UOAA Discussion Board

Please help. I can't stop the leaking bc of belly fat. I'm working from home, I don't have time to exercise. My skin is so raw right now I'm in tears. Tylenol doesn't help, stoma powder isn't helping. And bc I can't use barrier wipes with alcohol my ileostomy wafer doesn't last longer than 2 days at most. I'm at a breaking point where I'm even considering making an appointment with my surgeon. No matter what supplies I use, it's just not holding up.

Hey teamjoshwa,

Sorry to hear about your struggles. You've come to the right place for your questions. There is a ton of information/tips that you can get here. What will help us to help you is if you can give us the details of your application process, the appliance that you are using, stoma position in relation to the skin (above, even, below), and how you clean the area before application. Once we get that information, we can help you narrow down some choices on things that might make a difference for you.

David

Welcome to our discussion board. Am so sorry you have been experiencing difficulties with leakage. Here is a video that may provide some support: https://www.ostomy.org/ostomy-leaks-and-skin-breakdown/
This is just one of many informative sources of help through the UOAA website of which our Board is just a part. As David notes above, knowing a bit more info about your specific situation would help us to help you.
I had the original stoma surgery in 1977, so I am an old timer. Initially it was flush with my skin level (before a successful revision in 1985) & we did not have the many products we have now to keep it covered & the effluent contained so I can definitely empathize with you. I use ConvaTec's Durahesive Hydrocolloidal Moldable wafers & find they work for me. Some people I've known personally with leakage problems due to weight gain have found ConvaTec's convex model of my wafer to be a solution. (Whatever brand you are currently using may offer a similar product.)
Do you have a nurse who specializes in ostomy care available in your area? This link can help you find a local support group whose members may know how to contact one. https://www.ostomy.org/support-group-finder/
Please continue to visit our Board & the UOAA website on a regular basis. I know first hand just how frustrating your concerns can be, so please keep in touch.

I’ve had good luck w Hollister soft convex though I had to switch from Eakin to Safe n Simple conforming barrier rings.

Have you had your raw skin checked for yeast? That can cause bleeding, and wreck adhesion.

Are you using a convex wafer?

Flexible wafers are great because they follow belly curves; I have personal experience with that

Do you have a colostomy? Consider irrigation, which pretty much prevents leaks.

I hope you come back. Keep trying, you'll figure it out.

BTW, most surgeons are pretty much useless at solving leaks. You need a good ostomy nurse. Tell us where you are, and somebody may be able to recommend one.

I could not use the adhesive remover wipes either as the ones I used really irritated my stomach. It was terrible. I switched to a spray adhesive remover and it was really a blessing. I'd say to try different products. I also tried different bags until I found one that worked best for me. One thing to know is that there are 3rd party distributors that work with many insurance companies that save a lot of money thankfully so check on that if you did not know that. I filled out a form on line and they contacted my Insurance and doctor and it worked out great. In my case, trying different products including bags really helped me narrow down what works best for me.

Between post menopause and COVID 19 my belly is much bigger. I recently learned that both Hollister and Convatec has something they call barrier extenders which make the elastic around the pouch wider. This has helped me. You might want to call both or either of these companies for samples to see if they help your situation

You have gotten some good advice, I've had my stoma for 16+ years now. As others have said you might have a yeast infection, I do. Found that out with in 6 month of getting my colostomy. With in 2 years of getting my colostomy, I developed an allergic reaction to my appliance. Convatec. What brand are you using? When I got the right brand, used it for decade with out problems>

My procedure when I change my appliance. Remove wafer. Clean area with Aloe Vesta by Convatec. When wiping off reside, I use Sensi-Care Sting Free Adhesive Remover, they are "alcohol free". Because I have a yeast infection, I use Antifungal Powder with Miconazole Nitrate 2%, by Coloplast. Forget the stoma paste, never worked for me. Check out barrier rings, I use Hollister Adapt. Last I put on No-Sting Skin Prep by Smith & Nephew. Then the wafer goes on.

Pop the wafer on, I generally get 5-7 days with one wafer. When I shower, I use a small towel & keep my appliance dry, if it gets wet, I've got to change it thanks to my yeast infection. With in hours, I am itching.

Have you ever been diagnosed with psoriasis? That too can cause you skin to itch under the wafer.

A good ostomy nurse is worth there weight in gold. Get into one, explain your situation, if that one is not working, find another one. Just don't give us. There is a solution out there, just may need to find it.

nickolas