Struggling with Leaking Convex Stoma - Need Advice

I was diagnosed with rectal cancer ten years ago and ended up with a permanent colostomy. I had no problems until I developed a hernia. I had a hernia repair and a stoma revision done about a month ago. I went from a nice little stoma that was very easy to pouch to a convex stoma. I am having so much trouble trying to work with this new stoma. It leaks all the time. I have never been so depressed. I have to go back to work in a few weeks and I am terrified. I have been working with the stoma nurse in my surgeon's office. She pulls out her McGuyver bag and whatever she puts on me ends up leaking. Her response when I call her is to come back in and she will "figure something out". I don't know what to do. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Have you tried the FlexPro flange and Sensura pouches by Coloplast? They work for me and I had leak problems. I also use a paste adhesive on the flange for good measure. Contact Coloplast and they will send you samples.

So sorry to hear about your problems, but I too have a hernia and was wanting to do the surgery and try to fix it. But I have heard of problems with the surgery. So do you suggest not having hernia repair surgery?

Unfortunately, I did not have a choice. I was really having problems with obstructions. I was not prepared for the stoma revision and the changes that I am dealing with. I am hoping as I heal - this stoma will be easier to work with. Make sure you go to a really good surgeon and talk with them about all of the things that may change after surgery, such as stoma revision or even stoma relocation. The good news is that I don't look like I am smuggling a grapefruit in my pants anymore! The contours of my stomach are much more even. Good luck.

Well, truthfully, my doctor doesn't want to do the repair. She said it will all be fine and just name it and go along with it. Well, that's easy for her to say!! The plastic surgeons don't want to do surgery because I am a smoker. They say it won't heal. So my hernia just keeps getting bigger and bigger every day. I have both a colostomy and a urostomy. So they say there really isn't anywhere to move my stoma to. I so wish that I could meet people in person with the same disabilities that I have. I know I could learn a lot about all of it that I don't know. I just get up every morning doing the same thing. I don't know any other way of doing it. I do not irrigate, I don't know how (and kinda scared). I am from Texas. My doctors are at MD Anderson in Houston. Where do you live and go to the doctors at? Hope it all works out good for you. Have a great night.

Your stomach is more even? I would like to hear more....your description of smuggling a grapefruit in your pants made me laugh as that JUST SO describes how I feel! Did they have to cut you open again to do the hernia repair and revision? Or did they go in through the stoma to fix hernia?

Sorry...I know my questions are not helping your original post.....anyway Hollister does a convex flange that may help, have you tried it? The number is 14804 I think and if your nurse calls or you, they should send a sample. I use it with the adapt barrier rings number 7805...rarely have a leak....hope this might help...

Hi! I have an ileostomy where the output is mostly liquid. The barrier rings mentioned have really helped me from my flange leaking. My stoma has become somewhat flush with my skin, so it is hard to stop leaking when most products do not stick to the wetter areas of the stoma. I'm using a pre-cut, 2-piece system, where the flange is flexible yet convex to help stop the leaks. On top of this, I add barrier rings (instead of paste). They're a bit expensive...but well worth it! I'm able to swim and shower without weakening the flange, so I can wear it up to 6 days. I don't know if this will help you, and I know that everyone's stoma is different, so I can only hope this might work for you. I believe that a convex flange and barrier rings might just help you out. Good luck!

I know your post is 3 years old, but how do you swim without a pouch and barrier falling off? I used to swim a lot with an old appliance, a Marlen pouch, and a reusable faceplate. I have had an ileostomy since 1977. I had to switch to Coloplast Assura 2-piece and have not been in the pool since. I'm afraid it may fall off. I got an ileostomy from UC and changed the appliance 3 years ago due to weight gain and different rules with SS Medicare than when purchasing on your own! Plus, the Marlen reusable is kinda outdated and hard to find.

Thanks for any information.

Susie Fountain

I have had an ostomy for 4 and a half years, and it seems like the hernia started forming shortly after the surgery. Like you, mine keeps getting bigger and bigger. My doctor said there are problems with the mesh they used to fix hernias and said as long as I wasn't having any trouble going or any pain, I didn't need to get it fixed. It looks like a grapefruit under my shirt, and it's not so bad in the fall and winter when you can wear layers, but summertime is a big problem. I use Coloplast Assura one-piece bags, and they seem to stick pretty well on my bulge. I tried the Sensura bags and thought the adhesive felt better on my skin, but every single bag came loose.