The topic is about managing issues like soft stool, pancaking, and seepage for someone who recently had a colostomy. After undergoing an emergency colostomy due to diverticulitis and colon perforation, the person is experiencing challenges with their current colostomy setup. They are using a ConvaTec two-piece system with an Eakin seal and Cavilon skin-prep, but are facing problems when the output softens, leading to discomfort and irritation. They are looking for practical tips and product suggestions to improve their situation without relying on medication.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. **Irrigation**
- If your remaining colon is healthy, consider learning colostomy irrigation. This can help manage stool once a day and reduce issues like pancaking and seepage. It's a good idea to discuss this option with your WOC nurse or gastroenterologist.

2. **Skin Protection & Barrier Improvement**
- Using Torbot Liquid Bonding Cement can create a stronger protective layer on your skin.
- Coloplast Paste or Stomahesive/Stomadhesive powder, combined with an Eakin seal, can help fill gaps and prevent leaks and irritation.
- Applying spray adhesive to the inner seal of the wafer (not directly on the skin) before application can help prevent undermining.

3. **Pouch Choice & Emptying**
- Consider trying drainable bags with Velcro closures, like Hollister’s “Lock ’n Roll” or similar options from ConvaTec and Coloplast, to make emptying easier without removing the pouch.
- Switching to a one-piece system or adjusting wafer sizes might help reduce pancaking.

4. **Reduce Pancaking by Adding Air**
- Cover the filter with a sticker, open the pouch tail briefly to let in some air, which can help prevent the vacuum effect.
- Burp the pouch a couple of times daily, or use an Osto-EZ-Vent for a dedicated gas vent.

5. **Manual “Push-Down” Method**
- Several times a day, press under the wafer while rolling the pouch top outward to move stool away from the stoma and down toward the tail.

6. **Dietary Thickening (Instead of Daily Imodium)**
- Incorporate foods like rice, pasta, potatoes, marshmallows, peanut butter, peanuts, or protein-rich foods like sardines to thicken the output.
- If medication is still needed, consider reducing Imodium to half-doses instead of taking 1–2 full tablets daily.

7. **Routine & Hygiene Tweaks**
- Rinse the pouch with cool water after each emptying to keep the walls slick.
- Add lubricating deodorant drops each time, such as Hollister Lubricant/Deodorant.
- Change the pouch daily and the wafer every 3–4 days to maintain a clean and odor-free seal, as filters tend to clog after a day.