A Rule of Thumb On How Often To Change Ostomy Bag
If you are about to get your ostomy surgery for colon cancer or bladder infections, list down what you need to prepare first. Did you know that there are complications to ostomy surgeries when it comes to chewing gum or drinking from a straw? You may want to visit this link here to see if your teeth also need a checkup soon to avoid problems in your overall body’s health.


It is reported that colon cancer is one of the most common problems due to how often we use the organs affected by it. If you are about to get your ostomy surgery for colon cancer or bladder infections, list down what you need to prepare first. Did you know that there are complications to ostomy surgeries when it comes to chewing gum or drinking from a straw? You may want to visit this link here to see if your teeth also need a checkup soon to avoid problems in your overall body’s health. A patient who underwent colostomy, urostomy and ileostomy need proper maintenance for their body’s waste. Taking care of their disposal is actually a crucial job. It takes someone dedicated to knowing how often to change ostomy bag for safety and hygiene.
Guide on Changing Ostomy Bags
An ostomy bag serves as an external help for your body to excrete liquid and waste after your medical surgery. Since the bag is attached to your body, it requires extra attention. As your doctor consulted the importance of changing ostomy bags, let’s gather more information on how to do it properly.
Empty Your Bag Several Times Accordingly
Most doctors recommend that a person changes their bags after 3-5 days. Realistically, a person needs to change their bags often as soon as it reaches a near-full bag. As a patient, you also need to control your liquid and food consumption. It is normal to have a change of bags every day, so don’t hesitate to do so. Don’t worry, a lot of ostomy bags are washable but most of these are disposable. That said, always prepare 2-3 bags a day if you do excrete a lot of waste.
Check The Room’s Temperature
A patient’s bowel movement may change through the food and liquid that they eat. At the same time, the room’s temperature will also determine the amount of excess they gather. The oiliness of the skin may also determine how often to change ostomy bag. Always clean the wafer skin barrier as well as avoiding any bleeds or swelling.
When Traveling With The Ostomy Bag
Should you ever decide to travel with an ostomy bag, it is important to always bring your medical supplies with you. Your surgeon usually gives the schedule for your ostomy bag change. If you need a nurse to assist you, there are available nurses to give proper medical care for people that had an ostomy.
Disposing of The Ostomy Bag
Whenever you’re about to dispose of a disposable ostomy bag or the excess waste itself, it is important to separate these wastes from your regular trash. Prepare a plastic bag and label it as your ostomy segregated trash. Afterward, put this plastic bag on another separate container as well. It is also advisable if you don’t put it near your other trash bins to avoid the confusion of segregation.
How Ostomy Works

An ostomy is needed for patients that need proper waste disposal from bowel surgery due to ailments like colon cancer or bladder infection. The organ requiring the relocation is stitched near the large intestine is called a stoma. Instead of making it solid waste, the output is more of a liquid phase instead. The results make the organ release its products to a bag that filters the excess. Proper maintenance on how often to change ostomy bag will make the bags last longer. It will also help you avoid infections or unhygienic concerns that may complicate your ostomy.
When Asking for Your Doctor’s Advice
As a person who just had an ostomy may face concerns when it comes to their bowel movement. If you find yourself having diarrhea, rashes, or certain weird colors on your discharge, seek your doctor’s advice right away. It is important to report any signs of nausea or vomiting as well as bleeding or swelling. These important tips will help eliminate further infection problems from your recent surgery.