The first few times you change your ileostomy pouch it will almost certainly feel challenging. Make sure that the first couple of times you try emptying or changing the pouch, you do it somewhere you feel safe and comfortable.
Take your time – it is completely okay if at first you don't get it right every time. Though it may take some time getting used to, it will soon feel like a routine matter to you.
Getting into a routine
It will be very helpful if you can try to establish a routine for changing your ostomy pouch – a good rule of thumb is to change your pouch at a time when your ostomy is relatively inactive – many find that first thing in the morning is a good time.
How often does the appliance need changing?
Frequency of changes depends on many things, however, you must always change your ostomy appliance if you feel itching or burning from the skin surrounding your ostomy.
Because an ileostomy bypasses the large intestine (where water is drained from the faeces to turn it solid), the output will be liquid. That means the pouch will need to be drained typically 4-6 times a day (including once at night).
Before use, always consult the 'Instructions for use' document delivered with the products
