This topic is about dealing with pain from a convex wafer after having an ileostomy. The person is experiencing a "bruise-like" pain where the wafer presses into the skin and is looking for reasons and solutions.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. **Confirm the need for convexity**
- Convex wafers are typically used for stomas that are flush, retracted, or sit in a crease. If your stoma protrudes more than ¾ inch, a flat wafer might be suitable.
- Some people have found that switching to a flat barrier stopped the pain.

2. **Allow for surgical healing**
- At four weeks post-surgery, your skin and the area around the stoma are still healing. The pressure from a convex barrier can cause soreness.
- Mild discomfort can be normal, but if the pain is severe or getting worse, it's important to see a healthcare professional, like a WOC nurse or visit the ER.

3. **Consider barrier type and rigidity**
- There are flexible or soft convex barriers that might relieve pressure better than hard ones.
- Trying a different brand or a larger-diameter barrier could help spread the pressure and reduce the bruised feeling.

4. **Improve fit to cut leaks (may allow return to flat wafer)**
- Cut the wafer opening to match your stoma’s exact shape, which is often not perfectly round.
- Leave a small gap for stoma movement, ensuring no healthy skin is exposed inside the opening.
- A good seal can prevent leaks and reduce the need for extra convex pressure.

5. **Manage challenging stoma position**
- If your stoma is in a fold, even gentle convexity might feel too rigid. Reinforcing the surrounding skin with barrier rings or strips, or consulting a nurse about stoma site marking, can help.
- If the stoma is too short for reliable appliance adherence, surgical revision might be a long-term option.

6. **General tips**
- If a product is uncomfortable, stop using it and try alternatives. Ostomy management should not be painful.
- Regularly measure your stoma during the first few months, as its size and shape can change as swelling goes down.
- Always use your judgment and consult an ostomy nurse for personalized fitting advice.