UOAA Discussion Board

I am a new wearing an ostomy pouch and having issues with the pouch/barrier pulling my stomach skin when I move. When I’m sitting down, it’s ok but when I walk or stand, the pulling is painful on my skin. I lost 40 pounds 6 years ago and have lose skin on my stomach which may be the problem. I’ve tried support wraps which hasn’t helped. The only thing that helps is if I hold the pouch next to my stomach with my had, then it doesn’t move and pull the skin. Any ideas what I can do?

Thank you

What's your position when you are applying the flange? If you apply it while standing (the position that causes discomfort), does that still cause the discomfort? Also, what type of flange are you using? If it has a tape collar instead of the hydrocolloid material, those can cause issues because the adhesive is really good...they caused blisters for me as they pulled away the top layer of skin cells to create blisters around the edges of the flange. If you can give us a few more details, we may be able to help problem solve this for you.

David

I apply the flange standing up and pull the skin tight so I can get a good seal. I have been using a one piece pouch with tape adhesive as well as a protective seal.

I'd start with the tape adhesive then. The adhesive on the tape collars is really good, and will pull on the skin. For me it caused blisters because it worked so well. Have you tried just a hydrocolloid flange? That might be the place to start. Also, maybe don't pull the skin taught. Try applying it with the skin as it simply sits with gravity. When you are up and walking/standing, you aren't pulling the skin taught. I used to apply my flange in a horizontal position while laying in bed. I found that if I stand up and apply it in a normal standing position, it caused me less grief throughout the wear time. Hope that helps some.

David

Thank you for the recommendations. I’ll give them a try.

Have you tried an ostomy belt from Nu-hope?

I haven’t found an ostomy belt that works for me but I’ll check this one. Thank you