If you've recently had ileostomy surgery and are experiencing issues with your wafer not lasting long enough and skin irritation, you're not alone. Here are some friendly tips and advice to help you extend the wear time of your wafer and protect your skin:

1. **General Troubleshooting**
- Identify where the leak is happening, whether it's between the wafer and your skin or the wafer and the pouch, and adjust your technique accordingly.
- Ensure the wafer opening is just 1/8 inch larger than your stoma to avoid tightness, and resize as your stoma changes.
- If scars or skin contours are causing issues, consider offsetting the flange hole or using Stomapaste to fill uneven areas.
- Don't hesitate to request samples from different companies to find the best fit for you.

2. **Skin Protection and Healing**
- Keep your skin clean and dry, and let it breathe when possible. Witch hazel or aloe can soothe without leaving residue.
- Lightly dust irritated skin with stoma powder, then use a no-sting barrier wipe. Repeat this process once or twice for better protection.
- Barrier wipes or sprays can create a protective film and improve adhesion. Some recommended products include Convatec adhesive wipes and Skin Tac.

3. **Adhesion Techniques**
- Warm the wafer, barrier ring, and your skin with a hair-dryer or body heat before application. Hold a warm cloth over the flange for 30–60 seconds after applying.
- Press firmly around the stoma and along the wafer edge to ensure a good seal. Snap the pouch on and squeeze the rim for extra security.
- Apply the appliance in the morning before eating when your stoma is less active. Keep damp gauze handy to manage any output during preparation.
- Use an ostomy belt and empty the pouch when it's about one-third full to reduce strain.
- Allow one-piece appliances or paste to set by lying down or taking a nap after changing.

4. **Products and Set-ups for Extended Wear Time**
- Convatec two-piece moldable wafer with or without Eakin Cohesive Seal or Coloplast Brava moldable ring can last 4–6 days.
- Convatec high-output pouch is compatible with their two-piece system.
- Convatec one-piece drainable with Stomahesive paste can last 6–8 days.
- Hollister two-piece with Eakin ring and paste or waterproof tape strips can last up to 7 days.
- Cymed MicroSkin one-piece with Hollister moldable sealing washer can last 6 days and is very comfortable.
- Coloplast two-piece with a very sticky protective sheet and Ostofix Forty tapes offers the longest wear for watery output.
- Mio appliances with adhesive strips provide extra security.
- Use barrier rings first, then an adhesive wipe, followed by the appliance and a warm hair-dryer blast. Optional adhesive strips can add extra hold.

5. **Accessories and Tips**
- Eakin Cohesive rings or other seals can act as a "washer" to prevent leaks.
- Stomapaste or Stomahesive paste can fill creases, acting like "plumber's putty."
- Waterproof tape or adhesive strips can patch minor edge leaks and extend wear.
- A rubber band can secure the tail-clip of a drainable pouch.
- Skin Tac, Brava elastic strips, and other adhesives can provide extra edge security.

These tips should help you find a more comfortable and longer-lasting solution for your ileostomy needs. Remember, it's all about finding what works best for you and your body.