That being said, colostomates also like one piece bags. Changing the whole system once full works well for colostomy patients as this is predictable and can happen at a set time during the day. However, taking a bag off your abdomen every day – or sometimes, multiple times a day – can impact on the peristomal skin. Irrigation is an alternative to wearing a colostomy appliance. It involves washing out your colon with water either every day or every other day. NB: The samples I was sent were for drainable pouches, as I have an ileostomy. What is a One Piece System?

However, different manufacturers do different things: Salt’s only do two piece in closed and drainable pouches, not for urostomies. And Dansac and Pelican only do one piece bags. If a two piece system doesn’t suit you, don’t take this a failing. Take that as reassurance that they bag you currently use is working well and you have one less thing to worry about! After surgery, many people find their vaginas are much drier. Applying a lubricating jelly before sex may help. Most people will be aware of the smell of their colostomy because it's their own body. But someone standing next to you will not be able to smell the stoma.Some people tend to apply the baseplate – to ensure fit and placement – then apply the pouch. Others just apply the whole two piece system like they would a one piece. This is a personal preference and dependent on circumstance – ie I would apply a two piece in its entirety if I was changing and my stoma was abit more active that I would ideally like during a change!

A two piece system is where the pouch and flange remain separate and are put together during a change.Last but not least; if you find a two piece hurts you or your are unsure about either of the systems, please speak to your SCN. Trying something new is sometimes scary and unnerving. And sometimes it’s not necessary. Sometimes, you can get more wear out of a two piece system. If the baseplate is cut and applied perfectly, you can get days wear out of it. This is favourable to colostomates who have predictable output. You may find it very tiring when you return, so to start with it may be possible for you to work fewer hours than normal and do lighter duties.

Irrigation is not always possible. For example, it's not suitable for people with Crohn's disease or diverticulitis, or if you're having radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Colostomy appliances are made from hypoallergenic materials to reduce skin irritation. They also contain special filters to prevent any unpleasant smells. There's no reason why you cannot travel after having a colostomy, but you'll probably need to plan extra time into your journey. This is not to say that you can’t use a different system for your stoma. Ileostomates favour two piece systems as much as colostomates and urostomates. It’s all down to personal choice and preference.Once you've recovered from the operation, you should gradually be able to return to your previous exercise routine. A colostomy bag is used to collect your poo. How often it needs to be changed depends on which type of bag you use. Can burp the bag when the excess gas / air build up by releasing the mechanism (I would only advise doing this on a mechanical coupling, not an adhesive one!) for the best results, irrigation should be carried out at the same time every day, which may be difficult when you're away from home on holiday or with work

If your job is particularly strenuous and involves a lot of heavy lifting, you may need to wear a support belt or girdle. Your stoma nurse can advise you about this. This style of system adds in flexibility but also adds in human error; especially for those with vision or dexterity issues. And whilst the adhesive two piece system is a hybrid of the two different systems working together – it gives a low profile with the added comfort of a one piece – it also increases the probability of a leak. And whilst the manufacturers assure users that you can remove the pouch and reapply or adjust it, if an error with placement occurs, it’s not a risk that some ostomates are willing to take. Important information One essential item for people with a colostomy is a RADAR key. This gives you access to public disabled toilets so you can change your colostomy appliance when you need to. How well you recover will determine how much exercise you can do. If you feel any pain, stop immediately.Being able to experience with two piece system if you have always used a one piece is a good learning curve. It can be used well if you are travelling, if you go walking alot without a bathroom break, if you swim or enjoy showering without your bag.