used to everything "stoma", have learned so much from your videos. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you so much for sharing - your honesty and willingness to share is insperational to ALL

thank you for your feedback i have had an ostomy now for 10 years now. i use a one piece ostomy used to use a 2 piece but had issuses with them. the one piece is good for me but everyone has to be comfortable with yourself. glad i came to this channel thank you for your experience and help.

Thank you so much for your transparency and knowledge. I began watching your videos prior to my husbands ostomy surgery. You really helped me to prepare for it. I am my husbands caregiver, he is a paraplegic of over 40 years. I love your positive attitude!!

This sounds perfect! Seal it one time and just change the bag. Amazing , god bless you.

I used the drainable bags in the hospital. Once I got home my Ostomy nurse told me about the closed end pouches; & I've been using them ever since. Sooooo much more sanitary and quick

Thank you! I’m taking care of my mother-in-law. She has ostomy. I’m very thankful because I updated my knowledges with you, and I also learned a lot! Blessings🙏!

I cannot IMAGINE having to clean a Velcro end! I’m so glad you found what works for you, and appreciate you sharing your experiences!

I want to tell you how awesome you are in sharing all you experiences. Thank you so much. Keep up the great content.

My grandma had an ostomy for many many years-she named it Wilbur.

That is one beautiful lady with an awesome, positive personality.

Thank you so much for taking the time to create your videos!! Your advice is very helpful and minimizes frustrations. I am supporting my wife who recently had the surgery. My wife is very particular with her healthcare and cleanliness. The skin irration has been the most difficult part, and your videos have greatly helped!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Thank you for all your vids. I use the same Hollister 9” nondrainable bags as you for all the same reasons. I’m 73 now and I just think I’ve outgrown touching and playing with my own “stuff” if you know what I mean. Such a relief to not have to smell. Medicare allows me one box of 60 per month which is plenty. I use hand cut pieces of extra thin Duoderm to reinforce the flange because the stoma has some “fatty herniation” around the stoma. To protect the skin in the area I use Cavilon spray instead of the little Cavilon wipes. Slightly more expensive if you aren’t on Medicare but well worth it. I can go nearly two weeks without changing the flange of the colostomy without affecting skin integrity, though normally I replace the flange weekly. Stay safe.

Thanks for making this video! I just got my ileostomy less than 2 weeks ago, and it's always neat to see the unique ways other people use various products and tailor their ostomies to their own needs. My ileostomy is oddly quite low output, so this may be an option for me to consider down the road.

Hi Maggie...Even though I don’t have an IBD, I am proud of you for what you are doing for those that do. Keep going for the sake of others and may all your dreams come true. 💐 🐨 🦘

I knew a girl who had an ostomy bag. I always wondered how people did all of this. Thank you so much for these videos. I don’t have this but I know for sure you’re helping people all over. So yeah, thank you so much.

This video put me at ease a bit, thank you. I’m 2 months post op and go back to work tomorrow. I’ve been using the drainable Hollister bags as well, and a nurse of mine recommended the disposables for me.

Your videos prove....DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF IN LIFE!!! You have beautiful eyes!!!

Nurse taught me to wrap toilet paper around my finger to clean inside the end. I do that till is clean. I have an illeostomy. I use converter 2 piece system. Love your videos!

I’m watching this second video because I thought you were so sweet and confident in the first video I accidentally watched. But I’m kind of lost and feel like I need to watch all of your videos to understand what your talking about here -or have Crohn’s disease to understand. But I love your outlook on your illness - keep your chin up girl! Good luck! 🥰🥰

I'm so glad that I found your page.

The Salts ones are the best. I'm a wheelchair user so have to try and empty it while sitting on the toilet. I've stopped emptying most of the time now too.

I did this same thing with my first ostomy & everyone thought I was crazy! M output was so thick and moved through me really slow so I had a really hard time getting in out of the pouch. I would change it in the morning, afternoon and at night. Glad someone else out there does the same thing! When I got switched to my loop ileostomy my liquid was fast and watery so the drainables worked a lot better.

I’ve called mine pickle, because I’ve been in a pickle ever since I’ve got it.

I'm a nurse and I feel your pain with cleaning the end /velcro on the bag! No matter how hard I tried, it was a bit messy. I wish we could use one pieces in my hospital. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

My husband had a bag for about a year and we hated trying to empty it. Yes his skin was very sore if we changed the whole thing because of the glue. We loved just changing the bag! The Hollister bag that clicks on was a game changer! He almost didn't want to go through the surgery to get put back together. We also lit a candle everytime we changed it. Lol. This is very informative!

When I was around 12, I had a married friend in Brooklyn who had a daughter with a "bag" and I was very fascinated. The mom was secretive however about the whole thing. Even though my husband is a physician, this was not his specialty so I am glad for the opportunity to finally understand this whole process and the openness. I am now 75!

Kudo's to you! May you have many years of great health! You have a great attitude too!

I love that you also still work as a nurse , most people give up and can’t or won’t work , you’re amazing

thanks for touching on this topic. I feel a ocd. always chose close vs drainable

I have a colostomy, I wear a definable pouch, but I don't change it. I was doing it for quite a long time, but I've gotten so weary of emptying, cleaning, and then reusing the bags, so now , even though it's a bit more expensive per month, I order an extra box of the bags (there are 10 bags per box). I'm much happier, and I just change my bag when it's full (once or twice a day), and I'm good to go. I am so glad I've discovered your videos, because even though I have had my colostomy for about seven years now, it is still so nice to know there are lots of other people out there dealing with living with an ostomy or colostomy,. Thank you for doing these videos, you present the issues in such a wonderful, caring, fun way. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your videos. 😊

This was great to hear. I'm about to undergo thumb/hand surgery and will be casted and one-handed for several weeks. I couldn't fathom how I'd clean the end of my bag after emptying. I'm going to go for these non-drainables, and hopefully will be able to pop them off and on easier with one hand than emptying/cleaning with one hand. Thanks so much for the info, love it.

Thanks for sharing and teaching.My sister recently had a colostomy and I want to become more knowledgeable to help her and be able to understand her challenges.

Your channel was suggested and I’m so glad to find it! Thank you for your candor and transparency with this topic. It is fascinating. I feel embarrassed for being such a lazy ass dolt with no health issues but not a very productive person. You are so splendid and cheerful. I am going to try harder in life a s do better in honor of you. ❤️🙌

I don't have IBD but my boyfriend does. And your videos have helped me so much to understand his condition, especially since that means I can support him better. Keep it up, you're so strong and you're doing so much great work!

Maggie, thank you so much for all this info you are putting out here! I had a subtotal colectomy almost five years ago because of colonic inertia, but have ongoing complications with intense pain, bowel issues, anastomosis stricture and ulcers....I'm seeing another GI surgeon and will need surgery, with a possibility of ileostomy. Like you, I have felt like I would probably need this sometime in my future, especially with how bad the pain gets. At this point I just want to feel better and get on with my life, but I do have some worries and questions about life after especially with my job and active lifestyle. You have answered many of my questions in the videos I've watched so far, and seeing others be able to get thru daily living with such positivity helps immensely. Thank you for what you do, and for your strength and positivity!!

I get really excited when I see other people talk about these things! I talk about them on my channel too. I've just now gotten brave enough to discuss my ostomy openly, which makes me a bit sad. I'm 36 & have had mine for 13 years.

I love how you have a name for your stoma. That's adorable.

Both the Coloplast Sensura Mia and Convatec bags have little Velcro circles that hold the velcro strip out of the way. Once it's out of the way then I don't get output on the velcro strip in the first place. As mentioned in another comment, I use a single layer of toilet paper on the the top of the toilet water which prevents splashing. I kneel in front of my toilet on top of a squatty potty to get close to the toilet, and just crouch down in the rare cases I have to drain in a public bathroom (my quads are pretty strong from yogo). I use disposable food service gloves to protect my hands which is more sanitary and makes hand cleaning faster. Finally, the velcro strip ends can be folded up inside the bag cover which make the bag smaller and hides the end. Thanks for your vids; hope this helps.

You're so lucky. I have a very low end colostomy which was performed over twenty years ago but because of previous extensive bowel surgery I still have to use a Hollister post-surgical bag (due to the larger capacity) and empty it anywhere from 15 to twenty times a day.

Have you ever used pouch liners? I use Attiva pouch liners and LOVE LOVE LOVE them!!! They allow me to re-use the same pouches over and over again (and save me TONS of money). Just line your pouch with the liner. When you need to change pouches, you simply pull out the liner, drop it in the toilet, flush it away, and you're left with a clean pouch! I especially love my liners when I'm out, because essentially I have TWO pouches - the lined pouch which is inside the clean pouch I'm wearing. So when I need to change pouches, I dump the liner into the toilet and snap the same pouch (now unlined) on and away I go!!! I don't have to carry several pouches because I always have TWO on me!!! Try the Attiva pouch liners (through The Parthenon Company in Utah) and you'll be hooked on them! They will save you a TON of money. No, insurance does not cover them, but they're extremely reasonably priced. I can buy two boxes of new pouches (30 per box) for the cost of one box (100 liners per box) of the Attiva liners. The savings are HUGE!!! Best wishes from me and Rosebud (my colostomy).

I'm relatively new to this but I empty my pouch several times a day because the weight of the waste pulls the skin. Since it can become rather costly to change out the pouch, I've found that if I pour warm water in it before emptying that it dilutes the waste and empties out easier and cleaner. As for using public restrooms, not an option unless it's an emergency situation. Timing is everything.

I have had IBS since I was young. Always causes problems. I will think of what you go through and try not to complain! Feel better and God Bless you! You are a beautiful woman, stay strong!

Thank you for sharing and explaining - I'm brand new to all this stuf and trying to learn how to take care of myself - your explanations have been tremendously helpful!

the most surprising is even people at the hospital nurses techs etc are not very well trained on these ostomy seals and bags like im new to this scene and am learning problay the hard way but i am very surprised of the extreme lack of knowledge on installs and even just emptying these devices. i dig ur vids thanks

Attempting to empty the bag directly into the toilet bowl is quite a challenge for me, and likely to be a bit messy. I have discovered this method, adapted from how I was trained to empty it while in hospital. I use a jug, and to get the correct height for me (while sitting on the toilet), I place the jug on top of an upturned bucket. Being quite old - 73 years - and have the bag for just 4 months, I need a clean method, one that does not challenge an older body too much, bending down, etc. This works perfectly for me, and it is easy to disinfect the jug after use. I store it in the bathroom, discreetly out of sight, ensuring no one mistakingly uses it.

I had my bag for 2 years, used drainable ones. Once I started rinsing the bag out with water I flew through emptying and was so easy.

I have the Velcro kind, I like it cuz it's a one piece unit. But putting a new bag on sounds even better. I change it every 3 days.

I was taught to rinse mine thoroughly with water, so I carry a water bottle with me. I have the Convatec clear "velcro" closable types so I can clearly monitor what is happening. It is so much easier to tip the bag up, add water and aim it all at the toilet. Then I am completely clean and good to go on!

Thanks for sharing this very valuable ostomy tip! I don't have an ostomy but worked as an RN (as both a hospital and a Home Health nurse), for 25 years and never heard of nor ever saw a nondrainable pouch in all that time. As such, you taught me some new things, today! :) This option is a wonderful solution, as there tend to be more leakage issues from the bottom of a pouch rather than around the seal. The reason why people look at you as though you're bizarre, when talking about "nondrainable pouches", has to do with the fact most people don't know that there are one piece and two piece pouches, let alone a range of drainage options. As most of the people I worked with who had ostomies (including urostomies), were elderly people, they tend to have trouble both with vision issues (accurately seeing all parts of their stoma and pouch/seals while on the body) , along with problems manipulating all of the ostomy supplies, due to arthritis issues. A nondrainable pouch would be a huge relief for many elderly or disabled individuals who are living with an ostomy. Generally, we teach those who are dealing with a new ostomy to either sit on a chair at the toilet, to drain the pouch and/or to use a plastic bag as a collection device for the pouch contents. This saves one's back and allows one to take their time with the complex procedure. I've never heard of Velcro being used in place of a pouch clip before. Without even trying it, I'm certain there isn't anyone who can keep that kind of appliance sanitary, let alone dry, especially on an ileostomy or urostomy! You've learned so much in the very hardest of ways. I'm sorry you've had to go through so much misery. I admire your willingness to teach others who are novices and walking in your shoes all of the "inside scoop tips" that RNs either don't have time to share with novice ostomy patients or don't know about (thanks to the enormous and ever-changing new types of medical supplies, equipment, surgeries, medications, diagnostic imaging tests, lab tests, insurance requirements, etc.). No doubt, you are improving the quality of life for so many confused and anxious individuals. Thanks for being a great role model and human being! :)

I have a two piece made by Hollister. It has the velcro closure. I open it and use a nose/sinus squirt bottle to clean out the throat of the bag after you empty. I started out just using just toilet paper and I was using a lot. Also, I sit on a milk crate leaning over the toilet to empty it, so "aiming" is not much of a problem. When changing out the barrier I sit on a milk crate in the shower so if there is leakage it is not a problem. Thanks for your information.

FYI - I emptied thru the ring which wound up being easier/cleaner than emptying a drainable pouch, so NO I was not going through 5 bags a day, but rather one the entire lifespan of my wafer. In public though, I at least had that quick option to toss and click on a new one.

In UK we're not allowed to put faeces into dustbin. We have to empty pouches before throwing away. Thanks for sharing.

I wonder if that person who developed biodegradable plastic from seaweed would be interested in making disposable bags

You are a very brave woman and when I got mine the nurse started me on the drainage ones for the drs to see the output and such but within one month she changed me to the closed pouch and I have used them for 11 years now. I use Hollister closed small pouches with karaya paste around the skin of my stoma then a skin barrier, then a wafer with regular paste and finally my pouch. Sounds like a lot but it's not and it's a skin color. Got in in 2007 and have not changed. Karaya paste may help your skin though, give it a shot. It's karaya paste item number 7910....take care and I applaud you on your bravery to put your stoma on KZfaq. :)

I changed to the bags and love them. I didn’t like The drainable bags because I just felt like it wasn’t clean after I drained it because you can’t get all up in the bag. I loved watching this video because I completely agree with what you’re saying with the one piece bags non-drainable.

I found that emptying my colostomy bag “ backwards “ into the toilet helps me. Right now, I have the one- piece and it’s easier than aiming at a small spot. I haven’t had mine so long (2-3 weeks) so I am still “ training “ !😂😂 Thank you for your helpful videos .❤️

I've always had the 2 PC since surgery, Hollister has them in many sizes, drainable and nondrainable. The drainable ones are less expensive if having to pay for your own, thank the Lord mine are covered by insurance, but they can be used once and thrown away. I never drain mine either. Another blessing is that I'm getting the reversal done in 6 wks, so bye bye to colostomy!! But very high chance I'm coming out of surgery with an ileostomy for 3 months, then be completely free from ostomy all together!!

Hi Miss maggie how do you waterproof your bag and not were off when taking a shower or swim in a pool?.

Bless you!! Whatever works for you!! Love y’all

I've only had my ileostomy a bit over 2 months, but haven't had an issue with the velcro. Like a few others have meantioned, I just fold or wad up enough paper to wipe the end off without getting it all over my hands. My medical team still wants me to measure my output so I drain it into one of the measuring containers they provided. Much easier than the 3 times I got caught by Squirmy going into overdrive while away from home and being forced to use the toilet. My output is usually liquid enough to discard and then rinse the container without much trouble.

I use a smaller size Hollister drainable bag. My technique for cleaning the end is to fold up 2-4 squares of toilet paper into little "wands"--just fold in half, turn it, and repeat til I have a little thick rectangle. I can insert these into the end of the pouch and clean it thoroughly, then wipe the outside off with another square of toilet paper. As needed, I also use baby wipes to clean the outside of the pouch end and the clip. Everyone's different, but the amount of trash my ostomy generates is my least favorite thing about it already and I get so anxious imagining 7-10 bags per day in my trash can! Figured I'd share this tip in case it helped anyone who also prefers drainable pouches.

Can you please provide a link where the non-empty bags you love can be purchased?

Ive only known one person who had a bag and so i didnt realize they even had a drainable option. My friend had the throw out type.

I am intrigued by this! What is the model number of the hollister non-drainable bags you’re referring to? Thanks!!

To avoid splash back I was told to place some toilet paper in the bowl so you would end up with a big mess. I’ve had my bag for 35 years and have never had any real trouble emptying my bag. I guess I’m lucky😂

I clicked on this video thinking it was about purses.

Thanks you just opened my eyes have a pending surgery so helpful

hi Maggie I know what you mean about the spalsh and cleaning the end of the bag is a pain in the neck but if you can get a good system going it can work. mainly my bottoms get the spalsh so it's a case of change and stick a clean pair on. ☺ All the best to you and good luck.

What brand do you use?! I can’t find any non drainable pouches and I think this may be a great option for me.

Maggie you are courageous woman I take my hat off to you just explaining this this got to be horrible for you to go through everyday God bless you sweetheart and my hope is for you that you can get that bag off in and live a normal life without the bag if it's all possible

IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO NAMED THEIR STOMA LOLOL?!?!?!?! Before my take down surgery I named my stoma Gordon lol. Theres a chance Gordon may be making a permanent return in the not so distant future. I'm hoping the next treatment option works, but if Gordon does have to move back in, I imagine I'll get used to him like I did the first time. It'd be nice if he'd help with mortgage payments this time around though lol

I love your videos,,, thanks for sharing your life with the rest of us.

Ziploc baggie ! You can drain your duece the cleanest and easiest way by far ! Always carry some with you and your good to go ! Literally !

Thanks for this video. It's a lot of help.

Have you looked into the bag liners especially the flushable ones? I hate the idea of throwing away so many bags that will just sit in a landfill. I want the liners but I'm on septic. I love the Coloplast Sensura Mio. I can peek at my stoma and output if I want, I can Velcro it up higher making it half the size and the part where you empty is such a breeze. Nice and wide, the opening folds back and secures out of the way so it doesn't get messy while emptying and when you're done it folds up and tucks out of the way.

Thankyou for generously sharing your experiences.

I had colon cancer removed July 29th 2020 and now I have an ileostomy... I hate having to clean the drainable bags especially when I get faeces on my hands... thanks for sharing. I have to try this!

I use 2pc Hollister but this one sounds soo much easier if am not sure what to ask them for but I need to look into this thanks God bless

I totally love that you named that part Oscar.

I'm supposed to have one of these surgeries done soon and you talk about how the bag is irritating your skin well I'm afraid it might do mine that way cuz it's kind of delicate and I was wondering what kind of bags you are using so I don't have to drain mine I can just throw it away and does that make your skin feel better are you having irritations from that?

I am currently recovering from a partial colectomy,total hysterectomy and hernia repair. I was terrified my diverticular disease would leave me requiring a bag after my surgery. Thankfully it didn't,but for all you incredibly brave that have one,you deserve a medal! God bless.

So sorry you have to deal with this. You have such a great attitude.

I love my two piece system... i do have a few drainable bags. Simply for colon scopes, my ostomy is the result of colon/rectal cancer. My rectum is sewn shut... gone! I found out about the two piece/ non drainable pouches from my at home care nurse.. She was an angel for me.

my self I have had mine for over 30 years and found my ideal way for my change, I am confined to wheelchair, so I had a tee placed in my water supply line to the toilet, then got a kitchen sink sprayer with hose, installed it, brought it up on topside of toilet, so easy to reach from my wheelchair, I just pull up to toilet, grab all supplies - i put on disposable rubber gloves - new bag, tp about 4 wands, if bag is really full I will use (crock spread butter container - my choice ),and un-clip bottom of bag and drain some then dump in toilet, then I remove bag set aside wipe around inside of base, couple of wands tp, tossing them in toilet,snap on clean bag, close pants, now the ugly part, I grab the used bag and my sprayer - with clip off , I spray through top opening while holding bag over toilet and wash out bag, place it aside for future use, I know this does not might not work for some, but it works for me, in-fact this is the easy part for me, the hard part for me is to take my daily shower and not get the base seal wet, cause then the base will turn loose just when not expected, taping a plastic shopping just above the base tape works pretty well but it is not a sure thing, some time the water gets by that also, I am a VietNam veteran and supplies are minimal through VA, so re-use is a necessity, [[[ NOW for when those that are more outwardly going, take extra bag and gloves and zip-lock bag-big enough to put used bag in, I un-snap bag and wipe snap-ring of base with tp, then replace new bag, dump as much as possible in toilet, if sink is available add some water and rinse and dump, place used bag it zip-lock bag and place in your supply back pack, when home, take it to bathroom and use the sprayer method to rinse clean, place aside for re-use ]]] hope this might help all that need it. my

Are there different sizes made by surgeons when they make their iliostomy stomas on different patients? I'm preparing for an iliostomy, am already liking the disposable bags, and want to get them already!

I have opaque drainable with velcro no output has ever gotten onto it. I just clean it off with a squared wad of paper and up into the opening then fold it up and away i go. It's just a matter of finding what works for you. I also use the Salts Aloe Rings, work well for any skin irritation around the stoma.

Thank you for not talking about purses! :) some people watching might be facing a future with ostomy bags... So thank you for sharing, baring, and caring :)

Do you dispose of your bags in the sanitary towel bin or just the regular trash can?

I was never comfortable with a drainable pouch! I always had a bag I pulled out and flushed but I also had a colostomy!

Hi, Thanks for this video, I had my surgery about 12 weeks ago, those bags I'd not heard before. I will check them out.

Fantastic, Thank you for sharing, your an amazing young woman

I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through. You know you have to make life work for you. I don’t have a bag, I am not aware of anyone I know in this situation( lack of using the medical terms I don’t know) it just sounds you have a system that works for you and isn’t that what we all do. I have blood clots in my legs, I have to ware stocking that go from foot to crotch. I even have to go to a woman’s lingerie store to get these medical pressure stocking. I always the only man in the store needing help from a sales clerk. Yes my wife loved it and likes to photograph me walking in and out of the store and I don’t mind at all. We just learn how to live. Best wishes to you I am going to watch more of your videos now. Best wishes