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!
Dwild-WA
Jul 01, 2025 6:21 pm
This is a remarkable community of 40,872 members.
You will get real advice from fellow ostomates who truly understand you - things you won't find in the books.
And it's not all about ostomy - there is friendship and relationships too.
Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.
mild_mannered_super_hero
Great place for newbies to learn, I have helped many folks on here learn to irrigate, plus learned a few tricks myself. Great informative site.
Breebie28
Jul 02, 2025 12:34 am
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!
Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister
