Stoma pointing up and pancaking issues - need advice!

Hi, I was hoping someone could give some advice. My daughter had an end ileostomy a month ago, but is now having problems. Firstly, the stoma opening is pointing upwards, so any waste is getting trapped at the top when it is thick output -- has anyone got any suggestions as to how to point the stoma opening either sideways or downwards? Also, she is having terrible problems with pancaking - could the filters in the bags be making this worse? She is drinking a lot and still not on very many solid foods yet, so that can't be the reason - any ideas please? Thank you.

The filters in the bags can possibly be doing this. Sometimes they let air out so well that they create a vacuum in the bag. You might try covering the filter with a piece of tape, just make sure that you don't get too much gas build up if you do this. You also, if you're not already doing so, try using a lubricating deodorant. That might help "slide things down" so to speak. Tight clothing over that bag could also cause the pancaking.

Hi, thanks for your suggestions - we have tried covering the filter and the lubricant, but unfortunately that hasn't made much difference. Maybe bags without filters could help?

Might be worth a try. I know my output moves down much better with a little gas in the bag. I just don't like when the gas builds too much, feels like a blimp sticking off of my belly.

As Sasquatch says, a little gas in the bag will help quite a bit. Personally, I never liked the filters for that reason, they let too much gas out. Furthermore, I have found that they can lead to soiled clothing.

X_

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

Thank you - I think that might be worth a try.

Hello, I had similar issues but eventually I discovered I was using the wrong type of appliance. I use a light convex now which pushes a very flat to my stomach stoma out so it points in the right direction!

Seems to be working well! Good luck, Soc