Water in conva Tec pouch

[Mary1919]

My Husband is a new ostomy patient. We are having a lot of issues with leakage. Tried a ConvaTec pouch and it filled with around a quarter cup of water after first putting it on. Can anyone tell me if this is normal? We were using a Hollister bag before. Thanks

[Rock_Robster]

Sorry when you say water - do you mean watery output from the stoma, or something else?

[ron in mich.]

Hi Mary its hard to prevent leaks when the output is watery, I try to eat foods that thicken my output like bannanas or applesauce, toast with peanut butter, also I take an immodium pill when I have a bout watery output.

[WATERBOY]

you can relax a little bit. it is normal to have leaks, even if you are experienced with ostomies. being new, you will want to keep a log of what he eats, and how it effects his bowel movements. Ron gave great advice! learn what thickens his output, and regulate using it. Now, the key to ALL appliances (adhesion) is being clean and DRY. Dry is the key word. Any moisture, whether it is poo' water, bath water, sweat, or even blood from the stoma....all of these will cause a weak adhesion which will lead to leaks! keep that bag empty!! a bag with poo, or air is a potential leak due to pressure trying to break the flange/skin seal. Beware how he sleeps (on his side, stomach, or back) you will notice leaks occur when pressure is applied or a certain twist to his torso breaks the seal! (a towel, spread on the bed, about even with his lower back will help catch any leaks). lets talk about the hole in the flange. Too large, and his skin will get gaulded' (like a baby's rear end) where the output can set on the skins surface. Too small, and it will cause his stoma to bleed from the rubbing and this will create an early leak (even being the same size, when you put it on, the stoma is naturally moist, and the flange will scrape this off and it will be UNDER the flange when you apply it, very bad). just right means about 1/8 of an inch larger than the size of the stoma. Watery out put is VERY NORMAL for new members!!! drain the pouch very often. do not let air/gas build up in the bag, get it out. use a correct hole size in the flange. make double sure that the skin is clean and dry BEFORE you apply any flange. (your man will tell you about a burning/itchy sensation around the flange, and this means something is getting under the flange and the skin is responding..check for leaks at this time. Medicines, alcohol, certain foods, can all lead to an overly wet output. stick with it, you will find a pattern of what works and what doesn't. there is no magic' or perfect solution (I surely wish there was). With just alittle time, he will adjust and things will settle in and get much better. Hollister, convatec etc. are all good but his skin will let you know which one is best for him. I hope this helps. bless you and him. scott

[Lockhart305]

Hope things have improved for you, I had my ileo mid April of this year and things have went fairly smooth but not perfect by any means. Waterboy gave you some good advise and would just like to add that I have a hairy body and have to shave around the stoma with an electric razor when I change the wafer. The hair will prevent you from getting a good seal. I have had to be patient and have learned that things will improve and you will find things that work for you. Get better soon!