Topic Explanation:
The discussion revolves around seeking immediate help for a painful ostomy site following recent ileostomy surgery. The individual experienced discomfort after a change in the size of the wafer cut, which was adjusted by different nurses during hospital visits. The person is contemplating whether to attempt changing the ostomy bag themselves over the weekend or wait until a scheduled appointment with an ostomy nurse.

Advice and Insights from Replies:
1. Changing the Ostomy Appliance:
- If physically able and feeling confident, consider changing the appliance back to the previous size that did not cause pain (1 1/8 inches).
- It's important to ensure the wafer cut size accommodates the stoma's natural fluctuations in size due to breathing and movement.
- Some users recommend leaving a small gap (about 1/8 inch) around the stoma to prevent output from irritating the skin, while others suggest a flush fit.

2. Learning and Adjusting:
- The initial bag changes can be challenging and messy, but they typically become easier with practice.
- It's normal for the first few changes to take a long time (up to an hour), but this process will get faster with experience.
- Using a template for measuring the stoma size can help in cutting the wafer accurately, especially as the stoma size may change shortly after surgery.

3. Using Pre-Cut Wafers and Barrier Rings:
- Consider using pre-cut wafers from brands like ConvaTec and Coloplast to simplify the process.
- Moldable barrier rings can provide a customized fit and help prevent leaks and skin irritation.

4. Managing Output and Appliance Issues:
- Address "pancaking" (output accumulating around the stoma) by adjusting the diet or manually manipulating the bag.
- Ensure the ostomy bag has some air to prevent vacuum effects that can lead to pancaking.
- Understand the function of the filter on the bag; it's designed to release air and prevent ballooning, not for waterproofing.

5. Type of Ostomy Bags:
- Drainable bags are generally more practical and cost-effective than closed bags, especially for those with high output.
- Learning to drain and clean the bag while attached can save on costs and reduce the frequency of complete bag changes.

6. General Tips:
- Keep records of appliance changes to track what