Hi, I am only 12 weeks into this. I have a colostomy that seems to be well-behaved. Just like before surgery, I drink my coffee, poop, and go on with my day. I'm using a mio convex closed pouch, so I just change it daily and don't worry. That means I'm wearing an empty pouch most of the time. My skin is getting a bit itchy, and I'm not looking forward to the summertime heat. What can I wear, maybe during the night, to give my skin some relief? Something like a smaller bag with a smaller adhesive area? But I've been unable to find one. Any suggestions out there? My stoma sits on a baseball-sized hernia? belly fat? It's been like that since the surgery. And yes, I've named it the Mouse House.
Throwdown
Apr 08, 2025 12:22 am
SusanT
Apr 08, 2025 12:53 am
I'm not sure about a smaller bag, but if you aren't leaking, then the itchiness is likely a fungal infection of the skin. I use some Desonex on my skin. Powder lightly and dab with barrier wipes to "crust" so the appliance will stick.
Several other people here wash the skin with Head and Shoulders shampoo. I haven't tried that yet myself.
Either way, you should be able to relieve the itching.
Lots of people will give the skin some air time when they change appliances. That might work for you since your stoma is so well-behaved (mine is not lol).
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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
IGGIE
Apr 08, 2025 3:05 am
G-Day throwdown,
It could also be the adhesive you're allergic to. Get free samples from all the companies and find one that's better for you as far as the adhesive goes.
Regards, IGGIE
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