irrigation without a wafer?

[steiconi]

I've seen what appear to be references to irrigating without a wafer or anything to attach the sleeve, just using a belt to hold it on.

I assume people who wear stoma caps or 1-piece appliances must do something like this, but I haven't seen a description or instructions.

Do you just strap it on and go for it? Doesn't it leak?

[markstan]

I've seen what appear to be references to irrigating without a wafer or anything to attach the sleeve, just using a belt to hold it on.

I assume people who wear stoma caps or 1-piece appliances must do something like this, but I haven't seen a description or instructions.

Do you just strap it on and go for it? Doesn't it leak?

Yes. The sleeve has a flange with a couple of tabs that lock into the irrigation sleeve. You must adjust the sleeve to apply enough tension to prevent leaking. I am sitting in my living room with the sleeve on while waiting for irrigation returns. You do have to be careful because if too mush water/stool fills the sleeve it may leak. It is just a matter of experience to figure out when you need to empty the sleeve to prevent unwanted leaks.

Mark

[steiconi]

So...it's that easy? It really doesn't leak around the edges?

I mean, if my wafer is getting old, one edge will sometimes blow out while infusing.
Hmmm. I wonder if that means I'm using too much pressure--perhaps I should hang the bag lower or not unclamp the tube all the way.

[Lisa]

Hi
I use what I think is called a face plate adapter. It is a hard plastic circle that I hold on over my stoma snugly with a belt. The irrigation sleeve then snaps onto it the same way it would attach to your flange. I use convatec sleeves and a convatec adapter. Works great. No leaks, well maybe once lol when I didn't have the belt snug enough.
If you call, convatec will send you a sample to try. I was surprised they would since it's a reusable item but they did.

[BobinLJ]

HI- so what do all you non-wafer gators wear during the day? Just tape on a stoma cap? How do you handle the occasional late return, or just some minor random output?

[Lisa]

HI- so what do all you non-wafer gators wear during the day? Just tape on a stoma cap? How do you handle the occasional late return, or just some minor random output?

After I irrigate I put on a a Hollister 1 piece stoma cap. I like them because they are the only brand I found to have a precut hole. On average, (and keep in mind I've only been irrigating for 7 months now) I have had unexpected output about once a month. The cap can actually hold quite a bit so as long as I'm aware and get to a bathroom I just clean up and put a new cap on. If I can, I will stay in the bathroom a bit to see if more output is imminent and expel it directly into the toilet before replacing the cap. I have had output seep through to my clothing twice, I think through the filter. I think this could have been avoided if I had realized I had output sooner. Once I was at home and once I had just arrived home, so I was lucky. I'm a bit more vigilant about checking now.
I was experimenting with ampatches. They were heavenly, basically just a small patch and no plastic! But they hold much less output and the breathable style allows output to seep through too easily. I feel much safer with the cap. Too much risk for my liking.

[markstan]

HI- so what do all you non-wafer gators wear during the day? Just tape on a stoma cap? How do you handle the occasional late return, or just some minor random output?

I use the Hollister mini-pouch. It is quite small but has enough volume to handle unwanted output.

Mark

[Lisa]

HI- so what do all you non-wafer gators wear during the day? Just tape on a stoma cap? How do you handle the occasional late return, or just some minor random output?

I use the Hollister mini-pouch. It is quite small but has enough volume to handle unwanted output.

Mark

Mark,
Is that a one piece?

[BobinLJ]

hi- I've been using the Hollister 2-piece mini pouch, the wafer, and an Eakins seal. And its worked fine, and I snap on the sleeve when I irrigate in the AM. The main reason I was asking above is that I'm wondering if there is even a more slim and less equipment solution. During the work day, I wear business slacks, belt, and shirt tucked in. I also use an Ostomysecret lycra band to keep it all snug, and perhaps provide a buffer where the belt is against the stoma and bag. I guess I have to figure out the risk/reward and comfort level of wearing a cap, with occasional minor output and possible compromising moment; versus, keeping the wafer/seal/bag and the bit more bulk it brings within clothes.

hhmmm, so maybe I should try the cap on weekends or when its not so worrisome being caught out in the world in case of output. I do know in me some of my biggest fears are really not that big of deal when a worst case scenario does happen -- usually figure out a way to handle it.

thanks for all suggestions! Bob

[steiconi]

I was due to change my wafer last night, so I thought I'd give no-wafer irrigation a try.
But then I got diarrhea about an hour early, so I decided to keep the wafer on.
But wait! the wafer leaked! (at least it was during infusion, so that was fairly clean water running down my leg)
So I pulled off the wafer and strapped on the bag. The bag's ring stuck nicely to the residue from the eakins ring, and I had no leaks at all. It went well until...
I wasn't paying attention, and got a geyser from the unsealed top of the bag. This time, the water was not "clean" by any standards, and went all over the toilet, floor, and me. Sigh; the only time I ever get a code brown is when I'm not paying attention. You'd think I'd learn!

Anyway, the waferlessness worked just fine, I'll do it again next time I'm due to change.

Thanks for all the help and advice!

[Rasputin]

hi- I've been using the Hollister 2-piece mini pouch, the wafer, and an Eakins seal. And its worked fine, and I snap on the sleeve when I irrigate in the AM. The main reason I was asking above is that I'm wondering if there is even a more slim and less equipment solution. During the work day, I wear business slacks, belt, and shirt tucked in. I also use an Ostomysecret lycra band to keep it all snug, and perhaps provide a buffer where the belt is against the stoma and bag. I guess I have to figure out the risk/reward and comfort level of wearing a cap, with occasional minor output and possible compromising moment; versus, keeping the wafer/seal/bag and the bit more bulk it brings within clothes.

hhmmm, so maybe I should try the cap on weekends or when its not so worrisome being caught out in the world in case of output. I do know in me some of my biggest fears are really not that big of deal when a worst case scenario does happen -- usually figure out a way to handle it.

thanks for all suggestions! Bob

I couldn't find a stoma cap for Hollister two piece. They told me the mini pouch was as good as it gets. I'd love to have caps instead of a bag.

[markstan]

HI- so what do all you non-wafer gators wear during the day? Just tape on a stoma cap? How do you handle the occasional late return, or just some minor random output?

I use the Hollister mini-pouch. It is quite small but has enough volume to handle unwanted output.

Mark

Mark,
Is that a one piece?

Hi Lisa,

It is a one piece. I use only piece pouches. I find that two piece pouches are to bulky. I dont want to feel the presence of a pouch.

Mark

[steiconi]

I couldn't find a stoma cap for Hollister two piece. They told me the mini pouch was as good as it gets. I'd love to have caps instead of a bag.

The stoma caps I've seen have basically been 1-piece mini pouches. I think that's practically the definition of a stoma cap; no drain, no wafer, doesn't hold much.
Have you tried the caps?

I've been switching back and forth between 2-piece minis and stoma caps. I much prefer the caps, but the 2-piece is good if I'm not feeling confident about output.

I finally asked my WOC to request a faceplate for me. The Convatec rep sent not just the faceplate, but a whole irrigation kit. Great timing, I was planning on buying a backup. Now I just have to learn how tight to make the belt.