This topic is about managing recurrent leaks and evaluating the use of belts six months after having an ileostomy. The person sharing their experience has been dealing with leaks and is seeking advice on whether these setbacks are normal and if belts can help. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Belt Use:
- Many people find wearing a belt continuously, except during showers or changes, provides peace of mind and added security, even though leaks can still occur.
- If a single belt link doesn’t hold well, especially with an indented lower abdomen, using a two-link or double-belt setup might help distribute pressure better and reduce leaks.
- Custom-modified baseplates with extra belt tabs can improve the fit and security.

2. Check Fundamentals When Leaks Recur:
- Re-evaluate the appliance seal by pressing the flange or wafer firmly for about a minute after application.
- Ensure the correct sizing and full adhesion, and make sure the pouch is truly drainable and emptied before it becomes heavy.
- Consider factors like high-volume or very liquid output, dehydration, meal size and frequency, and dietary residue, as they can all affect wear-time.

3. Skin Protection & Accessories:
- Use a barrier ring with every change to fill gaps and absorb moisture.
- Products like Brava Barrier Cream, 3M Cavilon skin protector, and antifungal powder can help prevent or treat irritation under the wafer.
- Allow skin products to dry completely before applying the flange.

4. Wear-Time Expectations:
- Don’t view long wear-time as a contest; many people intentionally change every 2-3 days to protect their skin.
- Occasional "glitches" can happen at any stage, so focus on prompt troubleshooting rather than the calendar.

5. Experimental/Custom Solutions:
- Body contours sometimes require individualized solutions, such as custom-shaped baseplates, belt positioning, or molds. One person even tried plaster-of-Paris casts, though it wasn’t practical with stoma output.

6. When to Seek Help:
- If leaks persist, the skin condition worsens, or there are sudden changes in output, it’s important to consult with a stoma or wound-care nurse.