Instructions for Use

Introduction

This document has instructions on how to use the StomaToGo (patent pending) device when changing your ostomy appliance. It has optional features which may or may not be useful in some situations. For example, if using it at home compared to when travelling. There are conveniences at home (e.g. vanity surface) which make some features unnecessary. The instructions are for use when traveling. First, let us review the various parts of StomaToGo.  There is a Home Package and Basic Base which do not have all the parts reviewed here.   There are also videos on the use of StomaToGo using the Videos navigation on this site.

1. There is the Base which holds all the other parts. It and the Bag Holder have a flat surface that goes towards the torso.

2. The strap or belt that goes around the torso and holds the base in place.  The strap is one inch wide.

3. The Stabilizer Bar which extends down when in use to keep the StomaToGo base perpendicular to the torso when the waste bag weight increases due to the waste placed in it. 

4. The waste bag wraps around the Bag Holder and the Bag Holder inserts into the base to hold the waste bag during use. Any waste bag which is large enough can be used. The bags are not part of the product.

5. The Rest Platform can hold a two-piece ostomy barrier, and any seal ring or other items used. Rest Platform can also rotate to keep the new ostomy bag from falling into the waste bag and getting soiled when done. The Rest Platform fits over the Base post and can be rotated on the post.

6. The Shield Holder can hold another plastic bag which acts as a visual shield providing some privacy when the change occurs in a public place.  It fits into the square hole at the top of the Base post.

7. There are also hooks on the Base and on the Shield Holder that are to hold the new ostomy bag or other items used during the change.

Usage Instructions

The instructions for use cover the three main steps involved: preparation, change, and reassembly for transport. When there is an immediate need to change an appliance, speed is important. Even if your plans are to only use StomaToGo when traveling away from home, use of it at home will help you reach a level of comfort with its use. 

The instructions include the attachment of the waste bag as part of the preparation steps, but it can reduce the preparation time if the bag is prepared and placed in the StomaToGo Base when transported. Then all you need to do is place it around your torso and start making the change without the time or need to attach the waste bag.

Preparation

These preparation steps assume the use of all the features. Some steps are optional when that is not the case. The steps can be in a different sequence than those described. For example, when using StomaToGo at home you can remove the Rest Platform and Shield Holder. Since you will have surfaces at home for holding your appliance and other items.

1. Undo the belt/strap from one end. Drop the Stabilizer Bar into its downward position so it will rest against the torso or leg to provide stability to the Base.

2. Reach around your waist with one hand to grasp the loose end of the belt/strap. Insert the strap into the empty strap holder of the Base and pull it tight so the Base is directly below the stoma.

3. Move the Rest Platform to position it away from the center of the Base. The Rest Platform has notches to hold it either towards or away from the torso or to either side.  You have to slightly lift it to turn it and then push it down when the desired location is reached.

4. Remove the Shield Holder from the Base posts and place it in the hole on the top of the Base post. The pointed post should be towards the torso.

5. Insert a waste bag through the bottom of the Bag Holder and overlap the bag around all the edges of the Bag Holder. With one hand reach under the Bag Holder and grasp the waste bag. If there is air within the waste bag, deflate it.

6. Then using the other hand reach through the base and grasp the waste bag and Bag Holder, pulling it tightly into the Base. Use the Bag Holder post to guide the position, as the post should be center and rear of the Base. Tug on the bag to ensure it is tight in the Base.

7. Optionally, if you want to use the shield for privacy, insert another waste bag onto the pointed post of the Shield Holder and insert the other end of the shield bag into the waste bag. First move the Rest Platform to the rear.

Change

Depending on the type of appliance used, these steps will change to match. These are just some general points of use.

1. Move the Rest Platform to the side or rear, if not already done, to get it out of the way of the waste bag.

2. The appliance and any seal ring used can be prepared and placed on the Rest Platform before removing the current appliance.

3. The stoma bag or other items can be hung from one of the hooks if appropriate.

4. Remove the old appliance and drop it and any cleaning materials used into the waste bag.

5. After cleaning is done and the new appliance and stoma bag are put on, hold the stoma bag so it doesn’t drop into the waste bag and get soiled. 

6. If a bag was used on the Shield Holder, remove it from the post and drop it into the waste bag.

7. Rotate the Rest Platform to the front so the new stoma bag can rest on it.

8. Remove one side of the belt/strap while holding the Base with the other hand.

9. Hold the waste bag with one hand and with the other pull the Bag Holder from the Base and remove the waste bag from the Bag Holder and place the Bag Holder over your free forearm to hold it. The Base can be placed onto the forearm to hold it.

10. Tie up the waste bag for disposal. 

Reassembly

These are the steps to reassemble StomaToGo for transport. These are assuming any necessary cleaning would be done either before or after these steps. Usually there is likely no need for it to be cleaned but accidents do happen.

1. One recommendation is to go ahead and insert a new waste bag by inserting it into the Bag Holder, overlapping it a few inches, and then inserting the Bag Holder back into the base. This is optional and if not done, just insert the Bag Holder back into the base.

2. Place the Shield Holder onto the Base Posts. The Rest Platform may need to be moved out of the way.

3. Place the Rest Platform towards the front of the Base.

4. Move the Stabilizer Bar back up so the Belt/Strap can be wrapped around it and the belt loops. This will hold the Stabilizer Bar in place. There are small catches on each end of the Stabilizer Bar which should go above the Belt/Strap to help hold it.