Preventing Pancaking

[Diane C]

Howdy everyone,

Has ANY product come out to help with pancaking? For those who don't know the term, it's when stool collects around the opening of a pouch or gathers at the top of the pouch and doesn't descend to the bottom. It can sometimes lead to leakage or ballooning of the pouch. I find integrated filters pretty useless on a pouch when one has an ileostomy.

I'd have thought this would be a bigger challenge with a colostomy which I used to have. Instead, it's been more of an issue with my ileostomy -- which can be more solid or more liquid depending on variable factors, esp my diet. I was diagnosed with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) in which the pancreas doesn't absorb fats so I take enzymes to help with that. I also take a prescribed medication that is stronger than Imodium to slow down the flow -- and no, I haven't experienced any blockages.

Today, I'm going to try Brava's lubricating deodorant again. I've tried various kinds of oils -- and some can degrade the pouch. I bought a wedge pillow for when I sleep but it's not really positioned at the right place and I find it hard to sleep on that. I even saw in The Phoenix years ago that someone had invented a contraption to help push the stool down from the outside of the pouch but that seems a bit excessive.

I can list other things I've tried but wonder if anything new has come out to help with this issue. Or if any of you creative types came up with a solution?

Thank you and here's hoping 2022 is a better year... Apologies for my sporadic use of this wonderful discussion board. I'll try to be better!

[patrimo]

Hi Diane,
You have a lot more years of experience the I do, but I also have very thick ileostomy output which can contribute to pancaking. There are probably other concoctions, but I am finding that a 50/50 mixture of Holister's M9 and the Brava work better than either liquid alone.

I use a form fitting stretchy cotton cami to support the pouch when sleeping. It holds things in place, but it doesn't put pressure on the stoma area (which I find makes the pancaking issue worse at night). Most of the time I wear 1 cami with a (smallish) hole cut over the wafer area and pull the pouch through (I don't like it against my skin). Then I wear the lower half of another (cut) cami around my middle and tuck the hem under the pouch. The layers work together to hold the bag in place most of the time. It's pretty comfortable too. And the cheap cotton camis are, well...cheap, lol.

If you are a side sleeper and have a 2 piece appliance, you might also be able to try rotating the pouch so that gravity assists in the process? I'm not sure I'm being clear, so ask clarifying questions if you find any of this helpful but convoluted. I see there's an "insert image" icon in the reply box, but I can't figure how to make it work.

Take Care,
Pat

[Diane C]

Thanks so much, Pat. I need to order new supplies and will add Hollister's M9 to the order. I may have a sample. Newer perspectives and opinions are often very helpful.

I think you mean rotate the pouch so it's horizontal perhaps instead of hanging vertically down? That MIGHT help. Because I have both an ileostomy and now exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, the output can vary from thick to watery -- or a combo. I'll also try doing this.

You sure are creative with the camis! I think you have more energy than I do right now -- but I may experiment.

Thank you so much!

[patrimo]

I think you mean rotate the pouch so it's horizontal perhaps instead of hanging vertically down?

Yes, that is what I mean. So the output drops down instead of just sitting there or pooling around the stoma area.

It's nice to "meet" you. Thanks for the encouraging words. I hope you find answers to help you sleep better without issues!

Also, you mentioned integrated filters (and I agree they can be useless at times) but have you ever tried the Osto EZ vents? They allow you to easily "burp" the appliance--and so reduce ballooning. They do require the extra step of applying them at least 24 hours before you apply the pouch. I have tried them and like how they work, but I'm awful lazy (and forget to do them ahead of time) so I don't use them regularly.

I'm pretty sure the manufacturer will send out samples.
https://kemonline.com

[Diane C]

Hi Pat,

No such thing as coincidence! I happened to dig out samples of my Osto EZ vents. I tried to use them decades ago and wondered about them Actually, I ordered them in my last order as I had contributed them to FOW. I tried to insert them (with a friend by my side) and we cut a hole in the pouch. I'm trying again and they've been on my table now for 3 weeks! So much for procrastination. Yes, I think these may prove very useful NOW. So thanks for mentioning them and the reminder! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q70HakcrFQ

I'll see how the horizontal placement of the, well, irrigation sleeve goes at night. I don't wear a pouch at night.

And as I suspected, I did have a sample of Hollister's m9 odor eliminator drops and had ordered Brava Lubricating Deodorant. I tried the combo yesterday and yes, it worked better than the latter alone. SO, THANK YOU!

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Newbies and sort-of-newbies, speak up!

Thanks again, Pat!

[patrimo]

You're so welcome! I'm glad to be able to be helpful.

Let me know how the EZ Vents work. I've got to dig mine out because I'd like to use up some coloplast pouches that I have, and I really find the vents are helpful on that particular pouch. I usually remove the circular charcoal vents first. It require a little planning, and my usual Hollister pouches are good right out of the box, so I've been procrastinating too, lol.

Take care.