This topic is about dealing with recurring leakage issues under an ostomy seal, despite trying different products. The person experiencing this problem is looking for advice on what might be going wrong and how to fix it. Here are some helpful insights and suggestions:
1. Skin Preparation and Application Technique
- Ensure your skin is completely dry before applying any products. You might want to use a protective skin-prep wipe.
- Apply gentle heat, like from a hair-dryer or your body heat, to help the barrier ring adhere better. Some people use an empty tape spool to press the ring evenly without pulling it off.
2. Product and Fit Suggestions
- If you haven't already, try using a convex flange, as many people find it helps significantly.
- Look into Coloplast’s new star-shaped flange, which is designed for uneven surfaces, scars, or hernias. You can call Coloplast to request free samples.
- Make sure the barrier ring is positioned correctly behind the stoma so that the output projects over it. If your stoma is retracted, you might need a deeper convexity or a different system.
- Consider using a larger opening or changing your appliance first thing in the morning when the stoma is smaller, to avoid moisture during application.
3. Troubleshooting Stoma Orientation and Output Flow
- Check if belts, clothing, or thick output are causing the flow to redirect sideways.
- Notice if leaks occur more often when lying down, which might indicate positional flow issues.
- Compare the adhesion of the wafer on days with and without leaks to rule out adhesive failure.
4. Professional Support
- Keep seeking qualified help. You can request a referral to another ostomy nurse, arrange a Zoom consultation with a nurse from a larger center, or contact nurses from manufacturers like Hollister or Coloplast who can review photos and suggest products.
5. General Encouragement
- Continue advocating for yourself. Frequent issues like these deserve hands-on clinical assessment, not just online advice.
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