Should I Change My Ostomy Appliance with a Suspected Leak?

First thing I'd do is visit a Wound/Ostomy nurse. You need an ostomy care makeover. Obviously, not obese? Care should be easier. Had about 4 leaks a year and my peristomal skin was raw. After going to the RN a few times, no leaks for the last 2+ years! Yippee!

Change immediately; otherwise, your skin will get a problem. Try Brava Elastic Tape XL Coloplast. Two large half rings really contain any leaks. Every time I put them on, they last great and have saved me.

Also, spray the skin well with trio skin barrier. If it's really bad, do not rub. There is a powder to use; sorry, I do not have one on hand.

I've never had luck with the paste. I just end up using the convex rings with Coloplast. Due to a scar divot, I have to build up on that side. Something that has helped immensely for me is the skin prep from Hollister. Put it down all around. Then I apply a ring that's tight around the stoma. Press hard and hold for a minute to form. Had a doc say it's better to have a tight fit than loose for the rings. I have around a 1/8 oversize on the barrier. Also using the Mio.

Also, another issue that I've personally noticed for me is the belt. Don't wear it when you sleep. It has a tendency to pull the barrier to one side, especially if you toss and turn. Had a few stage 3 and 4 leaks, and very seldom a 5. (I have a grading system for how much trouble I'm in with a breach/leak. Literally.)

Another tip, which has worked for me with my bags; also using a 2-piece Sensura Mio. Get yourself a nice long leg pillow. Use it to stay on your least likely to leak side and use it to apply some pressure when you sleep. Just to keep it from popping off on the edges.

And a final tip, don't wear tight pants if you can help it. Honestly, I've switched to suspenders instead of belts. Found that clothes and pants rubbing, pulling, and pushing on my appliances causes integrity issues.

Anyways, I hope that you're able to find something that works! Leaks are bad to have. Not going to preach to the choir. Best to change before the skin degradation gets bad. Best wishes!

Luke

Again, the water thing. It takes on a life of its own, like a fountain or a river... to flow! Go with an ORS formula like Hydrolyte, which will help keep you from dehydrating and slow the flow. Some of us take Imodium (loperamide is the generic/cheaper form, from the pharmacy) up to 6 per day as needed. I find most days only 2 (1 in the morning and one at bedtime) and lots of protein, applesauce, cooked oatmeal, bananas, Greek yogurt, pasta, converted/parboiled rice will help. Yams really upset my system, potatoes are better. Depending on one's condition, many of us still have IBS. Coffee and pop can also escalate the flow - though I still need one coffee in the morning to open my eyes!

When changing the appliance, I've found it okay if I do it within the first 20 minutes of getting up in the morning, after that all bets are off. Shower between changes. Get it clean and dry as soon as possible. May need some antibiotic cream or zinc ointment...but this will have to be left a few minutes and then wiped off - then apply barrier cream or spray. Dry until tacky. The 27mm Cera ring from Hollister is fabulous. Tuck the edges in all around if possible. Instead of a hair dryer, I just place the pouch/flange and the Cera-ring in the back of my pants with adhesive toward my skin. The body heat warms it up and once placed, your hand over the top and around the outside will heat it up too. Last, a nice barrier extender such as the Hollister Cera Extenders will hold everything in place. I get 6-7 days out of my pouches, but it took me a year to work up to that. Five days easy.

Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister