suggestion for new ostomy products

[nickolas]

Hello, this is my first time posting here. I am a very active member on Colon Talk and have been for many years. I go under the name of Lee on that forum. Nickolas is the name of one of my cats.

I am coming up on 15 yrs survivor of rectal cancer. I've had a permanent colostomy since my surgery back in 2004. I have been using the same4 Hollister product for the past 12+ years and have been very happy with it. Unfortunately Hollister will be discontinuing it in a few short months. Hollister has sent me a few new products to try, but thought I would come here for possible sugggestions.

So what is out there. What do you like and why?

Thank you, nickolas

[texazgal]

We have a lot in common on this journey. My surgery was also in 2004 for rectal cancer. I don't know which product from Hollister is being phased out, but the one I use from them is 15905. I hope it isn't that one. I also rotate between 3 manufacturers to prevent allergy issues. I really like the durahesive convex moldable from Convatec. It gives a full weeks weartime. And finally, I like a convex extended wear from Coloplast. I hope you can find something that will work for you, there are so many choices and I tried many of them in the beginning.

[Button]

Hi Lee:
Welcome to our little corner of the internet.

I post as Miss Molly on the colon club forum.

I adore the Coloplast Mio line. The Coloplast Mio is my Go To favorite. The Mio wafer has elastic polymers that provide for a thin and pliable wafer that intimately conforms to the abdominal topography (dips, creases, crevices, scar lines). The wafer moves as the body moves. The Mio is so comfortable that I rarely give my ostomy any notice.

The Coloplast Mio is available for both those with colostomies and ileostomies. Closed-ended, single use pouches and drainable pouches. One piece and two-piece designs. There are three sizes of pouches: mini, moda, and maxi. There is an optimal pouch design for almost everyone.

Like texagal, I alternate/rotate ostomy brands. One change I place a Mio wafer. Next change Inplace a CyMed wafer. I do this to lessen skin sensitivity that can evolve over time when wearing a hydrocolloid wafer. Each manufacturer has a slightly different composition to their wafer. Contact dermatitis can develop when the skin is exposed to a particular wafer composite over time. Those with thin/fragile skin or underlying auto-immune conditions are most at risk for an acquired skin sensitivity.

CyMed is a unique wafer option that is similar to the adaptic dressing TegaDerm. Applying the wafer can be challenging as it is tissue paper thin and can easily fold back upon itself. There is a necessary learning curve. If you are wanting the ultimate low profile and minimalist wafer and pouching system, give CyMed a try.

Call each of the different ostomy manufacturers and talk with a service representative. Discuss your ostomy and what is most important to you in an ostomy pouching system. The manufacturers are generous with sending samples as they would like your ongoing business. Get oodles and oodles of samples. See what works for you. You may find something that is new and different and much to your liking.

The UOAA offers a quarterly magazine publication by subscription called The Phoenix. I highly recommend it. The annual cost is nominal. The Phoenix is an excellent way to stay informed of new ostomy product offerings and ostomy related education. The publication frequently includes product samples within its pages. I have had my ileostomy since 2012 and continue to subscribe and learn.

Take your time and explore the range of ostomy pouching systems. Find a system that is a best fit for you. A well-fitting pouching system can make a big difference in comfort and well-being.

Stick around. This forum is a nice group.
Karen

[nickolas]

Hi texazgal,

Thank you for your response. I use Hollister Central Point Lock system (tupperware). Wafer # 3722, bags # 8342, drainable bag # 3812. Hollister sent me some samples, but they are all smaller than what I'm used to wearing, including the tupperware part.. I put a wafer on Wednesday, they game me 4 smaller pouches and 2 "gas passing" drainable. With these smaller pouches, when I have any output, I clog the gas passing filter. The drainable, with the gas passer, lasted just a few hours. I still have one left of each so I know not to get the same ones again. But I had to replace my wafer Sunday morning, as I was out of bag, except for the ones I kept. During the winter months around here (Arizona), I change my wafer once a week. During the summer (heat), I change it twice a week.

I've decided I'm going to see an Ostomy nurse. I should call Hollister and explain my issues, I'm sure they can send me other products too. Just thought I would get some input from you folks.

I'm a little concerned about using Convatec as that is what I was using when I left the hospital, back in 2004. 2 yrs later I was having an allergic reaction to the wafer. Never had any issues with my current system.

Reading your signature line, you were diagnosed with rectal cancer in Aug 2004, Surgery in Sept 2004. Did you get radiation at any time? I was diagnosed end of April 2004, With in weeks, got radiation, then surgery beginning of Aug 2004 (actually my kids started school on my surgery day). The damage from radiation (2/3 rectal muscles gone), I was tied to the toilet anytime I ate. My bag gave me my life back.

I will have to set up a signature like too. Thank you again for your response.

nickolas

[nickolas]

Hi Karen,

THANK YOU so much for your post. You have given me some great ideas.

But I do have a question, you rotate brands? Do you need a script from your doctor to get your ileostomies supplies? I not only need a yearly script, but I have to see my surgeon's PA once a year just to get a current letter stating I still have a colostomy. I think my insurance company would have a melt down if I ordered so many different brands.

I get my supplies local. They are very nice about letting me go to the warehouse and pick them up. Here in Arizona, heat can get up to 120 and above. Leaving supplies outside in the sun for several hours could be very bad. As it is, if I have my supplies, I run very few errands then go home. Maybe they carry that may different brands, I'm not sure, it's more of a local type of business. I know, if I need something they are very good about getting it for me. So switching to a new product would not be a problem.

I will check out that magazine, sounds like a good idea. I'm just feeling a little lost and nervous right now. Concerned that I could run out of my supplies soon. I'm giving serious thought to contacting the warehouse and buying out all I can get my hands on for my current system.

And you are so right about a well fitting pouch system making all the difference.

Thank you again.

Lee

[Button]

Nicholas/Lee:
Yes . . . My primary care provider provides a prescription for my ostomy supplies once a year. The prescription is forwarded to the ostomy supplier (Byram Healthcare) that is the preferred/in network contracted supplier through my medical insurance.

My physician’s office provides scripts for both the Coloplast Mio and CyMEd wafers/pouches + ConVaTech Ekin Cohesive Seals.

Having two pouching systems has not been problematic, neither from a physician prescription perspective nor a reordering perspective. I alternate monthly order placements. One month I simply place an order for Coloplast supplies. The next month I place an order for CyMed supplies. Byram makes reordering simple. It has been hassle free. My insurance has no problem with alternating supply orders. Again, it has been hassel free.

You may not need or want to have dual pouching systems to rotate between. I have fragile skin and find it adventageous to reduce acquired product skin sensitivity/dermatitis. Not everyone needs to mix-it-up.

For anyone wanting to switch ostomy brands/supplies, obtaining a revised physician prescription is simple and need not be a deterant to making a desired product change or upgrade from what you are currently using. In most cases, your ostomy product supplier (Byram, Edgepark, Sterling Medical, et al) will do the leg work for you and contact your physician directly to obtain any prescription update or letter of medical necessity.

There are likely an abundance of new ostomy product options available for you to explore since your original surgery in 2004. Happy shopping. Take your time to request samples . . . and sample some more.
Karen

[nickolas]

Thank you Karen,

I will definitely follow up with what you have suggestions. Thank you for your help,

Lee

[Nomadic]

Thank you for this discussion. I'm a new ostomate and had been using Hollister but want to find the best product for my needs and am exploring Coloplast.

[Nomadic]

When you speak of rotating products to avoid allergy issues, can you explain what you meant? I developed a dermal rash over my body and have not changed any hygiene products so I'm wondering if this is what you meant

[Button]

Nomadic:
It is not a specific “allergy” issue to a specific product that promps me to rotate products but rather what is termed “contact dermatitis.”

An allergy is a heightened immune response due to exposure to an antigen that triggers an orchestrated histamine response and epinephrine secretion that is systemic. A true allergy to a hydrocolloid wafer is rare.

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.

Not all people will be troubled or bothers by contact dermatitis. If you have an olive complexion or have a hearty skin density (my skin actually looks like tissue paper) you will have little or no need to rotate brands as contact dermatitis is unlikely.

But there are enough people who pass through this forum with transient prickly skin rashes that raising awareness of contact dermatitis is prudent. People undergoing chemotherapy with corticosteroids as per-meds will be more vulnerable. People with Chron’s will be more vulnerable. Be in the lookout for a localized prickly rash.

Placing a piece/sheet of TegaDerm/DuoDerm directly over the rash is one option to calm a contact dermatitis rash if rotating ostomy brands is too much hassle. Place the ostomy wafer atop the protective TegaDerm. The rash will calm over a few days with an intact piece/sheet of TegaDerm applied to the skin, preventing direct contact with the wafer.

Contact dermatitis is not something that will be a concern to everyone on this forum. Not everyone needs to consider rotating ostomy product brands. But for those with fair/thin skin/fair complexion or those with a coexisting auto-immune disorder or those on corticosteroids keeping alert for contact dermatitis and having a plan to address to quell its misery Is a wise and proactive stance.
Karen

[luanne662002]

Hi Nicholas,
Do you mind if I ask where you pick up locally at in Phoenix? I'm in Phoenix also, and while I am currently uninsured and purchasing supplies off the internet, I will have insurance by the first of the year at my new job. Do they sell directly to the public? Do they require a prescription?

Thanks for any info you can pass along.

[Diane C]

Hi Nicholas,

My $.02 without knowing much about Coloplast Mio. I have been using the older Coloplast supplies with the locking mechanism -- and find it does not!
Before I swapped out my colostomy for an ileostomy on Nov 1, I loved CyMEd wafers/pouches -- using MicroSkin. They are more costly and one needs to be agile when applying or the skin-like barrier will wrinkle. With an ileostomy, unless there is no output, I need to be faster when applying the appliances. For this reason, I may nix the Cymed although it's a fabulous product.

I've done well with Convatec. I have severe reactions to tape -- and maybe the dye? I've done well with durahesive, non-taped wafers and pouches although the filters are not placed in very good locations. I'd like to try Hollister -- which also has a line without taped wafers -- and the filter is better placed -- higher up.

Good luck!

Diane C
2000 MACE procedure for constipation due to anal muscle dysfunction
2002 Colostomy
2018 Removal of colon, colostomy, MACE, rectum, anus; creation of ileostomy

[nickolas]

luanne,

RTA HomeCare Mesa, AZ. On Broadway and 101 (east of 101). They used to have a storefront (near Banner Baywood Hospital) where I used to buy my supplies, have since closed that down. Guess they only carry supplies for current customers. I can give you the contact person and number if you need it.

Can you get into an ostomy nurse at Banner Baywood? I will be doing this shortly. Following through on suggestions here then will be visiting an ostomy nurse.

Good luck, if there is anything I can do, let me know.

Nickolas (aka Lee)

[nickolas]

Diane,

Interesting. I have a permanent colostomy. When I had my surgery back in 2004, I went with home with Convatec, 2 yrs later I'm having an allergic reaction to the products. I've been using Hollister ever since without any issues.

Curious, why did you go from colostomy to ileostomy?

Thank you for your response,

Lee

[nickolas]

Button/Karen

A big THANK YOU for your suggestion on SenSura Mio. So far, they are going to be my next go to ostomy supplies. I like them, closest to what I have been using for the past 10+ years. Hollister which I have been using, I'm not happy with their current replacements. Wimpy, wimpy, wimpy is the only word I can use to describe them due to a few (in my opinion) serious issues/failures. I will be contacting Hollister in the next few weeks to let them know what happened and why. I'm wondering if others are also having the same issues as me with there new replacements.

Coloplast will be contact me on Monday, seems they are launching something new on Monday to address hernia issues. They will be sending me similar products to try regarding my hernia, but I am very please with SenSuro Mio. I will be seeing my surgeon's PA on Monday for a new script and a letter stating I still have my colostomy. I will also be requesting to see an Ostomy nurse, I will need to be refitted with new belts for the Coloplast products. I have something I am using now, but it is a temporary solution.

Again, thank you for your valuable suggestion.

Nickolas/Lee