suggestion for new ostomy products

[texazgal]

Nickolas/Lee

I just got Coloplast samples of the new system you referred to. It's called Sensura Mio convex flip. It's a very interesting design-star shaped and all curved to fit over a hernia. I'm really hoping to have better luck with it than the plain Mio which failed to adhere to my crazy skin. Hope it is something that will work for you.

[Button]

TexGal:
Coloplast does have some new and interesting products in its Mio line, especially for those who want/need some degree of convexity.

The Mio Convex Flex offers a “beginner’s” or low depth level of convexity that is overall flexible and pliable. The pliability of the Mio Convex Flex is a big advantage for anyone who has a hernia or an otherwise uneven abdominal surface and needs a wafer that will conform to dips and crevices and skin surface irregularities.
Karen

[Diane C]

Nickolas,

Apologies! I was posting quite a bit and meant to stay current on this valuable site but "time" got away. In answer to your question as to why I switched from a colostomy to an ileostomy, my situation is somewhat different.

I had a functional GI problem with slow and irregular motility in my gut. It may have been related to the fact that my anal muscles were dysfunctional and did not relax in synchronicity so I became very distended and constipated -- all my life. That problem could have affected my entire GI tract. My dad had the same condition. In the early 90s, after trying MANY different options including botox injections, many surgeons advised I get an ileostomy. But I was stubborn and thought a colostomy would be easier to manage -- which it often is. A surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, FL who's downright brilliant felt that nothing really was wrong with my colon and did that surgery for a colostomy. At first, things worked pretty well. I did irrigate but if I irrigated at 6 AM and ate healthily, by 3-4 pm, I felt the need to evacuate again which would have required more irrigation as passage was slow. I usually felt much pressure in my sigmoid area -- and did need surgery for a peristomal hernia there in 2015.

Bottom line -- after a large hernia developed in 2018, I agreed that an ileostomy was what I needed. That surgery was Nov 1 and went well. Recently, I had a small snafu and will post about that.

Btw, I found my diagnosis for "non-relaxing puberactalis muscle with non-synchronous release of anal muscles" via a fabulous, small organization that focuses on functional GI disorders. It's worthy of support! See iffgd.org.

Very glad you are receiving valuable support at this website. It's terrific and has helped me endlessly over the years.

Diane C

[Diane C]

Hi all,

Sorry for not showing up recently! After my Nov 1 surgery when I switched from a colostomy to an ileostomy, I was having leakage issues. Don't know where my mind was -- but it took me a while -- duh -- to realize that the surgeon had created the ileostomy on top of my MACE (Malone Appendiceal (or Antegrade) Colon Enema procedure) scar. (A MACE is an internal tube -- in my case made from my appendix -- that allows for irrigation of water from the caecum through a tube made of one's tissue that extends to the navel; it's often an operation for infants with spina bifida or paralysis and allows parents to irrigate the baby's system and prevent constipation although some adults get it, too -- and it can avoid the need for an ostomy. In my case, due to many reasons but primarily because of slow motility in my gut, it didn't work out -- and I did have a colostomy -- and recently switched that to an ileostomy -- see my last post.)

Anyway, the MACE scar dips IN and created a horizontal line on both sides of my ileostomy. So, stool would escape under the faceplate where that dip occurred. I'm now using Stomahesive strips in a horizontal line on both sides of my ostomy after I apply barrier spray. I'm sure seals would work as well but my sensitive skin has always reacted well to Stomahesive strips. I'll be trying seals next week because as Karen/Button has noted, it's good to alternate products -- can roll them and create a horizontal placement of them to raise the indented area where the MACE scar is.

If the surgeon had not placed the ileostomy there, it would have been pretty high up on my right side. He seemed to know what he was doing -- and initially was displeased about the placement of that MACE scar. I'm sure leakage would have been less if the stoma were higher up -- but it'd have been pretty high and probably difficult with clothing, etc.

Anyway, for now, the leakage has stopped for the most part and I'm changing my wafer which happens to be Convatec's right now about every 3-4 days.

As I had to visit the ostomy clinic recently, I was speaking to the nurses there about the leakage. One suggested I use Convatec Eakin PASTE -- not the seal -- instead. When I asked if any new products were available, she mentioned this. I'm sure Phoenix Magazine has referenced it but my subscription ran out; must renew. Has anyone used this Convatec Eakin PASTE instead of a seal to help with leakage? (Or maybe it's not so new?) https://www.healthykin.com//p-5382-conv ... O0QAvD_BwE

Thank you!

Diane C.

[texazgal]

Diane C: I have the Eakins paste and have not found it to be any better than other pastes. I have used it under a stomahesive strip to seal up a gap next to my stoma(kinda like a ditch that needs filling in). It tends to disappear like regular paste.

[Diane C]

Hi Texazgal,

Thanks for the comment. The Stomahesive strips are working well. Not sure I need to buy the Convatec Eakins Paste then... tho we all are different. I do have quite an assortment of seals already. Definitely must use the thicker one as I use more than 1 Stomahesive strip on my abdomen over the MACE scar.

Diane C.

[texazgal]

Diane C.
I love the stomahesive strips. I use them instead of seals and they are so much less expensive. Cut one lengthtwise and curl into a circle to fit around stoma, then apply barrier. BTW, my real name (mostly) is Dianne C. Always wanted only one 'n' LOL

[nickolas]

Nickolas/Lee

I just got Coloplast samples of the new system you referred to. It's called Sensura Mio convex flip.

I too got a couple of those star flips, have not had a chance to try it yet. I do have a small hernia. I've been using the flat wafers from the Mio line and I LOVE THEM!!! I suspect they will be replacing my soon to be discontinued Hollister products. I will be seeing an Ostomy nurse tomorrow to get ideas, fitted for a new belt for my Mio products and new scripts. I thank everyone for all your help.

Will see if I can add a signature line.

Lee

[nickolas]

Nickolas,

Very glad you are receiving valuable support at this website. It's terrific and has helped me endlessly over the years.

Diane C

Thanks for the update. While I know people can get colostomy/ileostomy for many different reasons, I just kind of assume it's cancer related.

Yes this is a wonderful website, think I will stick around for awhile.

Lee

[nickolas]

. . .
More likely, people (like myself) that have fair skin (skin that is thin, with less dense collagen/fibrin matrix, prone to bruising or skin tears or bruising) or who have a co-existing auto-immune disorder (Chron’s, rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus) or who are on corticosteroids are at heightened risk for developing an acquired sensitivity to a product ingredient over time. It is similar to tape sensitivity and sensitivity to skin care products (soap and shampoos with parabens, for example) where use of a specific product over many months leads to a localized skin reaction. With a contact dermatitis, the skin may become reddened and warm with a pin point rash appearance, weapy, and painful to touch - a localized inflammatory reaction.

Rotating manufacturer brands can help quell contact dermatitis simply by interrupting exposure to an irritation. The composite recipe of hydrocolloid wafers is slightly different with each manufacturer. Each manufacturer’s wafer is unique and proprietary to them. Changing it up - alternating wafer brands, in particular - lessens the likelihood of developing an acquired sensitive due to prolonged contact and exposure.
. . .
Karen

The above statement is why I requested to see an Ostomy nurse. I too am fair skin, diagnosed with psoriasis a few years back, noticed skin brusing on my arms (fighting the sheets at night) also a few yrs back. While doing research, maybe (maybe??) some little signs of skin issues. Thank you for bring this to my attention. I want to deal with this now (I think I'm okay) vs I've got a problem. I'm a big believer in "knowledge is power".

Thank you again and for suggesting the Mio line.

Lee

[nickolas]

Hi all,

As I had to visit the ostomy clinic recently, I was speaking to the nurses there about the leakage. One suggested I use Convatec Eakin PASTE -- not the seal -- instead. When I asked if any new products were available, she mentioned this. I'm sure Phoenix Magazine has referenced it but my subscription ran out; must renew. Has anyone used this Convatec Eakin PASTE instead of a seal to help with leakage? (Or maybe it's not so new?) https://www.healthykin.com//p-5382-conv ... O0QAvD_BwE

Thank you!

Diane C.

I have found "great" success with Hollister Adapt Rings (ref # 7805), I believe this is very similar to the Eakon (sp??? ring). I live in Phoenix, AZ. Summer is a killer for ostomy products. At it's worst (heat wise 115++), I generally chance my wafer in the summer 2X weekly, but when heat is at it's worst (117 to 120++), it can be 3X weekly. During the winter months, only once a week. This winter is the exception, due to finding a new ostomy products. These rings worked better for me than the paste. The only time I think about the paste now, is when I'm in Florida, swimming in the ocean. Anytime I get my wafer wet, I've got to change it. Yes I know how to take a shower with a small hand towel, a hand held shower head and a very dry wafer and bag.

But when I "was" using the paste on a regular basis, i generally changes the wafer 2X weekly. Hoping the Holister rings work well with the Coloplast Mio product line, but I will be open to new ideas and suggestions.

If your other suggestions do not work, think about the Hollister Adapt Ring.

Lee

[nickolas]

Well I just saw the Ostomy nurse, actually 2 of them. They work as a team. I showed them what I have been using for the past 10-12 years. They understood why it was being discontinued. They deem the product to be old and out of date (gee I really liked it). I showed them what Hollister had sent me, guess that is what they are recommending to new ostomy patients. Wanted to know why I did not like it. I call it wimpy. The ring has on occasions splits, the flange actually separated open once after trying to removed a bag. The good news, I was home, but what happens if I'm out and about. That wafer had been on my body less than a day. The bag is so wimpy, it can clog up (suppose to be a gas passer bag) after just passing gas. Told them, sometimes, I only get 10 mins wear before it clogs up. They both about dropped there jaws. I'm asking, has anybody else complained about this problem. No, but they admitted they are probably not with the patient long enough to get that type of feedback.

I showed them the Sensura Mio Click wafer and pouches. They were impressed. They wrote all the numbers down on a separate sheet of paper, I think they are going to check it out.

The best news, my stoma look great. The skin around it if fine, my concern was nothing more than using the Adapt ring, vs the paste. Switch it up every so often. They were a bit shocked that I can go from Wednesday to Wednesday with the same wafer. With the new Hollister wafer, I can only get 3-4 days before it looks like it might fall off. They said they generally recommend not more than 5 days without changing it. The fact that I don't have problems with leakage was also impressive to them. As they put it, what ever you are doing, keep it up I told them this system does not get wet until I'm ready to change the wafer. When taking a shower, I use small cloth, & a hand held shower head. They are going to pass that long to new patients, could be why I can wear my old system wafer for so long.

All in all a good visit. Thank you again, Karen, for that wonderful recommendation.

Lee

[Jono]

I use Hollister stuff (2-1/4” wafers and (usually) disposable bags, as well as their irrigation set for that size appliance (same irrigation set for the last 11 mos)
Much to the horror of the CWOCN, I started using alcohol and Benzoin as a skin prep at wafer changes, when I noticed skin irritation and poor adhesion with the Hollister (or subsequently, Coloplast) stuff
Works great.
Never leaks
Never falls off
I take a shower at least every other day, and just take off the bag, and go to town without covering it in the shower.
When it’s time for a change, (5-7 days) the paper edges of the wafer are a little un-stuck, but everything else is densely adherent.
I have zero skin issues with this regimen, ( despite a pretty big hernia) while I was having all sorts of trouble with the Hollister/Coloplast wipes and skin preps.

[Button]

Lee:
It sounds like you were the teacher and tutor to the ostomy nurses in bringing awareness of advances in ostomy products.

Hospitals tend to provide one brand of ostomy product to new surgical ostomy patients. Hospitals will contract with one ostomy manufacturer and negotiate for a contractural rate/price in order to provide and promote the manufacturer’s product line. It sounds like your hospital and ostomy nurses have a contractural relationship with Hollister.

I began with Hollister as Hollister was the manufacturer that contracted with the hospital I was at. There was a starter program that Holloster provided that was helpful to me.

But early on I had less than positive experiences with Holloster wafers and pouches. Constant leaks. And I smelled “off.” That lead me to explore other pouching options. Coloplast and CyMed have been ideal systems for me.

There is no one ostomy product that fits every ostomates’ needs. I appreciate the wide variety of ostomy product options available. And I try to stay current on new offerings and redesigns.

You may want to subscribe to the UOAA quarterly publication, The Phoenix. It is a valuable resource of all things ostomy and is a good source of new product offerings and manufacturer samples.

Thanks for sharing your experience with your ostomy nurse appointment. We all learn by sharing with one another.
Karen

[Diane C]

Hi all,

Sounds as though most folks are doing well. Good!

Generally, I do have success with the Stomahesive strips so am sticking with them although now and then may switch to seals. Since the indention on the sides of my new ileostomy stoma are literally horizontal lines, the strips work well. They don't work so well and nothing would if I wait too long (NO CAN DO -- am so used to my colostomy!) that I leak. My skin is super sensitive and the acidic output is not kind to my skin as I expected.

Odd, I was up almost all night because the Brava strips I use to frame my barrier were itching SO much. So, I guess the skin is irritated. I had switched from using pink Hy Tape to the Brava product with great luck until last night.

Live and learn... and experiment.

Sunday is our non-virtual support group in N. Va. Hope we have it as we have a bit of snow (nothing like the Midwest) but we have many elderly folks in our group. I'm used to providing advice and now I do a LOT of listening...

Oh, and ha -- the real way to spell Diane is this way. But I know Diannes and Dian and other forms work just as well!

Diane C