This topic is about managing a common issue faced by people with a colostomy, known as "pancaking." Pancaking occurs when stool sticks to the stoma and the wafer instead of dropping into the pouch, which can cause discomfort and anxiety. Here are some practical tips and insights to help manage this issue and regain confidence with your ostomy products:

1. Understand the Basics:
- Make sure you know the type of stoma you have (in this case, a colostomy) and the consistency of your output.
- Check if you are wearing your pouch vertically or horizontally, as this can affect how the output flows.
- Confirm that the issue is indeed "pancaking" and not just a feeling of panic.

2. Keep Output Softer and Flowing:
- Stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can thicken your output.
- Be aware of foods that can thicken stool, like peanut butter, bananas, and starches, and drink extra water when consuming them.

3. Reduce Sticking Inside the Pouch:
- Add a few drops of oil (such as baby oil, mineral oil, or cooking oil) into the pouch at each change to help the stool slide down.
- Use commercial lubricants like Hollister Adapt Lubricating Deodorant for the same purpose.
- Coat the inside top of the bag with baby oil using a Q-tip before attaching it.
- Leave a small amount of air in the pouch to prevent a vacuum effect.

4. Use Mechanical Aids for Better Flow and Security:
- Wear a support belt to keep the pouch flat and encourage downward flow.
- Tape the wafer edges for extra hold.
- Apply supplemental adhesive like Torbot Bonding Cement to improve wafer adhesion.
- Consider using a stoma guard to keep clothing pressure off the stoma and guide output into the pouch.

5. Consider Colostomy Irrigation:
- This procedure involves using warm water introduced through the stoma to empty the colon and is usually taught by a stoma care nurse.
- Successful irrigation can eliminate daytime output for 24–48 hours, allowing some to switch from bags to small caps or plugs, reducing pancaking and leaks.
- It's not suitable for everyone, so an assessment by a specialist nurse is essential. There are many instructional videos and guides available online for those interested in learning more.

For those new to the term, "pancaking" refers to stool collecting and sticking around the stoma instead of dropping into the pouch, which can lead to pressure, leaks, and anxiety.