How to Empty a colostomy bag...eww, but its gotta be done!

Have a colostomy or caring for someone with one? well here is a few tips for emptying it out.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• a person with a colostomy
• a large measuring cylinder or container or whatever you plan on empying it into
• wet wipes or wet paper towel
• dry towell
• alcohol wipes are a plus for sanitary purposes.
• air freshener

1. first off get everything you need gathered up, you don't want to be in the middle of cleaning it and then the person start going again. there are different types of bags that are attached to the abdomen, if the bag has an opening at the bottom that folds up and seals it can be emptied often instead of completely changing it.
2. put on gloves! unfold the bottom and open the pouch, holding it upwards making sure nothing falls out, then hold it over top a basin or cylinder (if it needs measured)just squeeze it out from the top down until you get out as much as you can, then take you wet wipe and wipe around the inside part around the edges, when you get it good and clean then take you dry towel and dry it out, you can take an alcohol prep pad or put some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and wipe around the edges to make sure its clean and sanitary.
3. fold the edge back up on there creases and then press it together hard to seal it. It kinda feels like a zip lock bag. clean up your mess and spray some air freshener!