Some people tend to apply the baseplate – to ensure fit and placement – then apply the pouch. Others just apply the whole two piece system like they would a one piece. This is a personal preference and dependent on circumstance – ie I would apply a two piece in its entirety if I was changing and my stoma was abit more active that I would ideally like during a change! Closed: means that the pouch has no opening at the end. This means that the bag is changed when full, either in its entirety – baseplate and pouch – or just the pouch; if it’s a two piece system. If your job is particularly strenuous and involves a lot of heavy lifting, you may need to wear a support belt or girdle. Your stoma nurse can advise you about this. How well you recover will determine how much exercise you can do. If you feel any pain, stop immediately. Sometimes, you can get more wear out of a two piece system. If the baseplate is cut and applied perfectly, you can get days wear out of it. This is favourable to colostomates who have predictable output.

There's no reason why you cannot travel after having a colostomy, but you'll probably need to plan extra time into your journey. Irrigation is not always possible. For example, it's not suitable for people with Crohn's disease or diverticulitis, or if you're having radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Most types of exercise are possible with a stoma, including swimming, as all colostomy bags are waterproof. A two piece system is where the pouch and flange remain separate and are put together during a change. Your stoma nurse can advise you about products you can use to help reduce any smell and give you dietary advice to reduce gas.Being able to experience with two piece system if you have always used a one piece is a good learning curve. It can be used well if you are travelling, if you go walking alot without a bathroom break, if you swim or enjoy showering without your bag. As you recover, you can start to eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

This is not to say that you can’t use a different system for your stoma. Ileostomates favour two piece systems as much as colostomates and urostomates. It’s all down to personal choice and preference. You may find that some sex positions you enjoyed are now uncomfortable after having surgery. Try different positions until you find what works for you. Having a colostomy can also affect the blood supply and nerve endings to the penis. This can make it difficult to get or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction). A specialist stoma nurse, who usually sees you before and after the colostomy operation, will help you choose the most suitable colostomy equipment. The baseplate can also be called a barrier or wafer; depending on who you talk to and where they come from.Can burp the bag when the excess gas / air build up by releasing the mechanism (I would only advise doing this on a mechanical coupling, not an adhesive one!)