New to this and need help

[ktimothy59]

I am having issues with the stool getting clumped up in the upper part of the pouch. I do use lubricant and rinse when I empty. It drives me nuts that I cannot empty that portion and I think that’s where I am bothered by the smell. Dear Lord, will I ever get used to this( including imploding pouches). Thanks for any advice

[Jimbob]

Tell us what kind of Ostomy you have, Ileo/Colo. What you are experiencing is called Pancaking. Browse through these posts concerning it.

search.php?keywords=pancaking

[ktimothy59]

I have a colostomy.

[sassie]

have you tryed irrigating? It really is a great way to clean out and some have little to no output between irrigations...

[Diane C]

Frankly, I have an ileostomy as of Nov 1 and am dealing with the same. I've heard that using a dab of Convatec Brava Lubricating Deoderant on the filter (if you use one) may help the stool slide down. My filter is pretty much covered with stool within an hour after changing the pouch so I have some doubts. Someone else taped the top of the pouch to the skin, I think, actually to keep the filter clean longer + this may prevent pancaking but I've not figured this out.

What I wear matters. Anything tight around my abdomen and the pancaking occurs. Try clothing that may be looser near your pouch? Still searching for solutionns to this. Long ago, I heard that spraying vegetable oil within the pouch helps with the downward passage of the stool but I am concerned it will compromise the integrity of the pouch.

At night, I sleep with a LOT of pillows and am even considering buying a bed that raises my torso but money is an issue. Comfort matters -- this is lifelong -- so definitely considering. Am lucky in that I fall asleep (too) easily. But with an ileostomy, this is more of an issue than I had with my colostomy where, yes, you can irrigate. See the Irrigators' Forum for much help with irrigation.

Good luck to both of us!

Diane C

[To Dream a Dream]

Just a suggestion. I've been using a bed wedge for acid reflux which seems at least for me to have helped somewhat with the pancaking problem.

[nickolas]

What product are you using? Hollister, Convatec, ??

Nickolas