Seeking Alternatives to Adhesive Ostomy Bags

After having an allergic reaction to the less costly Amazon bag adhesive, I've ordered (and received) some base plates and bags (both open and closed) from Coloplast. I feel like there has to be a better way than dealing with this sticky stuff on our skin. Right now I'm just sitting with a wet paper towel on my stoma so she can breathe and heal since her outer edges are still sensitive from the surgery. Has anyone figured out a comfortable non-bag way to cover and collect when out and about? My mind gears are turning, and I'm about to try to create something new that is both skin- and stoma-friendly.

You're brave wanting to go out and about without a proper bag on.

Contact a few companies, and they'll usually send you some samples. I use Sen Suro Mio convex bags, and they seem perfect for me; they don't irritate the skin, and the adhesive is strong enough to hold on, but with the adhesive remover, it comes off quite easily.

Don't feel obligated to use the first ones your stoma supply company sends you.

I get that you're frustrated by having an allergic reaction to your other bags. But I think the bags are the best solution. When you aren't allergic to the adhesive, the bags don't irritate the skin. Output of any kind (ileostomy, colostomy, or urostomy) will irritate the skin and is the source of most skin problems. A solid, secure seal is essential to protecting the skin from output.

Use adhesive remover to remove the bags on change day; this prevents skin damage caused by "the sticky stuff."

Naturally, being allergic to the adhesive will cause significant irritation. Try other brands, and if necessary, they make sensitive skin patches that go between the appliance and your skin.

You could do what they have to do in third-world countries: strap a tin can or plastic bottle over your stoma. I wouldn't recommend wrapping your stomach in bandages, old clothes, or towels like they did before bags were available; your skin would be red raw, as well as the smell.

Hubz is only 7 weeks with a loop colostomy, so he's had plenty of challenges. His WOC nurse has been a great help, getting samples of various products for him to try. It's really made a difference, and he's liking the Hollister CeraPlus products that have an extra skin-friendly ingredient. Every day gets a little better. Hang in there!

My Ostomy Journey: LeeAnne | Hollister

Cera rings are the bomb!👍

You've heard of "free the nipple?"

Well... Free the stoma!

I'm not sure what's available to walk around bagless.

However, strapping a cup under your stoma will catch output as long as it's not an eruptive type stoma.

I've heard stories of stoma output covering walls in eruption.

Some members applied for a concealed carry permit😁🤔..jk jk jk.

Geez.

I use a painter's cup from Home Depot with a handle. A regular belt will hold it fine under the stoma. I use this set-up for after showering.

The handle fits snug between the belt and body.

It also gives your area skin air drying time, which ain't a bad idea. You can walk around the house - naked or in p.j.'s.

No shirt, of course. 🤭

Yeah, it's like Batman (utility belt) meets Tim Allen (home improvement) kind of thing.

What I have done in the past, before finding out I was allergic to alcohol wipes, was use the crusting method. Not everyone does this the same way. I washed well with antibacterial soap, dried the stoma with TP, and swabbed the raw peristomal skin with iodine, then dusted it with antifungal foot powder. I also made sure there was enough on the adhesive side of the wafer. The idea is to float the wafer over the wound, but it is secured in place using a belt that connects to the two-piece system. Overall this, I wore a nylon swim wrap you can get from Ostomy Secrets.

You can also use stoma powder instead of the foot powder.

Other crusting methods I have tried include sunburn cooling aloe vera and one of the powders.

Then, nightly, I would wash and rinse the flange and skin for another application.

I take it you have a colostomy if you're thinking about not using a bag (impossible with an ileostomy or urostomy).

Some people with a colostomy (those who are able to irrigate) only need to use a plug, but some still choose to wear a bag just for peace of mind, even if they have low output.

Check with a stoma nurse if you are a candidate for irrigation (not everyone is) and go from there. In the meantime, all the ostomy appliance companies send out free samples for you to try; guaranteed there will be one that suits your skin.

Hi

If you face issues with Coloplast too, try Convatec “Natura.” It works for me, and I no longer get the red, weeping skin.

Thank you! What's a plug?

This is very creative; I like it! How is a painter's cup different from a regular cup? I much prefer walking around with clothes or a bag; I think my stoma prefers it too 😊 She's very slow with output, which is more of a soft solid now, so I'm thankful.

Thank you! I'll look into Natura!

I've heard it called a stoma cap used to cover the area between irrigation sessions.

Thank you all for being so helpful and supportive. It's been a challenging couple of days, so I'm just coping as well as I can. These ideas are all wonderful; I appreciate you all so much. 💛

Dr. Google can explain it better than me!

"A colostomy plug is a device that allows colostomy patients to achieve temporary bowel continence, replacing the need for a stoma pouch by expanding inside the stoma to prevent fecal output and control odor. These small, often foam or silicone, plugs are inserted into a specialized adhesive flange, providing a discreet and freedom-enhancing alternative for individuals who practice bowel irrigation or want a change from ostomy bags. While offering benefits like reduced noise and odor, they have limitations such as potential leakage, short wear times due to mucus or feces obstructing the filter, and are only suitable for end colostomies."

And a couple of pictures below, I think all the ostomy companies make them.

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It has an "L" type handle. You can remove it easier, I guess, than a typical mug-type cup. Photo coming.

So if you pull that little thingy out, does your head inflate? 😆🤣😝..thinking life jacket.

😂😂

Ooh, I see. Thank you for explaining.

A binky for your stoma.

Thank you. I'm trying to be brave these days. I'm trying alternative options as my skin heals.

Hi Susan, I hope your weekend is going well. ☀️ I think, hopefully, the barrier strips arriving today will help make the bags more comfortable for my stoma. 🤞

I hope you get things sorted soon. It's so difficult when you're new! I promise it will get easier.

Aww, thank you so much! The last two days have been so much better! I'm just thinking about how it feels like there's such a shift in me from before. Like I'm actually much more okay than I think sometimes, which is a relief. 💫