Mishaps

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From my post ‘The new confidence‘, here are some excerpts –

‘….. I wrote about my struggles with having a urostomy bag on the outside of my body.  As the weeks pass I am learning to cope and accept this new reality. ‘

‘Past weeks had me hesitant in going anywhere I did not have to go because of my fear of ‘leakage’ from what is now an extension of my body – my urostomy bag.’

‘With different manufacture products tested by me; there were some trials and errors that took place and incidents that were frustrating and embarrassing.’

‘…a learning process has taken place for both Gary and myself with regards to the supplies needed and process of maintaining and replacing this new extension – my urostomy bag.’

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In today’s post, I write the following –

The post I just mentioned I published on February 24th of this year.  My urostomy bag must be changed often.  There is a method that is followed and equipment required for maintaining my urostomy bag.  At home the maintaining is easy and usually scheduled.  But what about being in public away from home and a mishap occurs?  When I use the word mishap; I am referring to my bag leaking.  I literally have had urine draining down my leg in public.

I have had 2 major mishaps regarding my urostomy bag.  Because these mishaps can happen, Gary and I have to be prepared for them.  In the truck is a bag that contains everything needed to remove, clean, and replace my urostomy bag.  And just in case the mishap is major, I also have another bag with a change of clothes.

I wear my clothes differently now because of where my stoma is located; my urostomy bag is positioned at my waistline.  Because of this, my boxer shorts are worn high above my waist and my shorts need to be very loose and worn below my waistline.  The urostomy bag collects my urine, but also will collect gas.

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Generally, this works out the best for me while I am out and about in public.  Concerning driving, I must place a small pillow directly on my urostomy bag and the seatbelt over the pillow.  This will place less pressure on the bag resulting in less likely that is will leak.  I have confidence being out in public and the previous mentioned mishaps thankfully were taken care of without much fanfare.  My hope is these mishaps rarely occur; but when it does, I am prepared.

My blog, I have always been truthful about me and my life.  The good and bad, the ups and downs and the in-betweens.  I hide nothing here as it is important for me to be honest and write about my experience with something that many people will never understand.

I write these types of posts, because one day those that do not currently have access to this blog, will read this and will hopefully understand what I went through.

25 thoughts on “Mishaps”

  1. You certainly do have everything covered in the case of an emergency. Isn’t it incredible how when life’s circumstances change, how one adapts and makes a plan. This is your new life, and it is by no means a bed of roses but you are coping and adjusting so well my friend. I have the highest respect for you. Thinking of you. 🙂

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  4. It may not seem like it, but it will get easier. You’ll become used to the new ‘appendage’ and probably won’t think about it much at all. I have an acquaintance who is a quadriplegic and has been for a very long time now. She had something (maybe the same thing) as you – a urine bag strapped to her leg. I don’t recall there ever being a problem unless it wasn’t emptied regularly. And it didn’t stop her from doing everything she wanted to do either. People should not judge someone who has a mishap related to those things, people should be minding their own business anyway. Here’s echoing Peggy’s remark “You’re a champ!”

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    • Thank you Embeecee for your understanding and support. I am growing use to my new appendage and it has become a part of me now. I just know there can and will be accidents at times, and I always have to be prepared. Thanks for stopping by. Happy Day! 🙂

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  5. I worked as Assistant to a wonderful man with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis for several years. He did not want to retire before he reached 60. Amongst other things he had to cope with a ‘bag’. Occasionally there were mishaps – more than once in Board meetings which was very hard on him but we had a system for me being on hand to get him sorted and I can honestly say that even those stuffed shirts of Board members were always utterly understanding. You have everyone’s respect my friend, for being so honest about the ups and downs and downright indignities of having to rely on a sack-a-pee-pee-catcher as I defined it for Paul. I continue to be so proud of you, so grateful that you have Gary and so awed by your attitude to your situation. Love.

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    • Thank you Osyth, this post is just another part of the everyday me. So much has changed in my life in the past 1 1/2 years and at times it is difficult for me to grasp. Thank you for understating, supporting and encouraging me. You are a true friend. 🙂

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  9. I find this quite interesting – if nothing else, it makes me aware of the issues a person with a urostomy bag might face. You never know when this sort of information could help out, if for no other reason than to make me understanding of another person’s struggles.

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