This topic is about dealing with a challenging situation where a person's ostomy output has become so acidic that it is damaging their wafers and barrier rings, and causing irritation to the skin around the stoma. The person has tried various solutions without success and is seeking advice before undergoing a high-risk surgery.

Here are some suggestions and insights that might help:

1. Look into your diet to identify and eliminate any foods that might be causing the acidity. Some people have found relief by avoiding certain acidic foods and using acid-reducing medications like Omeprazole.

2. Consider using extra-thick mechanical protection. This could involve using a convex wafer along with multiple layers of protection, such as two rings cut from a 4 × 4 square barrier, topped with a standard ring barrier, before applying the pouch. The Hollister brand is mentioned as an option.

3. Apply a skin-protective film like Cavilon 3343E. This product forms a barrier that protects the skin without affecting the adhesion of the wafer.

4. You might want to test the pH of your output. You can use swimming-pool pH strips to check the acidity and share the results with your doctor. This could help in identifying the chemical cause of the problem.

5. Make sure that the irritation is not due to an adhesive allergy. If you suspect this, you could try different appliances, such as Welland Aura pouches, which use a Manuka-honey adhesive that might be gentler on your skin.

6. Work with your ostomy product suppliers to find the best products for your situation. Different barriers can react differently to acid or moisture, so finding the right one could make a big difference.

7. If the acidity is confirmed, discuss with your doctor about medical strategies to modify the pH of your gastric or intestinal output before it reaches the pouch. This could help in reducing the acidity and preventing damage to your appliances and skin.