Struggling with Stoma Leaks: Seeking Advice

Having trouble adjusting on putting on the stoma, pretty frustrated it always seems to leak. I don't know if it's because of the heat wave or what I am doing wrong. I already changed the whole outfit three times since this morning, feeling pretty stressed out. Anybody out there that's having this problem, I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

Talk with your stoma nurse.

IGGIE

We'd need more detail to help. Is this a new problem, or have you never been able to get a good seal?

Attend to the basics: no oils around the stoma. Many soaps have oil, so it's best to use plain water until you have mastered a routine.

Make sure the skin is fully dry. If that means sitting in front of a fan to prevent sweat from forming on the skin while changing, do it.

Use barrier wipes and let them dry completely.

Use a barrier ring.

Use your hands or a blow dryer to heat the appliance and help it stick.

If you have never had your setup work, you need an ostomy nurse's help. If the real one isn't helping, try to call the major ostomy supply manufacturers and talk to a stoma nurse there.

It's hard at the beginning because you need to develop a routine. One thing I found is that I have to slow down and get everything organized before I start. Watch out for your fingernails if you have longer ones, as I managed to slice my skin barrier a few times. Also, I forgot to securely seal my bottom tail more than once. If you are using a ring, stretch it to around the size of your stoma, cut it, and apply it around your stoma - I originally applied it to my barrier but found applying it directly around my stoma worked way better. If you can make a template that fits closely with your stoma, keep an eye on your stoma as it will shrink, and you'll need to remake your template. The stoma nurse can help you measure and adjust your template - also, if your shape is oval, Hollister has sample templates on their website. It's all trial and error, and eventually, you'll get a good routine going. There are some really good products and accessories that will make this journey better. Try to remain calm.

Do you use a ring? You should use a ring.

Also, you can use bonding cement for ostomies to hold on your wafer. It's called Torbot Bonding Cement. It comes with a brush, and you just brush it on your wafer, and it comes off with adhesive remover.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Thanks so much, it just started lately.

You've been given lots of good advice here, and I'll just add a couple of things. Some ostomates do not use soap to clean their parastomal skin, but I was taught, and believe, that if you are using a pure, mild soap, like Ivory, and rinsing really well, you will get a better seal than just using plain water. Some people have very oily skin, and that alone can make getting a good seal a challenge, so the soap will cut that. My most trusted ostomy nurse also said that if your skin is healthy, not irritated or raw, you shouldn't use any other products, including barrier wipes, as good healthy skin is the best surface for your appliance (or barrier ring) to adhere to. I was taught that barrier wipes are to be used for 'crusting' with stoma powder, or to protect skin if it's irritated. Having said this, you will find that there is no consensus even among ostomy nurses, so in the end, it's trial and error, and finding out what works best for you. Another thing is to hold the new appliance in place with your whole hand for a good two minutes. The heat from your hand will help the seal.

Terry

Re-measure as step 1. It's possible your stoma has changed sizes.

If the size is correct, what is happening when you leak? Is the stool pushing the appliance off (as in pancaking)? This is a tough one to solve; try adding lubricant to your pouch and covering the filter if you have one.

Are the edges coming up? For edges peeling up, try extenders. If those don't help, try bonding cement. I'll post a pic of the one I use.

Something else?

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The heat can be a nuisance. If your skin can handle stoma paste, it can help as an extra barrier for sealing your bag.

The heat can be a nuisance. If your skin can handle stoma paste, it can help as an extra barrier for sealing your bag.

You're probably right about it being down to the heat. I've been having the same problem recently and blame the heat for it. I've started using one of the old ways, putting roll-on deodorant around my stoma. It's made a big difference; the current bag has been on for 5 days.

I too had a few leaks until I mastered how to prevent them. There is lots of good info on here. My advice is to get some extenders; they are strips of tape that go around the edges of the wafer. I also use paste around the wafer hole. I had a sore raised spot around my stoma when I first had my surgery. This is what caused the leaks because I could not get a good seal due to the sore. I have now mastered what works. You will eventually get the hang of what works for you through trial and error. I had my large colon removed due to ulcerative colitis. I am a year and a half post-surgery, and you will eventually find what works for you. There is so much info on here, and I have learned a lot from this site. One thing I learned from here is to take anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium). I tend to have a high output, and this controls that a lot! Also, bananas are great for high outputs. Good luck and take care; we are all in this together. 🙏

After you remove the old bag and are ready to apply a new one, clean the area with alcohol, but don't touch the stoma. We bought a small fan on Amazon to dry thoroughly. Also, change your bag when you first wake up; if the stoma is still, it works much better. Good luck from Texas.

What brand? That's a new tip I'm keen to hear more about…

Do you have access to a stoma nurse? It sounds like that's what you need, as the contours on the back of your bag have to match those on your abdomen around the stoma, and your method of application is also important.

Thanks for the info. I found the adapt cream and the powder. I am seeing the stomie nurse on Friday and will ask about the ring. Thanks again.

Yes, I meet with her on Friday, still going through trial and error.

Thanks for the info, I will be sure to try anything at this stage, don't want to go through what I just went through. Thanks again.

Try Hollister. They will send samples. I use the premier convex. I've not had a leak since switching.