Helpful Tips 

• The firmness of your stool depends on what you eat and drink.

• Gas and odor will occur, but you can control them. Refer to the Diet and Nutrition information on previous pages.

• Empty the pouch frequently, keeping it no more than 1/3 to 1/2 full.

• Treat a bowel movement like you do any movement—let it happen naturally instead of trying to force it.

• Put toilet paper in the bowl before emptying your pouch, it minimizes the splashing and sound.

• Remember that you are always more aware of the issues than everyone else and everyone else has bowel movements as well.

• Eat a few marshmallows 10-20 minutes before you change your appliance. It will slow down high output enough to change the appliance.

• Prop yourself up on your elbow before standing, it helps prevent leaks.

• To prevent a vacuum, separate the two layers of the pouch before applying to allow air into the pouch.

• Lift and carry things on the sides of your legs.

• Before traveling abroad, call Intermedic, Inc. at 212-486-8974. They can provide you with English speaking doctors.

• If using washcloths, buy inexpensive ones—they are easier to wring out when changing the appliance.

• Use lubricating deodorant to keep stool from sticking to the pouch.

• Using soft toilet paper or baby wipes can help keep your rectum from getting irritated.

© 1998-2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).

THIS INFORMATION IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL CONSUMER UNDERSTANDING AND EDUCATION ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE YOU UNDERGO ANY TREATMENT OR FOR ANSWERS TO ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING A MEDICAL CONDITION. NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS HEALTH INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO BE OR IS TO BE USED FOR MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.