My barrier has been leaking too much and my stool is very watery. I have been changing my barrier about 4 times a day the last couple of days. I have been using a barrier ring and skin barrier film and it still ends up leaking. Any ideas as to why it leaks and pointers to help with the leaking issues.
bigboy9706
Nov 27, 2023 7:54 pm
Mysterious Mose
Nov 27, 2023 8:24 pm
Are you using flat barriers or convex? Your handle and picture would indicate you are a large person. People who are obese tend to have more problems with leaks, according to my ostomy nurse. If you are not using convex wafers, I suggest you try those. Also, make sure your skin is bone dry before applying your wafer. Personally, I have issues with skin barrier film as it causes irritation. I am also more apt to leak if I use it. But, that is maybe due to not letting it dry enough after application. For me, using nothing at all works best.
Daniel
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,406 members.
“I found real people, real humor, and answers I couldn’t get anywhere else.”
“The support here impressed my husband’s medical team - they plan to recommend it.”
“This community saved me when I thought I was a freak. Now I’m thriving.”
“Thank god for this site - I finally knew what to ask my surgeon.”
Posted by: freedancer
In both of my cases, I had no choice. It was surgery or be put 6 feet under! I thank God that He has been with me all these times. Without Him, I never would have known what to do and might not have gone to the hospital when I did. I don't know if you have had your surgery or not yet but I hope you will hang out on this website when you are done. I have learned a great deal through the people here and it is so great having others who have had the same thing done and been through what you are about to or have gone through. The only thing I have turned down is a reversal of the ileostomy. When the doctors did the emergency rebuilding of my original ileostomy this last February, I told them I did not want to go through this again. My doctor told me at that time that I was no longer a candidate for the reversal. In a way, I was very relieved. The last three years of my life have been a nightmare for me. I do not want to go through any of it again. If you wish to be rehooked up and they say you are a good choice for that, research it carefully. Every surgery I have ever had except for Old and New Maxine and the emergency surgery on my broken foot, I have spent weeks researching. I recently had my C5 C6 disk in my neck replaced with an artificial one. I went to my pre-op with 2 pages of questions for the doctor. I knew everything that they were going to do and could talk intelligently with them. I always try to research my adversaries! Don't cancel your surgery. It is nice not to have to suffer any longer with horrible pain. We all had to change a few things around when we had our surgeries but in the long run, most of us are glad we did it. I know I am. Good luck to you!
Advertisement
Hollister
A convex ostomy skin barrier can help prevent output leakage and skin issues. Unfortunately, some misconceptions about convexity may keep people with ostomies from using it.
Learn about convexity and 4 myths surrounding it.
Learn about convexity and 4 myths surrounding it.
xnine
Nov 27, 2023 10:53 pm
Try flange extenders. If it starts to itch, it is probably starting to leak.
Happy-but-Newbie
Nov 28, 2023 7:47 am
Ciao! I am a bigger person too and started with leaks all over the place before I found my way around bag & co.
I have a urostomy, so watery is all I know and gosh it stings on the skin and messes things up...
I do change the flange while lying down to minimize flow (cannot stop it) and use a big period tampon to absorb what comes out while changing (without pushing it in, of course!).
I use powder and leave it for 10 seconds before blowing away the excess, then wear the flange (pre-warmed under the armpit so it sticks better), immediately put on the bag and stay lying down for 5 minutes with hands or a small soft cushion pressed on top of the stoma, etc....
I have found that being flat down and not moving creates no creases until it's put, and that holding something to help adhere, maybe even warm like hands, helps the flange stick better.
I also wear a tube wrapper or elastic briefs to help support the weight.
Hope it helps you as well!
My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister
Justbreathe
Nov 28, 2023 12:25 pm
Do you start with an extremely clean, dry, well-shaved area for placement? This is KEY for starters…
AlexT
Nov 28, 2023 5:18 pm
Is your skin irritated at all? If not, don't use the barrier film and see how that works. It's only intended to be used if your skin is actually irritated. I would guess there's more to what you're doing/using that's causing the issue, but that's an easy thing to start with.
Mysterious Mose
Nov 28, 2023 6:24 pm
I have found that using barrier film makes it more likely I will have a leak eventually. It also tends to irritate my skin. Fortunately, I do not otherwise have problems with irritation and, as long as I can keep my skin free from leaks, I attach the appliance to clean, dry skin. Dry being the operative word. I've only had to resort to a crusting technique a couple of times. Even then, dry is the word. :-)
Daniel