Is there a solution for pancaking? I am guessing that there isn't. It just seems like everything sticks to the top of my pouch instead of going to the bottom. And because of this, I have to change my pouch more often. If not, the stool starts to seep out the sides. The only time this doesn't happen is when I pass solids or liquids. If it's the gooey stuff, which is often, it just sticks at the top of my pouch and bulges under my clothes. I can't stand this. Drives me nuts! But I guess I will have to deal with it. After all, this stoma will be with me for the rest of my life.
Donna
DH
Jun 25, 2012 11:17 pm
budd002
Jun 26, 2012 2:23 am
Put a tablespoon of oil in it....swish it around the top of the bag before you snap it on....???
Primeboy
Jun 26, 2012 2:42 am
Budd's advice is spot-on. Unfortunately, eternal vigilance is required for those of us who need an external appliance. I can add two points: (1) stay very hydrated, and (2) frequently nudge or squeeze the pancaking content downwards in your bag, especially when you wake up at night. Good luck! PB
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Posted by: Primeboy
Hi Mike and all. I am not sure how panoramic my perspective really is as my peripheral vision shrinks with each passing year. I can tell you that when I came to this website six years ago I was truly ;impressed by the positive attitudes of so many members, especially the younger folks who refused to let their ostomies define who they were or what they would become. I also came to appreciate that having an ostomy is not the same thing as having a disease. Pardon ;my pun now, but ostomies and cancer don't belong in the same bag. One is a solution, the other is a problem. Celebrating National Ostomy Day ;is also well outside my comfort zone. That's like celebrating National Wheel Chair Day. Come on!
I think there is a ;need for improved ;public awareness of ostomies, but I am not sure how that's best done. There ;remains ;some social stigma attached to our situation, and it's acutely felt among our young. We need to get out of the dark ages on this issue, but not by going 'in your face' to everyone else. I think Bill and NDY are 'spot-on' when it comes to telegraphing the right message to friends and family. People will know how to react when they ;see ;how we accept the cards we were dealt. I also appreciate the contribution some people here are making to this effort through their publications.
On a personal note, my son has been suffering from ulcerative colitis for years just like I did. I am very concerned because people with UC are at a higher risk for colon cancer. Years ago my GI told me to get annual colonoscopies to be on the safe side. I am glad I did because he eventually found pre-cancerous cells which led to several surgeries and my becoming an ostomate. Since then I have always ;conveyed a positive attitude to ;my son about wearing a bag because it has kept me alive to enjoy many more years with my loved ones. I think he got the message. We both go to the same gastroenterologist in NYC and get scoped on the same day. Father and Son moments!
Someone once wrote that our children are the letters we write to the future.
PB
notexpectingthis
Jun 26, 2012 2:52 am
Donna - I'm with Primeboy but have heard that a lot of people do as Budd recommends with the oil - have heard most use baby oil.
Melissa
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budd002
Jun 26, 2012 3:04 am
Just don't overkill it or the oil could cause the flange to come loose if the oil is so heavily coated and drip under the flange...
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Juuust_James
Jun 26, 2012 3:39 am
I haven't seen them (but haven't looked), but I've read in replies to similar topics on the Ostomyland site that someone makes these little spacer blocks you stick inside the bags to keep it separated up top - to prevent it from sticking together when you have extra thick output. So, those combined with a few drops of oil in the bag after you empty, hopefully will help with the problem.
Past Member
Jun 26, 2012 7:58 pm
Baby oil works a treat for pancaking, but I also agree with PB. Keep hydrated, it helps to keep things flowing. Good luck, TC Ambies...
DH
Jun 26, 2012 11:07 pm
Thank you all for your advice. I will drink more water and try using baby oil.
Donna
bikerboy
Jun 29, 2012 12:15 am
Is the hole in the wafer big enough? It should be an inch in diameter for most ostomates. And if you use an akins ring, the bag might be stuck to the ring inside, causing the stool to not flow right. I use the Adapt paste, and sometimes the bag sticks to the paste, cutting the flow to the bag.
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TerryD
Jul 01, 2012 3:38 am
I use Hollister Lubricating Deodorant, my insurance lets me have one container a month. Works perfectly to prevent pancaking and coats the inside of the bag so everything slips out better.
Of course now I'm learning to irrigate and feeling proud that I finally got the hang of it for today....so hopefully this will soon be a thing of the past for me....!
Cheers
rosebudd44
Jul 02, 2012 1:43 am
I also use Hollister lubricant when I get pancaking, it's brilliant stuff.
tdbm
Jul 04, 2012 3:19 am
I didn't see this until tonight, but today when I was having the same problem, I thought "oil!" so I sprayed a little Pam inside the bag and it put a thin coat on the whole inside. All day long the output just slid out with no hindrance. Too bad I didn't think of that 6 months ago! I might have avoided the whole thing blowing off a few times!
To the people who use the deodorizing lubricant, please tell if the deodorant is worth it with the lubricant? I find the Coloplast O.A.D. not to be that impressive.
Thanks.