Pancaking Issues with Stoma: Seeking Advice

Hi guys

My name is Dee

I'm so glad I've stumbled across this site. I've felt really alone in this journey, and as much as people sympathize, they have no idea.

I had my emergency operation in June, and now I'm trying to get my head around my new way of living 😕 with my stoma.

I was wondering if anybody has any suggestions on pancaking, as I am really reluctant to leave the house since I've had a few embarrassing situations. My stoma nurse has suggested rolled-up tissue and salt pouches (I think that's what they're called), but it seems to be still happening.

I've blown in the bag before putting it on the ruffled bag.

If anyone has any tips, I'd really appreciate it. x

Wish I could help, but I have only had mine since March and have never heard of what you're talking about. I would love to know if you could explain it to me.

Lubricant of your choice, air in the bag, rinse your bag when you empty it, drink more fluids.

Look at your diet. You may be eating too much of foods that thicken your stool.

Hey

So you know if, say, you have a black bin bag, and sometimes you have to lick your fingers to get it to open as it's stuck together!!! It's like that, but your bag sticks to your skin and won't allow poo to go in and then comes outside of the bag. x

Hope you can understand what I mean 🙏 best way I can describe it x

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

It's all over the place at the moment; some days it's like water, while others are a bit thicker, to be fair. But it's not that thick to warrant it. I will bear that in mind; thank you.

Hey there,

So I pretty much always pancake. I always have air in my bag. Make sure there is air in the bag around your stoma so when you are outputting thick, it has room to do so and it can fall to the bottom. You may also have to help push it down if you're that thick; just be careful and mindful of your stoma if you do. I personally have tried all kinds of lubricants, tried putting a foam wedge, tried cotton balls, etc., and for me, it didn't work. The only thing is air in the bag.

A lot of it is related to diet, like others have said.

You're still in healing mode, your body adjusting to having a stoma.

Like Beth mentioned, you have to get used to "poop" management. I have a colostomy. Sometimes I get pancaking, other times little turdettes.... I rearrange it (carefully... don't hit or bother your stoma). I gently pull the bag out a bit, roll it, and push the output downward. You'll get used to it.

Get some lubricating deodorizer. I use Hollister. I add it to a new bag, spreading it around the flange area. When I empty, I squirt the lube into the drain, then seal it. Then I work it up the bag a bit. It works somewhat, helping the pancake slide down, with a little persuasion from your fingers (outside of the bag, of course).

Keep a food diary. Write down what you ate and when. Then note what happens in the bag later. When I know I'm going to be home for a while, I eat my favorite "naughty" foods. Then when I get pancake deluxe... I unsnap my Hollister bag... and pop on a new one. Takes a minute. Good to go.

Hey Maggie, I hope you're doing way better now. Please let us know how well you're doing and don't hesitate to ask for more help.

Respectfully,

Mike