Leaks

Hi! I've had my ostomy operation five years ago. Everything going well. Lately I've noticed more episodes of leaking, usually from same side of my ostomy bag. Suggestions?

Hi and welcome to the forum. We will need a little more info in order to offer some suggestions. However, initially, do you use a ring, and/or convex flanges ? Has anything changed ?

Look at your body where it is leaking. Has a dip or bump or scar developed that may be interfering with your seal? Our bodies change over time.

We need to know your current set-up to suggest adaptations that may help.

Lean the other way. 🤷‍♂️😁

I’ve had my colostomy 10 months, no problems until this month and I’ve had 3 leaks twice this week! I use coloplast sensuro mio single use. Seems like pancaking and it squishes out the side under the adhesive. The bag is not full so the poop is not sliding down. I typically only have output once a day, then change after that. I know I’ve been wearing winter clothes but this has happened while I’m still in my pjs and sitting down. My stoma is right at my waist so when I sit the bag folds right under my stoma. I need to figure this out cuz I plan on traveling soon! I also changed to the spray skin barrier rather than the wipes but that was months ago. Maybe I’m cutting my stoma hole too big? I’m not using any creams or lotions I need suggestions on causes or prevention.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Use a barrier ring? I get pancaking quite often and my bag does the same thing when sit. I usually cut my hole bigger than recommended and it’s way more comfortable for me. I’m guessing that you can “feel” when you’re having or gonna have output? If so, stand up….seriously. Do you use lubricant? Basically your bag is cut into about 1/4 the size of normal cause it’s “pinched” off by sitting so your output has nowhere to go except under your wafer. Under that condition…sitting, the bag is cutoff and you have a lot of output at once, is the only time I really fear having a leak. Doesn’t happen often but I know exactly what you’re dealing with. BTW, I never use barrier wipes anymore cause they are basically for irritated skin, not healthy skin. 🤷‍♂️

Hi Throwdown, Hubz was having similar issue with colostomy and began sealing the filter closed with a piece of waterproof tape (now uses filterless pouch), and keeps a layer of air in the bag which gives space for output to get through and fall into the bag. This is in addition to using a barrier ring under the wafer to prevent output from getting under the wafer, but that layer of air (doesn't need to be a lot) really seems to do the trick. He just pulls the outer layer of the pouch away until some air gets inside then closes the bottom of the bag.

Any weight gain or loss, anything changed in your life bending more at work or excerise.....does the wafer look the same as usual ostomy company's often make changes to wafer and adhesive they use.