Since I can't get into the local nurse until Aug 1st, I went with a video call with an ostomy nurse from Convatec, and I cannot recommend it highly enough! She was great, saw what I was dealing with, and flat out said, “That isn't a stoma, that's basically a fistula” and had some ideas of how I can deal with it. She helped me measure the stoma so that I cut the hole the right size (I was cutting it too big) and thinks my skin will heal if I can just keep the output off my skin. Since no amount of convex will ever get my stoma to stick out, she said less convex and more bendable might be the solution. So, she will be sending me a less convex product that will bend much better with my stomach, as that's where my leaks are happening, where I bend. She also advised about the toilet paper in the bottom of the bag to fight the suction effect. I felt really seen and heard, and that was so helpful. Highly recommend if you are in need of help!
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Hello everyone!!!
It has been almost a year since joining this site. I just wanted to share. I know a lot of people get concerned about meeting someone on here. I'm not a lifer membership and I had someone initiate to take me out. I've been divorced since 2009. He lives in Chicago. I ignored the first time thinking he was joking. I live in Milwaukee. So a month later he sent me a message through this site saying he wanted to meet me. That was in April this year. I must say it was the best thing that could happen to me. We talk almost every day. We have so much in common. He comes up all the time to spend the day or weekend together. It really does make a difference when someone has an ostomy like you. Such understanding and we always have something to talk about. I want to share because sometimes people think it's hard to meet someone or they say this site doesn't work. I'm a testimony that this site does work. We are talking marriage this time next year. I will keep you posted.
Thank you for this info. I have reached out now to schedule a consult with ostomy nurses from Hollister and Convatec, but I wouldn't have thought to do this. I appreciate the tip!
Learn all about skin barrier extenders.
How to Stay Hydrated with an Ostomy with Collin | Hollister
