I've heard a number of opinions as to the recommended time between appliance changes.

What is your opinion, and why?

Thanks for sharing!

I used to change my wafer every 6-7 days but since my last operation back in March last year I have aquired a few more anomolies around Wee Willie so I don't risk leaving it that long any more.

I now change every 4-5 days depending on whether I'm working that morning or not (preferably not so that I don't have to rush). I could probably go back to the 6-7 days at a push, but the routine I have now keeps my skin in prestine condition.

Shell

I think this is a very personal issue (not touchy, just person specific )

I'm an every 3 day person. Once in a while I go 4 days, but my skin stays much better if I stick to every 3 days.

Rudolph,

I go about 4 days between changes. Like most folks, this helps to keep my skin in much better condition. Also, I am a male so changing every 4 days means I don't have to deal with the hair growth around my belly button. If I wait more than 4-5 days I pull out hair when I remove the old appliance.
Good luck!

I'm with Jill. Every three days works very well for me. No leaks, and that way my skin gets some air every few days, which I think helps to avoid rashes and irritation. Then again, some are able to go much longer without problem. I've never really tried, because by day three, I want a new bag and wafer to feel "clean".

Hi Michelle,

I presume you use a one piece system? When I had my first loop ileo I used a one piece and like you, I liked to change at least every 3 days because the bag would become really yucky by then! I switched to a 2 piece because it meant I could change my bag every day. To me, wearing the same bag for days on end feels like wearing the same panties....

I remembered this when I had my j-pouch removed 3 years ago and went straight on to using a 2 piece with Wee Willie (my perminent end ileo). I really enjoy my change days and make the most of my long hot showers and I air Wee Willie for as long as possible. I am sure this contributes to the good health of my peristomal skin.

Anyway, the bottom line is that I agree with Jill... it's a very personal thing (as in person specific! ).

Shell

I'm a 3 day person myself, but I *try* to go with twice a week so my schedule doesn't get so wonky. That extra day can make the difference between healthy skin and really irritated skin for me, so it isn't often that I can go for four days. Some people can go for a week between changes.

I watched one of the "instructional" videos on the ConvaTech web site for the type of wafer I use a couple of weeks ago. They recommended changing a durahesive moldable wafer every three days.

I also tend to change more often (2-2 1/2 days or so) when the weather is especially hot, or if I've been sweating a lot.

-Rae

Hi Rae,

I change more frequently when the weather's hot too but a couple of things that extend my wear time in hot weather are to use an antipersperant deoderant under where the bags sits along with wearing some cloth backers that I make to sandwich between my skin and the bag. I make them from those disposable wash cloths you can get from medical suppliers. Using one of my bags as a pattern I cut round the shape of the bag (not forgetting to cut a hole) and thread my bag through it when I change it after my shower. The hotter it is the more layers of "backers" I use!

I also use a non-greasy barrier cream on the days I change my wafer called Chiron Cream. This cream contains Aluminium Chlorhydrate 2% in an emulsified base and Lanolin. The Aluminium Chlorhydtrate is widely used in antiperperant deoderants so helps to prevent excess sweating and the resulting sweat rash. The only problem is I don't think it is available on your side of the Pond, though you may be able to get your pharmacist to make something similar up for you.

Alternatively you could try using a non-perfumed antipersperant deoderant before applying your wafer, but make sure that it is non-greasy and that you dust off any residue first.

Shell

Shell,

Actually, I use Hollister's two-piece unit. I had tried the one piece before, because I wanted something a bit more low-profile, but I kept springing leaks every 1 to 2 days. Since switching to the two piece a little over a month ago, no leaks at all! I probably could go longer, but I don't want to chance it. My insurance company will only pay for a certain amount of supplies, otherwise I would be changing just the bag every day. You are lucky!

Hi Michelle,

Yes I do realise that we are very lucky here as we don't have to pay for any of our ostomy supplies so there is no limit on how many I can use. It's the same in the UK, they don't have to pay for theirs either. Our Health System here on the Island is similar in structure to the UK's NHS. It may have it's faults (such as long waiting lists etc) but it's equal rights for everyone regardless of how rich or poor you are. Even if you don't work you are entitled to the same benefits.

I wish it were like that for you guys on your side of the Pond. It horrifies me when I hear of people trying to make a wafer or bag last as long as 10 days because their medical insurance doesn't give sufficient cover! We are very fortunate here.

Shell