Issues with Barrier Rings Turtlenecking in Ostomy Appliances

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1119
Missb
Jan 13, 2025 1:45 am

I really like this place; everyone is so helpful. I have a question: when I change my appliances, I of course clean the area and let it dry, but the problem I am having is after I put the barrier ring on, then the appliances. I use a one-piece, and after my body warms the wax ring, it turtlenecks up into the pouch. Is this normal, or am I doing something wrong? I do cut the wafer a tad larger than the stoma because you don't want it tight up to the stoma. Does anyone have any solutions?

warrior
Jan 13, 2025 2:26 am

Hi, yes, this place is very helpful for a number of reasons.

1. Being quick to reply.

2. Separating fact from fiction.

I like it here.

I'm an ileo. I use a 2-piece system. I put an O-ring barrier behind the flange first - Adapt CeraRing - then press it into the bag adhesive area, then place it over the stoma.

Sometimes I get that turtle neck. It's okay for me because that stoma breathes. So for me, it doesn't matter. Mine is tight, though. The wafer is flush against the stoma perimeter.

No issues doing this for myself. The alien spuds do flex; it's ugly head expands, retracts.

Just dying for attention, that little sucker.

You should be fine. No leaks, right? Good wear time?

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!

Beachboy
Jan 13, 2025 2:27 am

It's called "Turtle Necking." Like a turtleneck shirt.

My barrier ring does the same. For me, I want that. It helps seal around the stoma. Sometimes small pieces of the ring break off, causing me no problems.

Missb
Jan 13, 2025 2:38 am

How can you get it cut so perfectly? Are you using moldable two-piece? I thought about changing to that kind because all you do is roll it back and then it rolls back out to the stoma. I am just waiting since two weeks ago it was moved up, over, and pulled out. It was under the skin the first time, now it's better, but I have to wait until it all settles back down in size to order them.

warrior
Jan 13, 2025 3:02 am

Precut. Moldable.

For me, it works best. I can't use scissors. Arthritis in thumbs. But I have been using this two-piece for years. Mio Sensure Click. Game changer flange makes sense. 5 fingers, not 4 corners.

When I apply the entire appliance, I go to one side first, then slowly pull it over to the other side. Fits like a glove. A bit tight, but I know it will decrease in size.

 

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Past Member
Jan 13, 2025 4:11 am

Hi there, I cut my wafer to fit the size and shape of my stoma since day one, with no gaps or skin showing. That will prevent your skin from getting eaten away, which hurts something fierce. It could be the type of ring you're using. The Coloplast Brava ring would swell crazily on me, and I won't tell you the rest because I don't want to scare you. But I use the Cera ring by Hollister, and I don't have the swelling problems with the ring.

warrior
Jan 13, 2025 8:36 am

Ha ha. Your stoma is a horn dog. It sees more action than I do socially. 😆

Axl
Jan 13, 2025 8:41 am

Hello Missb

You haven't mentioned if this is causing you any trouble. You have probably noticed the turtle neck returns to its normal shape after a short period, and this is normal. If this causes you no problems, then you are doing it right.

SusanT
Jan 13, 2025 11:37 am

I get this swelling and "turtlenecking" on both my stomas. If there is any space at all, the ring moves into that space which is part of how the rings work to prevent leaks. 

I use precuts because peripheral neuropathy prevents me from cutting my own. My colostomy is distinctly oval in shape so I count on that swelling effect to provide a good seal. 

Missb
Jan 17, 2025 4:09 pm

Thank you all for the information. I must be doing it right, and I think I am going with the moldable because my stoma isn't quite round, and I feel I will get a good fit with this. You never know; it could be the perfect thing for me. Like you all say, we are all different. Keep trying until it works and feels good for you.