Flat Colostomy Challenges: Daily Appliance Changes

It is very difficult to use appliances. I have to change daily.

My colostomy varies from skin level to slightly out. But it tends to be retracted when spewing, so it's a bit of a problem. My urostomy is slightly below skin level.

I use convex appliances with a barrier ring. Try Coloplast deep convex.

I've ordered samples of the Hollister convex barrier rings. Someone else recommended them recently, so I'm anxious to try them.

Oh Susan, today has been exhausting. We have changed two different appliances, convex and flat... My fear is my skin getting raw... We have another that is all in one, a one piece. How do you build it up with paste or rings to keep the poop out?

Cut one edge of the barrier ring and fit it tightly against the stoma. The ring will swell to fill gaps and absorb the output. It should prevent the output from getting on the skin.

I found the Coloplast deep convex to be a game changer. It's deeper than others I've tried.

Actually, re-reading your post... That's a lot of appliance changes... Are you sure you aren't having another problem?

Are you pancaking? (That's when the poop sticks at the top of the bag and this forces it under the wafer.)

Are you having any trouble with the seal?

Honestly, your best bet is an ostomy nurse who can look at the situation and help you diagnose the problem and give advice specific to you.

I will keep giving you advice forever, and someone else will chime in soon. But like you, I'm concerned about your skin getting bad.

Get your stoma fixed so it sticks out.

How to Adjust to Life with an Ostomy with Bruce | Hollister

Totally agree with Alex; get the surgeon to bring the stoma out.

Regards, IGGIE

I have a recessed stoma because the surgeon couldn't find the fascia she would have connected it to in order for me to have an outie. Convex devices definitely help; I use a Convatec one now, and their ostomy nurses are available to do video calls with you to help with getting the right device for your situation. Currently, I am changing pretty much daily, and my skin is very upset. I would attach a pic, but it is pretty ugly. I have tried just about every ring, skin protectant, and barrier to absolutely no avail because my skin is too weepy where the bags and barriers need to sit. If I put too much powder to protect the open skin, the bags don't stick. If I use a skin covering, it still rips my skin when it comes off. It doesn't help that I run pretty hot and can melt some of the barriers just by sitting around, worse if I'm active. It also doesn't help that I weigh too much for my own good. My order for Marathon skin protectant was just approved, and I'm hoping that will allow my skin to heal and then the devices will once again stick.

She couldn't find the fascia? I'm wondering if another (better) surgeon would have been able to give you the stoma you should have. I'd think it's worth a second opinion. You really need to have a stoma that you can manage properly. The Marathon product you are waiting for might be just the ticket, but it also might not.

Terry

I also agree that a new stoma is what you need. I see you live in a major metropolitan area, so there must be lots of options for second opinions.

Terry

I had emergency surgery at the end of 2023 because of a blockage caused by radiation scarring of my intestines, and they discovered the return of endometrial cancer when they opened me up. I would have to say that they waited too long to perform the surgery, thinking that I would pass the blockage when, in fact, I never would, as the intestine had not only closed itself completely, it had also adhered to my bladder. My belly was so swollen, and I was in agony, and they thought it was normal for me to be that swollen, probably because I am overweight. I'm guessing my fascia was shredded with that surgery. In fact, I had to have the midline surgically reconnected because the PA took out the staples too soon, and I went into shock with my gaping belly. Then onto cancer treatment once the midline incision was almost healed, and I've been told that chemotherapy does indeed mess with your fascia. In fact, my surgeon came highly recommended and was my third opinion, so I believe her. I also have had multiple abdominal surgeries, so they all could have messed with the fascia.

I had emergency surgery at the end of 2023 because of a blockage caused by radiation scarring of my intestines, and they discovered the return of endometrial cancer when they opened me up. I would have to say that they waited too long to perform the surgery, thinking that I would pass the blockage when, in fact, I never would, as the intestine had not only closed itself completely, it had also adhered to my bladder. My belly was so swollen, and I was in agony, and they thought it was normal for me to be that swollen, probably because I am overweight. I'm guessing my fascia was shredded with that surgery. In fact, I had to have the midline surgically reconnected because the PA took out the staples too soon, and I went into shock with my gaping belly. Then onto cancer treatment once the midline incision was almost healed, and I've been told that chemotherapy does indeed mess with your fascia. In fact, my surgeon came highly recommended and was my third opinion, so I believe her. I also have had multiple abdominal surgeries, so they all could have messed with the fascia.

Flush stoma as well. Not too many issues, the occasional blowout, and I wear non-convex. The tummy is not flat enough for convex 😜. I'm not much help, but I never considered a revision since it's not too bad.

It sounds like you have a good surgeon and have a much more complicated situation going on than I realized. It sounds like you are making the best out of what has been handed to you. Kudos to you, as it can't be easy.

Terry

What does that procedure intake.. local pain or full on being out.. I can't spell anesthesia.?
I did call Coloplast for a sample, very nice. Should get it today.
Every day is so different, this morning no poop, then solid poop, now thick liquid.
I'm grateful for this new-to-me group, I am learning and thank the Lord it's not the end of the world, but we will overcome to help someone else.

No idea, I never had that issue, but I would look into it right away if I did. Nobody should have to change their stuff daily or suffer from constant leaks.

I too use the Coloplast deep convex flange and can typically get 7 days of use out of it. I've recently changed from shallow convex, which for me was less reliable. I'm told that there is only one other deep convex flange available.

The Coloplast is the only deep convex I know of. It's nice to know there's another somewhere in case I start having problems.

Like you, I get 7 days of wear out of it, so I'm very happy.