This topic is about dealing with a retracted ileostomy stoma and the persistent leaks that can come with it. After undergoing a proctectomy, which is a follow-up surgery for ulcerative colitis, the person's ileostomy stump retracted below the skin level. Despite trying various appliances with the help of a surgeon and stoma nurse, leaks have been a constant issue for over a year. The person is seeking advice from others who might have faced similar challenges and is open to both surgical and non-surgical solutions.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared:

1. Consider using a larger 2-piece system.
- A medical-supply specialist once fitted a 5-inch wafer (flange) with a separate pouch for another person with a retracted stoma.
- The larger wafer improved adhesion, allowing the user to wear the same wafer for up to seven days, changing only the pouch when necessary.

2. Explore the option of surgical revision if appliances continue to fail.
- Discuss with the surgeon the possibility of exteriorizing more of the small intestine so that the stoma protrudes properly.
- Highlight the issues of constant leakage, the impact on lifestyle, and the anxiety it causes to support the case for surgical correction. It's important to assert your right to be actively involved in treatment decisions.

Additionally, there is an upcoming appointment with the surgeon on July 9, with hopes for positive news. The person is also dealing with a medication dilemma: doubling Imodium and codeine-phosphate thickens the output too much, causing the pouch to lift, while lowering the dose results in very runny output that still leaks.