Advice Needed: Colostomy Wafer Not Adhering Properly

I need some advice.

My mom has had her colostomy for three years this Friday. She's doing well, but we are having some issues with her wafer not adhering like it used to.

She is using Convatec brand, Esteem Synergy moldable skin barrier with a closed-end pouch that is a peel-and-stick version. This works very well for my mom. She is able to change her bag herself. When she had the snap-in version, mom couldn't change her own bag.

For about 2 1/2 years, we were able to change the wafer every 7 days, and even on the 7th day, the wafer was secure and good. A few months ago, the wafer was coming off on the edges, so we contacted our supplier. They gave us a free sample of Convatec strips called hydrocolloid strips. At first, they worked great. They help keep the wafer in place. But lately, the strip becomes so sticky and tacky that it is stuck to the clear landing strip that we need to get a grip on to remove the bag. Not sure if that makes sense for those that don't use this type of wafer.

I don't know if we should ask for a free sample from a different manufacturer.

I tried not using strips for this wafer change, and the next day it started to peel off. So I quickly added the strips. And now it's tacky again. Just puzzled as to why it used to stay on so well, and now it doesn't.

We also use Cavilon no-sting barrier film before applying the wafer. With a different supplier, we were using the Cavilon wands, which were more wet, but now we use just the Cavilon wipes, still wet but not as wet. I thought this was causing the issue. But I don't know.

Any suggestions? Advice? Similar experiences??

I sometimes wonder if it's a batch issue when it changes like this. I would contact Convatec and maybe ask for the ostomy nurse. I had a video call with one that transformed the way I deal with my stoma leaks.

No idea what's going on, but I have an alternate suggestion for the issue with the wafer sticking.

I use this bonding cement on my wafer, and it gives me great adhesion. It should work with any brand of product. I get it through the same place I get my ostomy supplies, and it is covered by my insurance.

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Use only on the part of the flange that sticks to the skin. I wouldn't mess with the join between the bag and the flange. You probably knew that, but better safe than sorry. Lol

I called Convatec last week. The nurse from Convatec that normally assists me retired, and the product specialist wouldn't let me speak to a nurse. She was a bit rude. She just told me not to use the strips because “they are working too well.” When I asked for a nurse, she said nurses only deal with quality control issues and this isn't quality control. Meanwhile, I also spoke to our supplier, 180 Medical, and they put a complaint in over quality control, so a nurse called back. She was trying to troubleshoot with me. She asked if I used a different soap when cleaning. She advised that the strip needs to be 50 percent over the wafer and 50% over the skin. This didn't help, so I just placed another call to Convatec this morning.

Thank you for the reminder to call them again!!

Thank you, Susan.

Does the bonding cement go under or over the wafer? We are already using Cavillon wipes to make the skin tacky before applying the wafer. Is the cement used as an alternative to Cavillon wipes?

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

It goes under the wafer. Still, use the Cavillon wipes; they protect your skin. The bonding cement enhances the ability of the wafer to stick to your skin.

So the cement would go over the Cavilon wipes? I can just put it on the edge? Is the wafer hard to remove if the cement is used?

Is the product available through the medical supplier, or do you purchase it yourself?

I put it on the sticky portion of the wafer that is intended to stick to the skin. It goes over the glue on the wafer. It supplements the glue and helps the wafer stick better.

The Cavillon wipes go on your skin. They make the skin a little sticky, but their main purpose is to protect the skin.

I use the same adhesive remover that you'd normally use to remove the wafer when changing the appliance.

I get the bonding cement from the same place I get my ostomy supplies.

It could be the time of year too. I have more trouble in the summer.

I have tried every edge tape known to man, as well as silicone tape in several forms. The best thing I have found is Tegaderm. I buy it on Amazon in 2" wide rolls and cut it into 4" strips. I get it in a pack of 4 rolls for $13. That works out to about 20 cents a foot. It works very well.

Like many, I had this problem for maybe a year after my surgery. What I call the "flange," or wafer, would come unstuck from my skin frequently. Then it would leak all over. This made me so mad! I eventually found that the natural oils from my skin around the stoma would cause the lack of adhesion. This was after I thought my skin was really clean before I applied a new flange or wafer. Long story short, I found that the "Adapt" brand #7760 Adhesive Remover Wipes also work great to remove the skin oils. Now I very rarely have my flange or wafer come unstuck. And thus, no leakage! It has made the whole unpleasant experience of having this situation much, much more tolerable.

Do you let the barrier dry well before applying the bag and strips?