Help with colostomy bag sticking better

John23 said:

Woes...


I have an ileostomy. An ileostomy are more difficult than a colostomy,
since the output is always more liquid; it is never more solid than
a thick gravy (yuck).

I use a two-piece system, where the wafer can be left on, and the
pouch changed as needed. My wafer stays on two to three weeks
average, and I get one to six days out of a pouch.

You didn't mention how your mom's "spout" is formed. The "spout"
is the stoma; the part of the intestine that is sticking out. It should
be out between 3/4 to 1". If it's recessed, you'll need a special
adapter called a "convex" adapter to help seal the stoma.

If the stoma is the normal length, and the skin around the stoma
is smooth; that is.... the wafer does not sit on an irregular surface,
or on a fold of skin, then it should be sticking fine... unless.....

Do -not- use soap to wash the peristomal area (the skin area around
the stoma). All soaps leave a residue, and that degrades the adhesive's
ability to stick properly.

Do -not- use any other topical dressing between the wafer (or appliance),
and the skin, since the manufacturers formulate their adhesives to stick
to -clean dry skin-, not other products.

Paste is not an adhesive, it is a filler, like spackle is on a wall. It will
dissolve when exposed to waste or liquid and degrade the integrity
of the adhesive.

The opening of the wafer (or appliance) should be cut as snugly to
the stoma as possible. That will help prevent seepage of waste that
erodes the adhesive.

Do -not- use any other topical dressing between the wafer (or appliance),
and the skin, since the manufacturers formulate their adhesives to stick
to -clean dry skin-, not other products. (I said that twice for a reason)

After applying the appliance to the skin, cup and press your hands around
the appliance and stoma to warm the entire area. That will help the adhesive
stick the way it was intended.

For added security, and "Eakin seal", or a "Hollister Adapt ring" can be
used between the appliance and stoma. It will help seal any area that
might not be as tight to the stoma as it should be.

The pouch shouldn't be too big, since the more weight in the pouch,
the more drag on the surface of the skin when standing. That will
degrade the adhesive's ability to stick.

Always empty the pouch when it is no more than 1/3 full.

Always empty the pouch when it is no more than 1/3 full.

Always empty the pouch when it is no more than 1/3 full.

Every manufacturer tells the user to do that, yet for some reason
it's overlooked by many. In fact, the manufacturers tell the user
to do most all of the above........

I may have left out a thing or three, but that's the basics of
proper use of an ostomy appliance.

I would strongly suggest a two-piece system, if it's not being used
already; It makes the application of the appliance 100x's easier.

I use Coloplast Assura series, with the extended wear wafer,
and a Hollister Adapt ring between wafer and skin.

There really isn't any big deal with this stuff, once you get the
hang of doing things the way the manufacturers intended.

Good luck, stay dry.... and stay well!


John

I need help, my husband has colostomy. He was in hospital and nursing home for about four and half months. He is home now and I am at a lost. He is wearing Hollister one piece. I wash just with water and use skin prep, and I was showed to use Hollister Adapt Powder around Stoma.  I was getting 2 days now 1 or 2 times a day. His skin is getting real sore.  Any help would be appreciated. When you talk about adapt ring what one are you refering to.

Lucy

sagebelly said:

Can't keep a seal

Hello, I am in a unique situation. My huband has had an Ostomy for 29 years. He has been extremely lucky and has had very few issues or problems throughout the years. When my mother ended up with a colostomy, we thought we would be able to provide her with a lot of helpful ideas, but that hasn't happened. Approximately 2 months ago My 84 year old mother had emergency surgery and now has a colostomy.  I am frustrated at the placement of the stoma, since there was approx. 10 hours of time before surgery, I feel that someone should have helped with the placement of the stoma. That is over and done with and we mus move on.  She is going into the would Ostomy nurse on a very regular basis, the opening of her stoma is on the lower part of the stome and point straight down. She ends up with a lot of leakage right there at the bottom. The stoma is also only about 2 inches from her naval, and the natural bend/fold also causes a lot of leakage.  After this long I would think tha the Ostomy nurse should be able to apply a pouch tha would last at least 2-3 days on a regular basis. I feel for my mother as her skin is raw fromthe leakage, yes she is trying to keep it cleaned off, but today after a tummy attack and diahrea, she change dher pouch 5 times in one afternoon.  I can't see how sheis going to get this under control if the specialists can't do it either.  At this time I have 3 thoughts going through my mind. I am looking for any advice that anyone might have.

1. Have the surgeon "adjust" the stoma opening so the it will be more ventered and not pointing straight down.

2. Can the entire positioning of the stoma be changed, so that there is a good surface for the appliances to adhere to.

3. The possibility of changing from a colostomy to an illeostomy, just on the basis that it would be easier for her to deal with.

Thank you in advance for any thoughts.

Deborah

I am so sorry to hear about your mother. It just doesn't seem fair that after so many years on earth, she has to deal with this. 

I am happy to hear about your husband. 29 years with an Ostomy, bless his heart. 

This is a really old thread, and it may be a good idea if you were to start a new one. Several of the folks who have posted here, are no longer with us, so they won't be any help. 

If you go to the CSN forum (  http://csn.cancer.org/forum/128  ) and start a new thread, then the replies will just deal with your question. 

Again, I'd like to welcome you to the forum. 

Sue - Trubrit

RickMurtagh said:

Confused

Again

The post was bought forward by sagebelly (Deborah) who posted a reply to Buzzard (ah, dearest Buzzard; up with the angels). I replied to her, and suggested she start a new thread. 

Sometimes these old threads pop back up and remind us of dear friends we have lost. 

Sue - Trubrit

Wow just noticed the date on this and some of the people.  So sad to see these names.