I suppose it was bound to happen eventually. But I somehow had the illusion that it wouldn’t happen to me!
I had a HUGE blow-out with my colostomy bag. Thankfully, I was at home when it happened. It was bad. REALLY BAD. I was sitting at the computer when I realized something had happened, so I lifted up my shirt and camisole to take a peek, and there was SHIT everywhere! It was all over my waist and side, all over my camisole, all over my shirt…oh, man, it was everywhere!
So, I’m really glad it didn’t happen while I was out somewhere.
I think the seal on the bag failed because I’d been using baby oil to lubricate the inside of the pouch (so it would be easier to empty). The ostomy nurse and some literature I’ve read said baby oil or cooking spray was okay to use. I opted for baby oil because I just couldn’t wrap my head around keeping a can of Pam in the bathroom. But I think the baby oil must have gotten under the wafer seal somehow and the whole bag just came loose from my skin.
Trust me…this is not something you ever want to have happen. To add insult to injury, both shirts were white! I’ve washed them in hot water numerous times already and you can still see some of the stain. Made me wonder: how did mom’s ever get cloth diapers clean…?
So, I may just have to get used to keeping cooking spray next to the toilet. In comparison to the legions of other things I’ve had to adjust to in this dance with cancer, I suppose Pam in the bathroom is fairly minor.
Thought y’all might get a little chuckle out of this post. (No photo though!)
A Different Wholeness 
Eeek! Well, you’ll perfect your routine over time. As for your laundry, try soaking the articles overnight in a solution of Oxyclean–the stuff has worked wonders on ingrained stains I’ve encountered on vintage linens. It may take a few repeats but, unlike bleach, it won’t damage the delicate fabrics.
Let me know how it goes.
Love ya, babe. Hang in.
xok
Thank Goddess for being home at the time. And I love your honesty. Glad to still be along for your ride.
Love you,
Karenda
K-
Kate is soooo right. Oxyclean. The kids’ clothes wouldn’t make it through more than one wearing but not for Oxyclean.
You are so incredible – born with true, honest grace.
Love you, Ali
Oh, Karen! You are so beautifully, brutally honest, and yet keep such a sense of humor about everything! You’re right, if you’re to look for that silver lining — thank God you were at home & not on national TV accepting an Oscar or something…….! Beyond the explosion, I love that you are doing so well, and I really miss you and the rest of the Kindred Team when I am here in KW.
I found your blog Googling using Pam in a colostomy bag. We got our colostomies around the same time and I too am still experimenting as well.
I had my first major blowout at home. It was while I was recuperating and still couldn’t move very well. My wife was outside and I couldn’t get hold of her to help me out, so I ended up lying in bed covered in the muck until she could help me out. Thank God not be alone. Luckily I had some kleenex near the bed to “stem the tide” until help arrived.
Your positive attitude is wonderful. I assume that’s part of your personality and congratulate you for it.
I see from your picture of “Ostomy 101” that you are using a one-piece appliance. I had trouble with the one piece “blowing off” myself and have now switched to a Hollister two-piece that really works well. Plus I didn’t like draining from the bottom of the one-piece. It may be a guy thing, but I didn’t like sitting down and dealing with it. (Plus I had a periwound that wasn’t healing well and made sitting very unpleasant). Anyway, you might want to give the two-piece system a try if you haven’t already. I know these things are all very personal – what works for one doesn’t for the next. But if you’re still in the experimentation phase, it may be worth a try.
What the heck, I’m gonna try the Pam. With all the crap that’s already in the bathroom, whose gonna notice!!!
Peace and the best of everything.
A fellow traveler – Rob-
Rob –
Wow! Thanks for the super nice note – it’s great to hear from someone who really “knows” what this whole colostomy experience is like. You probably noticed from the various comments to my blog that I have a terrific, wonderfully supportive group of friends and family who’ve been cheering me on throughout – but none of them have any direct experience with this stuff, so it’s often a challenge trying to describe my feelings to those who aren’t going through the same thing.
So, I can totally sympathize with an event like lying there waiting for help…I had some of those kind of situations last fall when I was really ill from chemo & radiation. I was often so weak that reaching the bathroom in time was a challenge (vomiting, peeing, you name it), so I have complete understanding! Thankfully, I’m doing really well these days so I’m not facing THAT issue anymore!
As for the bags, I think I’ve landed on something that seems to be working for me so far. I’m not a big fan of the two-piece for the primary reason that it’s bulky and the wafer is thick. I’ve been trying out thinner and thinner wafers so I don’t have to focus my attention on the “heaviness” of the attachment all the time (which was driving me crazy!). Anyway, I sure appreciate the suggestions…
Thanks again for taking the time to let me hear from a “fellow traveler” on this strange path we’re on. Hoping the Pam works for you, too!
All the best!
-Karen
Rachel is using cloth diapers and she says the best thing for getting out stains is SUNSHINE, yep that’s it, good old sunshine. They need to be at least damp if not wet. She swears sun bleaches the stains from all Keely’s diapers. I will check with her and see if she has any other tricks up her sleeve. Glad to hear you are doing so well!
Love
Pat