Hi Laura, I’m 84 years old and have had a colostomy for three years. For the past few months, I’ve found my stool has been pasty and sticky. This makes it difficult to empty and clean my ostomy bag. Please tell me what to do to prevent ostomy “pancaking” from sticky stool. I took Benefiber® but it didn’t work. Please tell me any foods or medications that can improve my situation. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Troy
Hi Troy,
Sorry to hear about your recent issue. The first thing I would suggest is to make sure you’re drinking enough fluids throughout the day. Drinking fluids will help make stool less sticky. Another product that can really help with cleaning the pouch is a lubricating deodorant (there are many different products available, but here is an example). Lubricating deodorant helps stool fall to the bottom of the pouch and makes emptying and cleaning the pouch much easier.
Our OstomyLife Co-Moderator, Kelsey, has written an article about pancaking that you may find helpful as well — she herself is a colostomate.
Please let me know if you have any other questions!
I hope you’re happy and healthy!
Laura
For more information, see related articles and ostomy resources here:
- Order Your Free “Living Well With an Ostomy” Booklet
- Hydration with an Ostomy
- Odor Management with an Ostomy
- Medication or Pills to Eliminate Ostomy Odor | Ask Laura
- Nutrition and Your Ostomy Video
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Now that summer is here, may I swim in a pool? If so, will my ostomy bag be affected by chlorine in the water?
After reading your suggestions for pan caking, have tried all of that, no results.. Also, my stomach is very very low.. Have tried about 6 different pouches… Any suggestions?? HELP PLEASE
What do you see best results when the stoma powder and the wipes do not get rid of the redness? I don’t mind getting prescription. I have used NY stop, it helps a little but not entirely. I’ve used cream from my doctor, is there anything new?
During a hospital stay several years ago one of the floor nurses showed me a technique he learned in a nursing home to assist with emptying a colostomy pouch. I started using it after I got home and haven’t had a problem with pancaking or partial cleaning since. The technique is to add a small amount of water to the open end of the pouch. Work the water into the stool and it loosens up every time. It only takes about 1/8 cup for a normal load. Don’t use too much since the glue for holding the pouch to you skin is water reactive.
I’ve been using Hollister adapt or Coloplast lubricant. I was on disibility so they were getting costly because I pay out of pocket every month. Would you know of any other lubricant that is less expensive or if I could use a few drops of baby oil in my bag?
Thank you,
Lori