I have used hydrocolloid strips with my appliance from the very beginning of my ileostomy. Lately, I noticed during a bag change that if I take the strips off first and leave the appliance, the appliance appears pretty sturdy on its own. Any tips about not using strips?
Rene
Aug 01, 2024 4:40 pm
Mysterious Mose
Aug 01, 2024 5:05 pm
I've never used any sort of strips, so the only tip I have is to make sure your peristomal skin is clean and that you warm the wafer before application. Being a male, I also do a quick once-over with the razor, if needed. I do use thin barrier rings with my pre-cut convex wafer.
Daniel
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Posted by: iMacG5
About seven years ago, just about every aspect of my life was ostomy related. From the moment I was told an ostomy might be needed until some months down the road I existed as a person afflicted with a colostomy. I feared someone other than my immediate family might find out I had a bag. Ugh! What could be worse? Suppose it filled real fast when I was out with no place to hide and take care of myself. God forbid should it leak in church! Suppose I roll over on it in bed. I was a lesser creature, destined to a life of emotional anguish and physical routines different from most of the rest of the world. I felt like a freak. Then I found folks like you guys here, read your stuff, really “listened” to what you had to say and I began looking at things differently. We know perception is everything and I began to understand how good things were relative to what they could’ve been. So many folks had it so much worse than I did. That didn’t make my discomfort go away but it exposed how fortunate I was to be dealing with my stuff and not their’s. I felt a little guilt, maybe selfishness but quickly forgave myself by understanding I just wasn’t smart enough to fix my feelings. Then, I wonder what smarts have to do with feelings. My perception was warped so my perspective toward my existence was warped.
I learned over the last few years with the help of lots of folks right here at MAO that I could be better at living just by accepting some facts. It is what it is and so what? It’s not the worst thing to happen to a person.
I think everything is, in some way, related to everything else. I just put the ostomy thing in the back seat and drive forward.
Respectfully,
Mike
AlexT
Aug 01, 2024 5:52 pm
Do you have regular leaks/issues? If not, I'd try your normal routine without strips and see how it goes.
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w30bob
Aug 01, 2024 5:59 pm
Oh... you mean THAT kind of "strip." My bad.
I assume you're talking about the "C" shaped strips that you put around the periphery of your barrier bandage... right? Those are only for extra security to keep the edge of the bandage on your barrier from lifting in certain conditions... primarily when swimming or in water or if you sweat a lot. They're optional... so if you don't need them, you don't need them. Right?
;O)
Ben38
Aug 01, 2024 7:20 pm
Over 30 years with an ileo, never used strips... all you can do is just go without using strips and see how it goes; sometimes less is best.
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Justbreathe
Aug 01, 2024 9:11 pm
I guess everything is dependent on the product (bag) you use. I have tried several different products…bottom line for me was the wider the outer tape, the better the hold. I ordered some strips before an upcoming flight - used them for safety, but they were not needed. Less is more…not only in terms of cost, but for me, the fewer items required, the quicker the change time required, the happier I am…comfort and confidence are priorities…removal requirements for me include:
adhesive remover (wipes or spray)
toilet paper
rinse bottle with water
plastic Walmart bag for disposal
Hot naked shower… then new appliance placement:
barrier wipe
barrier ring
appliance
voilà
warrior
Aug 02, 2024 10:06 pm
...Hmm...any tips about not using those strips? Hmm...if you don't have issues with the skin becoming irritated, and if you have no issues with leaks, then I would stop using them...however, it pains me to say that.
I am a big supporter of using them for a long time now, daily... My reasons are to add extra appliance support and delay a blowout leak.
Using those strips equates to confidence for me. Those strips will stick to anything and still be flexible. Confidence going out, swimming, sports. Priceless.
It takes one blowout leak to convince you to continue using them. Sadly, I have had many over the years... A permanent ileostomy for 8 years. When something works for you, keep it.
And Bob? Brother, behave. 😉