Question about Indian Pouch and water - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

~*~Christine~*~ · 12-14-2005, 10:16 PM

Does the stoma area close up, like a urethra, when not cathing?
The reason why I ask is because I'm curious as to whether large quantities of water, like during a bath or swimming, would flow into the pouch.
If so, is there something that can be used to close the opening for such situations?

*sorry for all the stupid questions I keep asking guys ; ) You are truly the best and very helpful : )*

DebbieD · 12-15-2005, 01:40 AM

I Take a Bath with My Bag Off . Water does not go into my stoma. It gets Really Clean that way..But when you get out of the shower be sure you have your Supplies ready to but on. Because A stoma rather my Ileo- will Spit urinne out. I always have a Four by four ready. I also Swim in the summer time and Have always for 21 years now. No Problem I was Born on the Beach and I love to swim. But the Best time to Change your Applaince the the First thing in the Morning when it is less active.

Hope this works for you.

Hugs

DebbieD

**Judith56** · 12-15-2005, 02:22 AM

I have an Indiana pouch, and the stoma does not close up like a urethra. When they create it they make one way valves inside of you along the tract that goes into the pouch.This way the internal pouch is closed so water etc. will not flow into it while swimming or bathing. When you put the catheter in you push it through this valve ( it does not hurt!) so that you can drain the collected urine out. My stoma will spit out mucus at times, so I keep it covered with either gauze and tape or I sometimes use a special covering called an AMPatch whihc is designed just for stomas. It looks like a band-aid. When I am in the shower or bathtub I don't keep it covered as water is good for the skin around the stoma, as well as letting air get to it. Judith

~*~Christine~*~ · 12-15-2005, 10:34 AM

Thank you for the info guys : )

bellaluna05 · 12-16-2005, 01:41 AM

Judith,
do you cover it somehow when you swim? how often does the mucus come out?
Thank you Judith,
Lara

DebbieD · 12-16-2005, 02:04 AM

I also have Muscus That comes Out of my stoma. when they make Your Ostomy most of the Time they will use parts of your Bowel. Your Bowel is not like a Bladder it has mucus in it. So strings of t will come out in your urine. Nothing that is bad. It is Normal. So that is why we are suppose to Drink alot of Fluids at all times.

With these Bathing Suits Now that are two piece. I wear those. I love the Water. We go Camping. One thing with an urostomy If you wear a Bag that you can hook up to a Bedside Drainage Bag when you travel and you do not have to stop I have to Pee. I Love to travel also. We Live in MI. and my DR. and Parents are in North Carolina. I Just get in the Car and Hook up and just go and If we nned to stop I will unhook and get out and Strench My Legs.

One thing I will recomemmend is that Try to Get into a Support Group after the Osomy. It really helped me out alot. You will be surprize how many People wear these and you do not even know it.

Hugs

DebbieD

**Judith56** · 12-16-2005, 06:34 AM

Lara, yes I keep mine covered when I swim. Then I usually the AMPatch as it has waterproof outside coating. The is no rhyme or reasonas to when the mucus comes oput, that is why I keep my stoma covered. It is no big deal, it is not like tons of the stuff is pouring out. It is more a little seepage that you do not want to get on your clothes.Judith