AJ’s Ostomy Supplies Tips & Tricks: Applying Your Flange + Ostomy Bag Wear Time
Hey Community, AJ here from InnerGood. Getting the right ostomy supplies is critical for a speedy recovery and return to health and wellness for every patient, whether you are a young person, senior, or anything in between. The first and most important tip, … it is essential to have a proactive attitude about your health and be uncompromising about finding the right medical supplies that suit your needs (ostomy, wound care, hygiene, dietary supplements, etc.). This was a lifesaving attitude for me in more ways than one, and keeps me feeling positive and in control of my wellness.
I recently shared a few personal tips and tricks that I have learned along the journey on Instagram on how I manage my routines like applying my flange and bag wear time. I think these topics are important to share with our community through our website and newsletter as well. I hope you find this helpful and please feel free to write in the comments below and share any Tips n’ Tricks you think could help others!
Tip #1 – Applying a Flange Correctly
When applying a flange, I cut the hole, use my finger and push it through the newly cut hole to be sure the cut edge is smooth and a bit softened.
Next I will gently peel a small section of the protective plastic backing and slice it as seen in the next photo.
This allows me to dry the stoma with lint free wipes, place the flange in the perfect location without it sticking to my skin. Next, I can hold the flange in the exact spot I would like it and grab the protective plastic backing and gently pull it off leaving the flange precisely where I wanted it.
TIP#2 – Getting Wear Time Right for your Ostomy Device
Write the day you changed your Ostomy device right on your bag.
While possibly the most simple tip, it is one that can really help keep your wear time in check. If your memory is anything like mine, it will allow you to get the most out of your appliance, but without springing a leak by waiting too long or forgetting to change it. Worried about writing on your nice fresh bag? Write it on the backside of the bag! Here’s to always knowing when to change it.
Hope it helps and I look forward to reading your comments or questions below, or seeing your tips as well. Also, feel free to follow us on Instagram and Facebook too.
Hi aj – good tips, may I reprint on the next newsletter? (With proper credit, of course!)
Thanks Deb,
Please feel free to share in the Newsletter for sure!
Just got my ostomy and will leave rehab in two days. I’m doing lots of research but that’s hard when you don’t know what to ask.