This topic is about dealing with the challenges of having an ileostomy, especially when facing issues like leaks, watery output, and sore skin, which can shake your confidence, particularly in a work setting. Here are some helpful tips and advice shared by others who have been through similar experiences:

1. **Skin Care & Pouch Security**
- Allow your skin some "air time" by lying in bed without a pouch for a few hours, using paper towels to collect output. Clean gently before reapplying the pouch.
- Thoroughly cleanse the area around the stoma, ensuring all soap or oil residues are removed with alcohol pads before applying the wafer.
- Consider using organic solid honey as a healing barrier, but be cautious as it can be difficult to remove.
- Dust sore skin with Stomahesive or generic ostomy powder, setting it with a hair-dryer or protective wipe before applying the wafer.
- Apply a seal ring close to the stoma and warm it with a hot-water bottle or warm towel for better adhesion.
- Switching to a convex wafer and using elastic supporting strips, paste, or spray adhesive can help prevent leaks.
- A clear two-piece pouching system allows you to see if the seal is intact.

2. **Thickening Watery Ileostomy Output**
- Medications like Loperamide can help thicken output. Commercial thickeners are also available.
- Foods that can help include marshmallows, bananas, peanut-butter-banana sandwiches, white bread, rice, potatoes, pumpkin, and peanut butter on crackers.
- Replace plain water with milk drinks, smoothies, or oral rehydration solutions, aiming for about 2 liters daily, and include a teaspoon of salt in your diet to maintain sodium levels.
- Track your fluid intake and output for a few days. If output consistently exceeds intake, consult a doctor.

3. **Managing Odor, Absorbency & Leaks**
- Use Smelleze Odor & Leak Control Powder in the pouch to help gel liquid and reduce odor.
- Remember that accidents are common in the first few months, but they usually decrease as your skin toughens and your technique improves.

4. **Leave, Work & Supplies**
- Consider using intermittent leave options to take time off as needed.
- Low-cost or donated supplies are available from organizations like Osto Group.

5. **Diet Cautions & Extra Tips**
- Avoid or limit acidic fruits like pineapple and oranges that can irritate the stoma.
- Warm pouches before applying them for better adhesion.
- A convex pouch with spray adhesive and rings can work well even with formal outfits.
- Stay hydrated and maintain electrolyte levels to keep your energy up.

6. **Encouragement**
- Leaks and mishaps are common for new ileostomates, but with time, better products, and improved techniques, most people regain their confidence and return to normal activities, including work and hobbies like motorbike rides.