Hello, my name is Jamie Folkard and last year I had an end ileostomy due to ulcerative colitis. I have been experiencing problems with the size of the bag I now cut myself. I have talked to the stoma nurses on countless occasions about this, but they just keep saying there needs to be a gap to allow space for the stoma to move/grow. Has anyone else experienced the same problems and if so, could they either email me their answers or talk to me on this site via sending messages or 1-1 chat about this?
Jamie93
lottagelady
Hi Jamie - you don't say exactly what problems you are having - is it leaking? Are the nurses saying you are cutting it too large or too small? Think we need a little more detail in order to help answer your question .....?
Rach xx
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three
Hi Jamie93 ~ Perhaps try a flange like the Convatec Natura that does not require cutting but instead molds to the shape of your stoma.
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Past Member
I would ask if you use the Eakin ring beneath the flange? They work absolutely wonderful for me. If you cut the hole a bit large, it is no matter with the ring, as it fills the gap and lasts about a week. Good luck.
CALYPSO
Jamie, your stoma will change shape. Gradually, it will settle down to a size you can depend on. When that is achieved, carefully measure your stoma and your stoma supplier will cut them to size for you.
When I used to cut my own, they were a bit tatty and dog-eared at times. When the supplier does it, it has smooth rounded edges, very professional. My stoma settled down to an oval shape. My supplier has a record of the size, 30mm long by 28mm across. They cut them no problems.
If your trouble is leaking, then finding the right appliance for you is essential. For months, I suffered in silence with leaky bags. The nights were always the worst to deal with. The stoma nurse sorted me out with a convex bag. No more problems, but it took some finding.
There is an answer, but I feel it should come from your stoma team. After all, they have all the latest technology at their fingertips.
Very best of luck, keep at 'em.
When I used to cut my own, they were a bit tatty and dog-eared at times. When the supplier does it, it has smooth rounded edges, very professional. My stoma settled down to an oval shape. My supplier has a record of the size, 30mm long by 28mm across. They cut them no problems.
If your trouble is leaking, then finding the right appliance for you is essential. For months, I suffered in silence with leaky bags. The nights were always the worst to deal with. The stoma nurse sorted me out with a convex bag. No more problems, but it took some finding.
There is an answer, but I feel it should come from your stoma team. After all, they have all the latest technology at their fingertips.
Very best of luck, keep at 'em.
Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister