Feb 27, 2025 • 3:14 AM
If I'm going to be away from home for 1 to 3 days I carry 4 brava xl strips cut in half. This plus a bathroom that has a roll of toilet paper handy, or a few paper napkins at McDonald's is all you need to reinforce before a leak or stuff napkins in the blowout area and patch, you can get 3 days if need be patching a blowout like this.
If I'll be gone up to 5 days, I'll put a bag&barrier along with barrier strips in a bread bag and stick it in my back pocket. All you need to change a bag And dispose of it also in your pocket taking about as much space as a covid mask.
Minimalistic no worry approach has worked for me for years.
Feb 27, 2025 • 3:28 AM
Colostomy, I use a closed pouch so in my front pant pocket I carry two closed pouches and one drainable one to use as my last one that can be drained. I also keep 5 more pouches, wafers and full change stuff, scissors etc in a small bag in my car, or if traveling inside my laptop bag.
On the three I keep in pocket I just keep them and two bags inside one bag and folded up
Feb 27, 2025 • 10:01 AM
In reply to krapman's comment
I've never used Brava strips before, I'll have to try it. Thanks!
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Feb 27, 2025 • 11:59 AM
Until you can get the extra large Bravo strips for 'patching' as Russ recommended, you can use various tapes for temporary patching. (I buy various useful tapes otc at a pharmacy) I always try to patch leaks until I can get home. In 17 years with an ostomy, I've always changed at home or wherever I'm staying if travelling. All the best. Btw, I'm glad you found the tip about using pressure for 15 min after applying a new pouch. I do that plus avoid bending for a couple of hours (an ostomy nurse told me that).
Nina
Feb 27, 2025 • 12:11 PM
In reply to Nina47's comment
Thank you! The bending tip is a good one. Jim
2 ReactionsFeb 27, 2025 • 4:59 PM
I keep 2 changes for each of my stomas (colostomy and urostomy) in a small makeup bag I keep at the bottom of my purse that way it's always with me and a spare change of clothes in the car. Although I've went a couple of years without that spare change of clothes in the car and only recently put it back in there, Boy was I being brave!
I had a couple of random leaks recently (thankfully happened at home)and decided I better stop taking chances like that.
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Feb 27, 2025 • 5:13 PM
I had a couple of leaks in the early days of having my ileo and that really fed in to my anxiety, so I always take 3 changes, extra brava strips, and a change of clothes in my backpack when going out "just in case"... haven't needed them in many years, though, thankfully, but I still get anxious if I leave home without it
2 ReactionsFeb 27, 2025 • 5:18 PM
In reply to moosiemichelle's comment
I worry about not having clothes on hand. When they are needed, they are really needed. I'm a man so I have to substitute a day pack for a purse, and no car, so it's carry them around or not.
2 ReactionsFeb 27, 2025 • 8:17 PM
In my day to day stuff I don't carry anything. I have been fortunate in that I have very few leaks. When I change I put a magic bag in the microwave for a couple of minutes and place it over the flange/ring area.
https://www.amazon.ca/Magic-Bag-Extended-Cold-Ounce/dp/B000MX51GI?th=1
When I go away for 3 - 7 days I have the complete suite of stuff for 3 changes in a backpack. It travels with me quite a bit.
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Feb 27, 2025 • 9:06 PM
Hi Curiocurio—
I read your profile—you have such an interesting life! I’ve had my ileo for 12 years and in the beginning, I carried extra supplies everywhere, as well as a change of clothing in my car. Now I’m a lot more casual about it, but if I’m going to be gone more than a couple hours, I’ll bring my emergency kit with two appliance changes (and a Tide pen—useful for getting poop splashes off your clothes!). My car still has clothes in it, but they’re from 12 years ago and probably don’t fit my slightly larger body anymore. (I should probably update them soon.) I hate purses, so a daypack carries all my stuff around. Good luck!
Feb 27, 2025 • 9:53 PM
In reply to Nook1986's comment
That's exactly what I've thought. I asked the question because I'm wondering if I'm being over cautious these days.
0 ReactionsFeb 27, 2025 • 9:58 PM
In reply to BobWilson_8549's comment
I'm not the brave to not carry anything. What dies a magic bag do?
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Feb 27, 2025 • 10:00 PM
In reply to Lennie220's comment
Thanks for the compliment! The tide pen is a good idea!
0 ReactionsFeb 28, 2025 • 12:31 AM
In reply to Curiocurio's comment
A Magic Bag is filled with organic oats. These release a moist heat when warm that helps your flange and ring adhere to your skin better. Like putting your hand on it for a while, only larger and warmer.
2 ReactionsFeb 28, 2025 • 1:05 AM
In reply to BobWilson_8549's comment
Thank you! I'll have to try it.
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