Help with lopsided stoma and wafer fit

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Ovarian cancer chic
Aug 10, 2012 3:30 pm
Hello all! I am new to posting in a forum. I hope I am doing this right.
I have had my ileo for a year now. My stoma is kinda lopsided. The right side sticks out more than the left side. Does anyone else have this? I am having a problem with my wafer being flush with the skin around the stoma. The side that isn't sticking out as much, the wafer lifts up. Does this make sense?? I don't know how to explain it. The product I use is Convatec two piece. I have used paste and the cohesive rings with no luck. I also wear a belt to help put pressure on that side so it will stay flush. I have to wear it pretty tight, which I don't care for. I hope someone can help me. Thank you, LP
Past Member
Aug 10, 2012 3:37 pm

Perhaps a convex wafer?

Paste is more about caulking irregularities than it is about adhesion.

Ovarian cancer chic
Aug 10, 2012 3:55 pm

That is what I am using. Convex.

Posted by: iMacG5

About seven years ago, just about every aspect of my life was ostomy related. From the moment I was told an ostomy might be needed until some months down the road I existed as a person afflicted with a colostomy. I feared someone other than my immediate family might find out I had a bag. Ugh! What could be worse? Suppose it filled real fast when I was out with no place to hide and take care of myself. God forbid should it leak in church! Suppose I roll over on it in bed. I was a lesser creature, destined to a life of emotional anguish and physical routines different from most of the rest of the world. I felt like a freak. Then I found folks like you guys here, read your stuff, really “listened” to what you had to say and I began looking at things differently. We know perception is everything and I began to understand how good things were relative to what they could’ve been. So many folks had it so much worse than I did. That didn’t make my discomfort go away but it exposed how fortunate I was to be dealing with my stuff and not their’s. I felt a little guilt, maybe selfishness but quickly forgave myself by understanding I just wasn’t smart enough to fix my feelings. Then, I wonder what smarts have to do with feelings. My perception was warped so my perspective toward my existence was warped.
I learned over the last few years with the help of lots of folks right here at MAO that I could be better at living just by accepting some facts. It is what it is and so what? It’s not the worst thing to happen to a person.
I think everything is, in some way, related to everything else. I just put the ostomy thing in the back seat and drive forward.
Respectfully,
Mike

ron in mich
Aug 10, 2012 4:07 pm

Hi LP, I kinda have the same problem as my stoma opening is at skin level and I have a dip around the bottom side of it, so it's hard to get a good seal. I cut the opening so it's as close to my stoma as possible and use paste to fill in the dip at the bottom. I've been doing this for about 27 years now. Good luck with yours. Ron in Mich.

notexpectingthis
Aug 10, 2012 8:33 pm
Look at Marlen products on your supply provider's website. Your bag may be too convex? Marlen has one with shallow convexity - it sticks better than any bag I have tried. The sticky stuff sort of feels like one of those blister-type band-aids, so it moves easier with my body. My stoma is completely recessed, so it wants to leak all the time! I have to agree with Sinful Slot - the paste is just not a good adhesive. Have you tried to flatten out the barrier ring on the sides of the stoma that stick out more, and leave it thick where the stoma is shorter? A one-piece works better for me because taking the bag on and off of the ring makes the flange want to lift. Sorry you're having trouble, hun!
 

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Ovarian cancer chic
Aug 13, 2012 5:01 pm

Thanks for the info. I think it's time to look into some other types of products. What are some names of ostomy products? I looked into Marlen and requested samples. Thanks again. LP

Past Member
Aug 14, 2012 11:08 am

I switched from Convatec to Coloplast. Their US customer service is usually pretty good.

Casey & George
Sep 08, 2012 11:39 pm
To Ovarian Cancer Chic: Go to www.edgepark.com for medical supply catalog or ordering online. I use Coloplast mostly. Hollister and Convetec are big names too. I've only had my colostomy since January, but I am an 11-year survivor of OvCa.
Past Member
Sep 09, 2012 5:33 am

So, OCC, how's it going with the gear?

Past Member
May 23, 2017 12:18 pm

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