ok maybe I'm just stupid, but how the hell do the ampatches work? I was given some at the hospital, but don't really understand how they work.

I still am intubating every 2-3 hours, so are these out of the question for me? I'm guessing they are for people that can wear them for an extended period of time. And how do you change the pad? Their instructions fail to mention catheterizing.

Hi...you peel off the outer layer (like a band aid) and remove the precut hole to expose the absorbent portion of the pad then place over your stoma. If it's not exactly centered over the stoma, no biggie, you'll perfect as you go.

When time to inturbate, lift off one side, insert cath and place back down. If it's not sticky enough you can use some paper tape to hold it down until next the patch change.

Ampatch has different styles and sizes, here's a link to their website..not sure which one you have......

http://www.ampatch.com/productinfo.html

And of course, others use different brands depending on costs and how sensitive skin is.

ahhh. see the instructions weren't exactly clear about what to do when you cath. I've been using those 2X3 bandages and cut little sponges which I change when I cath and it lasts all day. Even the store brand works fine and is pretty damn cheap.