Advice Needed for Frequent Bag Leaks

Can someone please give me advice on why this keeps happening? It's causing leaks multiple times a day, and I have to change my bag. 😔

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Hi T, welcome to the site. Could you give us more info on your routine for making a change? Do you use a ring seal under the wafer? Is the skin around the stoma clean and dry?

I change once a day after a shower. I make sure my skin is completely dry with no moisturizers.
I use no seal; I literally just use the salts confidence be bags. I have only had the operation 7 weeks ago and didn't get any information on seals or rings, but I also didn't have any leaking issues until last week, and now it hasn't stopped.

I use a Salts ring with aloe. I have found these to be the best.

Hi T, one other thought is your stoma will be getting a little smaller after all the swelling has gone down, so maybe the hole in the wafer needs to be cut smaller.

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

Does a ring prevent leaking !! ?

Welcome. When cleaning the area, do not use soap with oil. Across the pond, I find Dial or Ivory works best. Good luck.

Yep. You have a breach. I agree with Ron that the stoma could be shrinking. And in the U.K., a salts ring around the stoma will help improve the seal.

They also have appliances with a flange-type belt to hold everything tight to your tummy.

The rings, the belt, and a product called barrier seal strips are the rage now for controlling leaks.

It's not uncommon that you weren't informed of these things. You will be now, hanging with us here.

The advice and suggestions work for some.

You have a basic setup appliance.

You need a better one because your output will be increased as you eat.

Mine was like yours 9 years ago. It blew the appliance right off. I knew nothing then. Poop all over me, too.

Don't worry. We can help.

Do you know the name of the appliance you wear now?

1 piece? Drainable?

Also, you should not need to replace the thing every day. That's not good.

I sometimes use a baby wipe; could this be where I'm going wrong too?

The output seems to be leaking from the seal, meaning it must not be going down the bag.

I think it does, but I have never gone without. I often go 10+ days before I change.

I've applied a new bag and cut it a size smaller, which I was half debating, but it also seemed too tight. Fingers crossed that does something!

I have applied a new bag tonight, the size smaller.

I will get in contact and try to get seals and rings to sample. I have heard about them but wasn't told about them while in the hospital, and I'm clueless. I've only had the stoma for 8 weeks!

You have all been a great help, and I appreciate the comments as I feel so alone!

At the moment, I use Salts Confidence Be drainable bags and change every morning regardless of a leak or not.

I'm so sorry you were sent home with so little info. I agree with Ron that your stoma has probably shrunk, so the opening of your bag should be smaller now. Ditto on using barrier rings. They can make all the difference. Maybe nix the baby wipe; something might be in it that could prevent a good seal. If you still leak after these changes, you might consider a convex bag. I had to switch to that, and that, along with a barrier ring, stopped any leakage.

Another vote here for the Salts Aloe Ring. It will increase the strength of the seal, preventing leaks, and increase wear time. DON'T use baby wipes, as they have a mild cleanser that will leave a residue. Ivory soap works great, but just make sure to rinse really well. Warming the back of the flange (the part that touches your skin) after removing the backing with your hair dryer for 30 seconds before applying also helps. Then, hold the whole thing in place securely with your hand for a good two minutes.

Terry

Hello T

Where is your stoma nurse? They should be providing you with support and product assistance. They are there to help you with this.

Hi T,

When something works.......and then doesn't.......you have to ask what's changed? When you remove your barrier, peel it off from the top and look very carefully at what the side of your barrier that touches your skin tells you. It should be obvious where the leak is starting. Once you know that, you can start to address the 'why.' Otherwise, you don't know what it is you're trying to correct. Let us know what you find.

;O)

Don't use baby wipes as they may have lotion. I wash around my stoma with Cetaphil cleanser and rinse well with plain water. Remeasure your stoma and cut to fit really close, and I put the ring around my stoma, then apply the flange. It's all trial and error, unfortunately.

Maybe a convex bag is needed.

Hi T, the ring is an added layer preventing the output from getting on the skin. Before I put the ring on, I cut through one side and wrap it around my stoma as close as I can get it.

I use "WaterWipes" that have no lotion or oil. They are available on Amazon. An order of 3-30 count packages is around $12. They work great!