This topic is about dealing with persistent leakage issues when you have a colostomy that is placed in a skin fold. The person who started the discussion was initially told their colostomy would be temporary, but now it seems it will be permanent. The stoma's position in an abdominal fold is causing the wafer to fail quickly, leading to frequent leaks. They are seeking advice on how long wafers typically last and if the stoma's position is the problem.

Here are some helpful suggestions and insights:

1. Seek professional support:
- Consider getting a second opinion from a colorectal surgeon to explore all options regarding the possibility of reversal.
- Reach out to an Enterostomal Therapy (ET) or Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) nurse for a thorough assessment. Keep trying to contact them until you get a response.

2. Explore irrigation (for colostomy only):
- Regular colostomy irrigation might eliminate the need for a pouch entirely.

3. Evaluate different appliances and request samples:
- Contact manufacturers for free samples and try different systems until you find one that fits your body contours well.
- One-piece systems often adapt better to uneven skin folds and may help reduce leaks.

4. Products that others have found helpful:
- Coloplast SenSura 1-piece shallow convex pouch.
- Coloplast “A MIO” (SenSura Mio) pouch.
- Convatec convex one-piece appliance.
- Nu-Hope pouch with a moldable convex barrier.
- Secuplast moldable seals to fill dips.
- Coloplast additional flange seal rings.
- Barrier rings, paste, and sprays to fill creases and improve adhesion.

5. Improve pouch adhesion:
- Avoid using baby wipes or cleansers with moisturizers.
- Rinse the area in the shower and dry thoroughly, using a hair-dryer on low/warm, especially in creases.
- Ensure the wafer opening fits the stoma size as closely as possible.
- Limit or stop using adhesive-remover wipes if they leave a residue that affects adhesion.

6. Manage challenging topography:
- Use convex wafers or shallow convex pouches to help push the stoma outward.
- Moldable rings or paste can fill in scars or dips beside the stoma.
- Support the pouch with snug underwear like Sloggi maxi briefs.

7. Handle output issues:
- If thick output causes "pancaking," add 1–2 tablespoons of water into the pouch after emptying to help it drop away.

8. Additional resources:
- Visit www.ostomy.org and www.ostomyland.org for more information and support.