This topic is about dealing with a colostomy leak at work, especially during challenging conditions like a heat wave. The person sharing their experience had a leak that resulted in soiled clothing and had to manage the situation with limited supplies. Here are some helpful tips and advice for handling such situations:
1. Identify and correct the causes of flange failure:
- Heat, sweating, seat-belt pressure, pancaking, or overuse of Stomahesive powder can weaken the adhesion.
- Use Stomahesive powder sparingly, as too much can affect the stickiness.
2. Act at the first warning sign:
- If you feel even a small "gush," head to a restroom immediately.
- Regularly check the wear-time of your barrier and change it early if it feels loose.
3. Manage perspiration and activity stress:
- Sweat is a common issue; consult a stoma nurse for personalized strategies.
- For sports or heavy activity, reinforce the barrier with additional taping.
4. Carry adequate emergency supplies:
- Always have spare pouches, barrier wipes, disposal bags, and a full change of clothes.
- Consider carrying semi-circular flange extenders or stretchable adhesive strips for extra security.
5. Explore product-specific security options:
- Use a Hollister Adapt Barrier Ring under a one-piece Coloplast SenSura pouch, taped with waterproof tape, for added protection during activities.
- Salts one-piece appliances have a soft fabric-covered flange and a small viewing window, offering better adhesion.
- Ensure Convatec SurFit two-piece systems are fully locked by double- or triple-checking.
- A stoma guard can provide extra support at work or during activities.
6. Practical tips from others:
- Dark clothing can better hide any mishaps than white clothing.
- Keep flange extenders or tape handy for quick reinforcement when you feel the first signs of a leak.
- If a leak happens in public, discreetly use a restroom; most people won't notice.
- Be open with a trusted supervisor if you need to leave briefly to change, describing it as a "prosthetic mishap" if necessary.
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