This topic is about managing an ostomy when you have a high, irregular-shaped stoma located near the belly button. The person sharing their experience had an emergency colostomy and is now dealing with some challenges in fitting the wafer properly due to the stoma's position and shape. Here are some helpful tips and insights for managing this situation:

1. Seek Professional Help
- It's beneficial to consult with a certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (WOCN) for precise measurements and advice on appliances and placement. In the meantime, home-health nurses can provide support.

2. Cutting and Fitting the Wafer
- Generally, leave about a 1 mm gap between the wafer and the stoma. You can cut the wafer slightly smaller or larger to see what works best.
- If the wafer is cut too small, the stoma might bleed briefly but should heal quickly.
- Use the plastic backing from the last wafer as a template and smooth the cut edges with your finger.
- For stomas close to the navel, some people cut a semicircle out of the wafer over the belly button to ensure a flat seal.
- Make sure the skin is completely dry before applying the wafer; using a hair-dryer for a final dry can help.

3. Barrier Rings, Paste, and Fillers
- A full moldable barrier ring can touch the stoma and will swell to fill gaps, often providing a tighter seal than a half ring.
- Some people shape the ring around the stoma first, then apply the wafer, while others "turtleneck" the ring outward on the wafer.
- Use paste sparingly to back up the ring, as too much can undermine adhesion.
- Moldable filler strips can be used in creases or divots, and extender strips can help hold wafer edges flat where there are folds.

4. Alternate Appliances
- Moldable wafers can stretch to fit unusual shapes and gradually conform, eliminating the need for complex cutting.
- Convex wafers or bags can improve the fit on protruding or herniated areas.

5. Adhesion Tips
- Warm the wafer before application by holding it under your arm, sitting on it, or using a hair-dryer for 15-20 seconds before and after applying it.
- A "chef's hat" of folded toilet paper around the stoma can keep it lifted and dry while blow-drying the skin.

6. Output Management and Leak Prevention
- For thick output or pancaking, add a few drops of baby oil inside the pouch. Some people prefer the Equate brand over Johnson & Johnson.
- Use the smallest wafer opening available if the stoma shrinks over time.

7. Skin Protection and Troubleshooting
- Barrier wipes can help protect the skin around the stoma.
- For fungal irritation, lightly dust with Nystatin powder, wipe off the excess, and then apply the system.

8. Product and Brand Mentions
- Some products that might be helpful include the Hollister 2-piece drainable system, Adapt barrier ring, Coloplast Brava strips/extenders, Convatec moldable wafer, Eakin Cohesive ring, Equate baby oil, and Nystatin powder.