Sun Jun 26, 2022 9:18 pm
Hi Gasgirl, I know how you feel, but I had an ileostomy back in 2013 for emergency reasons and am currently waiting for a reversal, but in the beginning my surgeon did not tell me much. I had to find out for myself by experimenting, but one thing my stoma nurse told me in the first few months is to make sure I eat one thing every day with salt in it as you will be losing salt from your stoma and this will make you feel lethargic if not replaced. I started eating one pack of ready salted crisps every day because of this and this made a major difference to my energy levels. If you are now facing the prospect of endless products to use, here is something I hope will help. Ok :>
To prevent leaks, why not order flange extenders by Brava who also do the powder and spray that is in your video. I use them and I have not had a leak since, so try them and see how you go. I also know that Brava also has wipes that help when you have sore skin called cleansing wipes and they help cool the skin around your stoma and that you get 3 packets in a box. Also, ask your delivery company if they have mattress protectors for your bed in case of leaks in the night and also if they have complimentary bed protector sheets as I use these when I change my bag. I tuck one end just inside my underwear and let the remaining rest on my bed with all the other bits I need around when changing, and then when finished, I wrap the sheet tight with the old bag inside and then put it in the disposable bags that go in the bin. Also, if your seals are no good, then try Hollister's "CERA RINGS" as I have just started to use them and I have found that they are better than any other seal that I have used, which is why I told I no longer suffer from leaks. Hope this helps:> P.S. The flange extenders by Brava are actually called "Brava Tape". I only have an occasional leak but nothing major, but I was told by a Fellow Ostomate, which is what they call us people with stomas, to always try new products and not to rely on one product because over time there is always something better if you develop problems later down the line.
This is what I do now, as I have a parastomal hernia alongside my stoma. Therefore, I have to alternate between two types of bags, one which has the biggest baseplate you can get for the two-piece and then I have my standard size baseplate, and this works as I do not get used to one type.
Anyway, I hope this helps and just take it easy. It took me seven months to get back to normal. Keep a diary so that you can see what foods make your output thick/thin and also what reacts with your bowel that will cause you pain. This way it will help you avoid foods that cause you grief. Take care, Sister Ostomate. :>