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Sep 09, 2009

Hospital Recovery and Recurring Wafer Issues

This topic is about dealing with the challenges of potassium imbalance, excessive sweating, and chronic wafer detachment after a hospital stay. The person sharing their experience had a tough time after being admitted to the hospital for pneumonia. They faced a severe potassium imbalance, which led to shock, heavy sweating, hallucinations, and another emergency hospital visit. After this, they struggled with their pouches and wafers detaching frequently, making it hard to leave the house. They are reaching out to see if others have faced similar issues with wafer adhesion due to medical conditions like potassium disturbances and heavy sweating. Here are some helpful tips and insights shared by others:

1. Hydration and Potassium Control
- For those with an ileostomy, high potassium levels can be due to chronic fluid loss. Rehydrating aggressively, such as receiving several liters of IV saline in the hospital and then maintaining good daily fluid intake, can help normalize potassium levels, reduce sweating, and improve wafer wear time.

2. Sweating as the Main Adhesion Enemy
- Heavy sweating can ruin wafer adhesion quickly, sometimes within an hour, even when using products like an Eakin Seal with the wafer.

3. Water Exposure Caution
- Although manufacturers may claim otherwise, getting the wafer wet from activities like swimming, showering, or heavy sweating can reduce wear time for some people. It's a good idea to plan for changes or add extra reinforcement if the appliance will be exposed to water.

4. Accessory Check
- Using a stoma paste around the base before applying the appliance can enhance the contact between the flange and the skin, which might help if sweating isn't too severe.

5. Monitoring and Prevention
- Regular blood tests to check electrolytes and kidney function can help detect potassium issues early. Addressing these issues promptly may prevent sweat-induced wafer failures.

6. Products Mentioned
- Eakin Seal, which is a type of barrier ring, was mentioned as a product used to help with adhesion.
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