Urostomy question

Hello all. I have had my urostomy for 4 months, and have tried all the samples given to me by Hollister, Convatec, and Coloplast. The flat one piece Coloplast seems to be working pretty well.

I have three questions:

I understand ileostomy and colostomy folks might want 2 piece appliances. But other than being able to see the stoma better during application, is there any reason urostomy folks might prefer a 2 piece appliance?

Second question - if my appliance is sticking well to my skin for 4-5 days, is there a role for the malleable adhesive rings they sent me to try? For the folks who use them, what problem do they solve?

Lastly, I was hoping to reach a point where my stoma diameter has stabilized and I can order pre-cut appliances. Mine is down to 19 mm and seems to be stabile, but I recently read that the size can vary a bit even when mature, and some continue to measure and cut to fit even after years. Is that common?

Thanks

My Coloplast one piece stays adhered very well (colostomy) and glad to hear that your one piece is doing the same. Oftentimes, simple is best and if something is working it's golden. I think that 4 to 5 days of use without a problem is excellent. Keeping appliances adhered well and sealed is something many fellow ostomates strive for.

Second question is I wear the barrier rings ( ileostomy) to prevent skin breakdown around the edge of my flange.

As far as the 3rd answer I do only know for colostomies and ileostomies that weight loss or gain can make your ostomy shrink or enlarge. When I was 50# heavier I had to cut a 45 but after loosing it I now cut to a 30 so it doesn’t hurt to check it every time you gain or loose weight. Takes a few seconds.

G-Day Sailor,

The seals are a second form of defense and stops in your case urine getting under the flange and damaging your skin.

If your stoma as settled to a size get the ready cut, but have a few bags that have to be cut for the odd day it decides to shapeshift.

Always be prepared (Boy Scout)

Regards IGGIE

At 4 months, still early days for you. I didn't start using moldable barrier rings until I had my sigmoid colostomy for a year. They save me time, help cushion my stoma from support belt pressure, and seal my stoma very well. I used to change my wafer every 5 days. Then 7. Now I'm up to 12 days. I use Hollister 2 piece system. I can snap on a new bag in less than a minute.

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