I know , there has prob.at some time been a discussion on wether the 2 piece appliance from Hollister, the "New Image" is waterproof. Swimming season is coming, and since this is going to be my first since my surgery, will the wafer "let loose" when it stays wet for so long?
I wear it in the shower, but try to keep it as dry as possible.

Sorry if this question seems redundant, but I couldn't find anything that specifically applied to the wafer. I noticed people used closed ended bags, but do you throw these away every time you go swimming? Thanks ,Mike

HI Mike,

I'm using that Hollister new burping one, if that's what you're referring to. I hadn't bathed (but just showered) since last July when I had my surgery. Came home wiped out from a hike yesterday and decided it was time to check out the tub and the new two piece toaster (applicance - g -). Works great. No problems at all. I bathed and then replaced the bag so it wasn't so wet to go to bed with. The wafer loses a little of its poly fibers - they sort of roll up like sweater pills but in no way affect the functioning. These bags do leak for me only at the filter on the third day, so I'm changing more often despite not liking all the waste of non-compostible plastic.

Hope this helps. By the way, I like looong baths & 108 degree water, which is verry hot. If that wafer were going to come off, it would have. Can't imagine it won't be just fine for swimming. I ordered a box of small, closed end bags for swimming because the river here is so cold I won't stay in for too long, but with the high output of an ileostomy,a smaller bag than the new burping one wouldn't work for longer sessions in the water.

Barbara

Thanks Barb. Yes, it is the new one. I have worried about temp. on the wafer, mabey melting the seal. I reallly do like the new setup so far. Haven't noticed any leaking at the seal yet, and I try to go 3 days with the bag, and a week with the wafer.
Don't have too many mountain streams nearby, but do have a lake in the backyard. That cold water gives me shivers just thinking about it.

It's nice hearing an environmentalist's view on it though!

I used the Hollister 2 piece "New Image" appliance and went swimming 2-3 times/week. I never had any problems with it keeping the seal except for a couple times after I gained a little bit of weight and would have one corner that pulled up a bit even out of the pool. Those couple times I was disappointed to find that water was getting in the bag while I swam. I had to make a quick exit back to the locker room. Fortunately, it was empty prior to swimming and I don't think water went out but only in (since it didn't fill all the way).

A couple things to remember/recommend:

1. If you can, buys some closed end bags to go on your wafer to give you the assurance there won't be leaking out of the bag. Hollister sells those bags in a large quantity - I can't remember how many
2. Empty before swimming (obviously)
3. Don't swim too close to a new appliance being put down. I usually tried to time it so I'd had mine on at least 12-24 hours
4. Don't swim if you have had a wafer on too long (you'll have to figure what is okay to risk here)

And I usually changed my appliance after swimming. Sometimes it was good that I did and other times I probably could have continued with it for a couple days.

Steve

Steve, that is great info! I have to use some barrier strip, to fill in the operation incision to my stoma. That worried me the most. I have a pool in back, so I can experiment there. I'll have to try some of the small bags. Thanks for the reply! Mike

hi mike,
i had my ostomy feb 20th so this is all quite new to me.i have the Hollister "new image" 2 piece. i am in the hot tub most nights and the shower everyday. the wafer has not once loosened around the edges.it seems to be remarkably sticky. i was sent some free samples, one of which was a tiny little bag that i have taken to wearing in the hot tub, only because it is less bulky. i normally shower with the bag off.hope this helps.

fiona,
Very helpful. I have been very hesitant to shower without the bag. I was afraid the warm water would soften the barrier in the wafer, and cause a leak. Thanks!

HI Mike, just to add my two cents, I shower with the bag off and have no problems with the wafer coming off. I use a hairdrier after to completely dry and to me this helps for a longer wear time. I too use a Hollister two piece - new image.

That does it Hope, the bag is coming off during showers. I get tired of drying the darn thing off with a hairdryer. BTW, the new filter bags from Hollister are great! I was watching, as Jason tested them out before switching. Thanks Jason!

So you guys actually leave the wafer on but take the bag off of your 2-part system while you shower? I've never done that. I always either left the bag and wafer on the whole time or took everything off to shower and put on a whole new wafer and bag after showering. The wafer doesn't come off with all that water getting to it? I like really hot showers.

I guess it would be good to have a fresh bag once in awhile between full changes, and it would not take as long to dry the wafer if I didn't have to dry the bag too.

Huh, I'll have to try it. Thanks!

Oh, and for those who swim with their bag and say they used the closed end bags, what do you do if you're there for a period of time? If I take my 4-year-old to the pool, I guarantee I'll fill up a bag with my loop ileo because we can't just be there for an hour. Or if you go to the beach for the day? Would you then just use an open-ended bag? How would you handle it?

Thank you!
Erin

I would NOT recommend leaving the wafer on but the bag off....you will risk compromising the seal. I think people sometimes refer to leaving the "bag" off as the whole appliance. If I'm wrong, let me know but I've had my ileo 6 1/2 years and I would never shower with just the pouch off and the wafer on. With the whole appliance off I do all the time.

As for closed bags, when I vacation, I sit at the pool for hours. I bring extra bags and zip lock baggies. Take off the full one and put it in the baggie, put on a new one and go. Same if I spend the day at the beach. No big deal to change them up once you get used to it. Practice at home a few times first so you feel confident.

Now I am confused.... Does the temp of the water have an impact on the integrity of the wafer seal without the bag. I have not tried it yet, but using a barrier strip on a scar from surgery, makes me hesitant now. Is water worse than the corrosive liquid excreted from the stoma? That is what has me confused. I can tell in about 5 days, that the barrier wax on that scar has been "Eaten away". So, what does water do, that poop dosen't?? Thanks for all the replies !!

Although I have only had my perm. ileo. for 10 months, I have had no problems with showering with only the wafer on. I do a complete change every five days but, within the five days I shower(with hot water) w/out the bag. For me, water doesn't compromise the wafer. I must add that I shower in the morning while my gut is still asleep so there won't be any accidents while showering. There are times when I am lazy and I'd rather eat first than shower so then I shower with the bag on. I guess it just boils down to what you are comfortable with doing. You might want to try showering with only the wafer and then blowdry to see if it will work for you. I hope this hasn't confused you more Mike. Good Luck!

Excessive heat and sweat/water can loosen the seal, but I never had a problem with either unsealing my wafer. It's your body temp that originally helps the adhesive stick to you - so in the respect, heat is good. I would not think hot water would cause you any problems (that said, assuming you haven't been wearing the wafer for 5-7 days already).

I used to shower with the whole appliance off early on, or would wrap my abdomen, bag, etc. with Press 'N Seal plastic wrap to keep the water out. I got to the point where I would always shower with it and get it all wet. It dries easier.

Steve