Flat Colostomy Challenges: Daily Appliance Changes

The discussion centers around the difficulties faced by individuals with flat colostomies, particularly the need for daily appliance changes. The original poster expresses frustration with the frequent need to change appliances, which can be challenging and potentially harmful to the skin.

Advice and Insights

1. Use convex appliances with a barrier ring to help manage a flat or retracted stoma. Coloplast deep convex appliances are recommended for their effectiveness.

2. Cut one edge of the barrier ring to fit tightly against the stoma. The ring will swell to fill gaps and absorb output, preventing it from reaching the skin.

3. Consider consulting an ostomy nurse for personalized advice and to diagnose any underlying issues that may be causing frequent appliance changes.

4. If the stoma is recessed or flat, surgical revision to bring the stoma out may be beneficial. Seeking a second opinion from another surgeon is advised.

5. Convex devices can help manage a recessed stoma. Convatec offers convex devices and provides access to ostomy nurses for video consultations.

6. For skin protection, products like Marathon skin protectant may help heal the skin and improve appliance adhesion.

7. If experiencing issues like pancaking (when output sticks at the top of the bag), ensure the seal is secure and consider using products that prevent this.

8. Some users report getting up to 7 days of wear from Coloplast deep convex flanges, suggesting they are more reliable than shallow convex options.

9. If experiencing frequent leaks or skin irritation, it is important to address these issues promptly to avoid further complications.