Low Stoma

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qwe
qwe Member Posts: 124
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I have a low Stoma and can not see it unless I look in a mirror.and I am having trouble getting the right flange you know
the base when I put it on it gets wrinkles in it and when I rinse the bag it leaks I use colopast my Ostomy is oval I hate it
on top of an open wound. I have a wound vac and part of the flange goes over the bandages any hints on how to stop linking.

And has anyone's bag leaked from the back of the bag I had poop on me this morning icky sorry about that but I am new to this
and do not like it.

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  • Shayenne
    Shayenne Member Posts: 2,342
    #2
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    Hey you!
    Does your wafer box come with a measuring stencil? Mine did, and I am able to fit it over my stoma to get the good fit, my stoma is on my left hand side, is also oval, which I don't mind, and isn't too low, it's about higher then my belly button, so I'm able to wear jeans and sweats.

    I make sure I clean the area thoroughly with warm water and soap when changing it, and the apply a "skin prep" which is a skin barrier to help protect the skin, and then I been using the stomahesive paste, to keep it on better.. when putting on the wafer, make sure you keep both hands on it, to warm it with your body heat for a couple minutes, then attach the bag. I actually put in some baby oil in the bag, to lubricate it abit, I do not rinse out the bag, I just change it every couple of days, and I also do it in front of the mirror as well.

    I'm not sure what you're asking about the wound vac, my incision is way down my tummy almost to my private area, and I finally got the wound vac taken off this week, since it healed wonderfully, who is doing your wound vac? do you have home health nurses do the changing for you? I did, and they used these sponges that went into the wound, and taped it over, then cut a hole on top, above the sponge, then applies the wound vac tube over the hole, it's a very sensitive area at first, when new to it, but it does get better, and less painful. I hope you have some health with the changing of it, if you need to ask anything else, I'm here :)

    Hugsss to you!
    ~Donna
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #3
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    assistance
    Hi. i have a stoma, and wrestled with many issues during the first few months. Unfortunately, I don't have any specific suggestions for your issues: my stoma is placed much higher (about 1" below my belly button) and also I didn't have a wound vac.

    Do you have access to a stoma nurse (or equivalent) who can help you out? They can be VERY useful. Also, the companies (I also use Coloplast products) sometimes have a nurse or other individual who can help.

    You are using a two-piece advice. Have you considered a one-piece? I don't know if that would help. It sounds like the flange going over the bandage might be alowing for some leakage -- that is not good for the wound or for your psychological health!

    I did experience some leaks/accidents in my early days (I've had the stoma for 6+ years now). I still occasionally have minor seepage from under the back of the bag -- I can usually detect it immediately and act before any major accident or incident.

    I don't know how long you have had your stoma. It is tough at first, I freely admit. But, it really should get better -- much better-- with time and experience.

    Have you used any of the web boards devoted to ostomies? They can also be a great source of information and support.

    I am sorry you are going through these difficulties, and I hope you get some solutions soon.

    Best wishes,

    Tara
  • karguy
    karguy Member Posts: 1,020 Member
    #4
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    low stoma
    I use coloplast products also,and haven't really had any problem with them.You should have an ostomy nurse check your stoma,and give you some advice,and tips.When I change the flange I have to make sure the skin,and stoma are very clean,apply the flange from one side to the other smoothing it as I go along,then hold it in place for about 10 minutes,per the nurse,then I put the bag on,then I pull slightly on the bags tab to be sure the bag is on securely.I have had the bag fall off a few times when it wasn't fastened securely ,but I was lucky it was empty.I have rinsed out my bag several times between bag changes,and the only time I have had it leak is when I got a hole in it from being caught in my zipper without me knowing it.My stoma is about 2 inches below my belly button,so it is a low one.I have gotten used to it,but the ostomy nurse was a big help.When I had the wound vac I hated it because it was very painful,I was so glad to get it off.The nurse can probably help with that also.I wish you the best of luck.

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