After a number of hours wearing an Ampatch or any kind of covering over my stoma, I sometimes notice an odor. It doesn’t happen all of the time and it seems to be when the pad is overly saturated with fluid and/or mucus from the stoma. I never have stool leakage; but the odor has a horrible, very similar smell. I often wonder if other people can smell it too if they’re in close proximity. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?
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Are you taking any medication? Or perhaps it could be from a certain food?
Thanks for responding! The only medication is Stelara; however I noticed the odor before the injections. I am not sure if it’s food related. Maybe, I should keep a food diary to see if I can detect a pattern. I’ve often wondered if it happens because I've been wearing the bandage too long (overnight) and it’s time to change...
A food diary would probably be a good idea. Sometimes I notice output from eating the same exact foods can be more odorous if I’ve eaten when my stomach is really empty.
i use a nursing pad, stuck on my underpants. if it smells i replace it.
another approach is to decrease your output smell with Devrom. thanks to your post i googled it and came up with a much cheaper price than i have been paying. greatly appreciated!
Thanks Kim S! I will definitely try to see if a certain food is the problem.
Thanks Jan15! I purchased those years ago; but I never took them consistently. Maybe, I’ll give it another try.
i have to take 6-8 daily for them to be effective and take for about two weeks before any effect. then every day. expensive, but helpful. jan
Eating eggs or fish can cause a strong odor in the output.
Winterberry, Actually, it’s not the output that seems to be the problem; but rather it’s the fluid/mucus that collects on my bandage throughout the day. I have also wondered if I’m just not drinking enough water. Maybe, when I’m dehydrated it’s causing an unusual odor. I just scheduled an appointment to see my doctor. I will mention it to him to see if he has any idea what the root of the issue might be. However, you are correct. I could see how fish or eggs would create a bad smell. Thanks!
Or perhaps a yeast infection? Dampness and dark areas can start a yeast or fungal infection. Your doctor will know for sure. Try not to worry about other people noticing. They probably don't notice at all. Good luck.
Winterberry, thank you! I am so self-conscious about it sometimes. 😟 At least if it is some kind of infection...it can be cured.
I also don’t think other people notice. Could you try not using an Ampatch for a while and see if the smell dissipates. I happen to have quite a bit of mucus so I use nursing pad, which conveniently adheres to my under pants. Some days I need to change it more than once. I also think that would be better for your skin than having the ampatch on all the time.
Jan15, during the week, I wear scrubs while I’m working. I use cotton pads underneath an adhesive which allows me to change the pads throughout the day when they become saturated. I typically only wear the Ampatch on the weekend when I’m in regular clothing because they are less noticeable under form fitting clothes. I have noticed the odor while wearing both kinds of coverings. My fear of others noticing the smell is because I work in very close proximity to other people. I am a dental hygienist; so my patients’ heads are typically right near my abdominal area. I change the pads frequently and the minute I get a whiff of the odor. I have an appointment with the doctor today, so I will let you guys know the outcome.
Thanks!
I don't know if this is helpful but the only time I ever noticed an odor is when I'm using the bathroom. Once I pull up my pants I don't notice it. And no one has ever pulled away from me or said anything in regard to if they noticed something funky. When are you noticing this odor? Do you have anyone you could ask if they smell anything? What does your doctor say? Have a marvelous day. 