Frequent Ileostomy Leakages: Seeking Advice and Support

I had an ileostomy a year and a half ago.
I wear a two-piece pouch system. Starting yesterday, I had three leakages, which obviously meant I had to change three times. I have the plastic barrier that I put on my wafer.
Not really eating because I don't want the output, but I am drinking.

Thought everything was going good today until… another leakage.

Another change. Part of my skin is getting sore from removing the wafer so many times.

My gastroenterologist told me I need to call my surgeon, which I have. Waiting for a call back.

I am beside myself. Anyone ever had this experience?

Do you use a skin prep?

Yes

Any change of appearance to your stoma? I know it's not a nice thing to happen, but hopefully, it's down to some faulty wafers. Have you got another box of wafers you can try?

I like Ben's suggestion of trying a different box of wafers. If you don't have those, do you still have some samples of other products to try temporarily while you get a new box in?

I had similar problems when I was new, but I'd think you wouldn't be having newbie problems after a year and a half. So I suspect something else.

Tips on Hernia Prevention with Collin | Hollister

It sounds like something has changed. You say you have been an ostomate for a year and a half, but just started getting leaks? If your routine hasn't changed and you are using the same products, maybe you got a bad batch of appliances. It has happened to me. Call the supplier and report it, and request some new ones. Good luck.

Terry

Yes, I have had this experience. A couple of major questions, though. Is your stoma retracted? And are you leaving gaps when cutting your wafer? (If so, don't leave gaps; cut to the size and shape of your stoma.)

Also, you will still have output when drinking liquids. Don't stop eating; you are going to end up with a lot more major problems by not eating.

Totally agree with Beth. You'll end up with more issues if you don't eat. I've done that myself, and it makes things worse.

Leaks can be so frustrating. I hope your day got better.

Hi all, I have found with my ileostomy that the more liquid my output, the sooner I have to change my setup. So, I eat foods that thicken my output. I use a thin Brava ring wrapped right around my stoma and then the wafer with the hole cut almost the size of my stoma after warming it up, and that routine gives me 3 full days without leaks. I could go 4 days but choose not to.

Ron brings up a good detail: how close is your wafer to the stoma? I make sure the barrier ring hugs that stoma and the wafer is cut the same size as my stoma—no skin and no barrier ring showing.

Not sure what others think about having the wafer that close.

Corlsharonl nice to see someone else cuts their wafer the correct way. I cut mine to the exact size and shape to my stoma as I always have. It's supposed to be that way.

Completely agree with everyone that's said maybe you got a bad box of waivers... I just went through this yesterday. The first one I realized was bad as I was putting it on and took it off. The second one, within an hour, started to peel away on one side. It's only the second time this has happened in 5 years, and I'd call the manufacturer, not the supplier. Usually, they'll send you out new ones. Mine are precut. If yours are not, check to see if your stoma changed in size and how you're cutting them. I started with a one-piece and had to cut mine, and it would leak a lot. If you've tried everything and it still doesn't work, I would try to talk to an ostomy representative. For example, Convatec has their own reps to talk to for new products, suggestions, and nurses. Otherwise, if you can, go see an ostomy nurse. They helped me get the right system, and I call the reps for new samples to try. Some work better than others, even if you've used the same thing for years. Hope you find some relief. My first 6 months were horrible until I got help. Good luck 🫂