Discarding Pouches Discretely But With Dignity

Lynn Wolfson, UOAA Director

As ostomates, we often feel self-conscious in public but deserve the same respect as anyone else. We don’t want to be singled out or face discrimination because of our ostomies. However, we also have a responsibility to leave a positive impression on others and the places we visit.

Recently, while flying, I had an unusual interaction with an airline attendant. Before I entered the restroom, she approached me to ask if I needed anything. Though her inquiry seemed strange, I assured her I was fine. After I left the restroom, she asked if I had disposed of any bodily waste in the trash. I was surprised by the question and said I hadn’t.

As a teacher, I saw this as an opportunity for education. I asked the flight attendant why she had asked such a personal question. She explained that she had noticed my ostomy through my clothing and that her grandmother had also had an ostomy, often discarding used bags in the trash without proper disposal. Her concern clarified her question. While the inquiry was inappropriate, it underscored how improper ostomy hygiene can reinforce negative stereotypes.

I explained that her grandmother likely had a colostomy, while I have an ileostomy with a drainable pouch. I suggested that her grandmother should have used a disposable bag, like a grocery or Ziplock bag, to seal or knot before disposal. This practice helps reduce mess and odor and allows ostomates to discreetly dispose of their pouches. It’s important for all ostomates to follow this practice at home, in others’ homes, and in public spaces. Many manufacturers provide plastic bags with the pouches for this purpose.

It’s crucial for us to carry or request a bag for disposing of our ostomy pouches and to knot these bags before discarding them.

For new ostomates, if you find yourself in a public restroom without disposal bags, wrap your used pouching system in toilet paper and place it in the wastebasket. To minimize odors, consider using one of the many deodorizers available from ostomy supply providers. Some deodorizers are drops that can be added to the bottom of the pouch, while others are air freshener sprays.

To minimize splashing when draining a pouch, try sitting backward on the toilet seat and placing toilet paper in the bowl before draining. It’s worth noting that at past UOAA conferences, hotels have commented on how clean and hygienic UOAA groups are for their cleaning staff compared to the general public.

Following my experience, I’ve advocated with the airline to consider adding a universal sign in the lavatories to provide guidance on the proper disposal of medical supplies. It would be beneficial if airplane restrooms included bags for this purpose, which could also be used for baby diapers, sanitary napkins, and tampons.

In summary, it’s crucial for us to carry or request a bag for disposing of our ostomy pouches and to knot these bags before discarding them.