I had my surgery for rectal cancer a month ago and am still having problems with the bag leaking. Is this normal?
Tonbell
Mar 26, 2025 10:48 pm
eefyjig
Mar 26, 2025 11:02 pm
Hi Tonbell, sorry to hear that you're leaking. You may be experiencing this because your stoma is still shrinking, and you need to size the opening of the bag accordingly. If you're done shrinking, then you need to be a good detective and figure out where the leak is coming from. When you remove your bag and/or barrier ring, where do you see output? That would be an area to perhaps fill with paste. Maybe you can try a different bag or ring. Once your stoma size is stable, it's a matter of getting the right supplies that work for you, and then leaks should be few and far between.
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Posted by: Karen & Stella
Fay,
I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
eefyjig
Mar 26, 2025 11:03 pm
One more thing: does your stoma stick out well? If it's more flush with your skin, you may want to try a convex bag.
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Learn more about ostomy accessories, and when to use them.
IGGIE
Mar 27, 2025 12:48 am
G-Day TonBell,
It's probably a good idea to go see your stoma nurse and have a good chat with her.
Regards, IGGIE
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