This is what I need to solve. I have been using Hollister 3238 appliances for many years. Recently, within the time period of three years, the seal method the factory uses has changed. When I used to get two days' use out of one appliance application, I can no longer do this. If I put on a fresh appliance at night at eight o'clock, for instance, by morning it is leaking. I wash and clean with hot water, thoroughly dry the area, and then apply the appliance. I always follow instructions. Mine is a complete colectomy. Where the appliance leaks is always in the same place, between the seal and the plastic of the appliance, where apparently the heat of my body simply lifts the seal away from the plastic. I am very active, probably more active than most users. I run, exercise, work, and walk the dog. I was told this should not matter to the length of use by my ostomy nurse. My ostomy nurse also tells me people always get four days' use out of each application, which for me has never happened and is ludicrous. I need an eight to nine-inch appliance, one-piece system only, with or without belting system, for a 1 1/8 opening. I need instructions for use, and to have one application last at least two days. I am told there are systems out there that can do this. I am trying to find that system. Do you know of any products at all that would fit this bill? I am neither concave nor convex, my stoma area is flat, and my stoma itself extends off my right side about an inch. I was told by my ostomy nurse it was a 'picture-perfect' stoma, and should be able to accommodate an appliance not leaking perfectly. And yet here I am. This situation is very distressing. Can you help? Thanks.
Hi writerman,
I'm sure you'll find plenty of support from our large community here. Many of us have faced similar challenges, and you're definitely not alone in this.
Regarding your issue, it sounds frustrating, especially with your active lifestyle. Have you tried Coloplast Sensura Mio? I've heard from others that it works well for active folks and might offer the durability you're looking for. Also, consider using barrier rings or strips to reinforce the seal. They can sometimes help with leaks, especially in areas where the seal tends to lift. It's worth experimenting with different products to see what works best for you.
Joining this website was the best decision for me. The shared experiences and advice have truly changed my life. I hope you find the same support and solutions here!
I use Hollister #8371 for my bag. It's a 1-piece drainable. I also use a Hollister/Adapt barrier ring #7805. I get 4 days easily. My stoma is 44mm or roughly 1.7 inches.
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I would also add you may want to consider some sort of belt to help support the weight of your bag as you're active, especially when running. I could see the up/down motion of running as a source of your bag loosening and possibly being a cause for a leak. Just something to consider. Have a good one.
The good news is that you can avoid them with some small changes in your diet.
Hi writerman, have you changed your soap or moisturizer? What do you mean by "the seal method changed?" The ingredients? I'm curious how you discovered this since I use Hollister products, too. You may want to try a different bag and barrier ring. I use #8962 along with their convex barrier rings and I need to change every other day because I get leakage under my barrier ring. I'm very active, too, and would love to find a good belt. I need my bag to hang down for my ileostomy so the contents follow gravity and most belts lie horizontally. Alex, do you know of any good vertically lying belts?
Do you want the belt to also hold the bag, or just put pressure around the ring? The vertical StealthBelt (I have one) is the only one I know that holds your bag. If you just want to put pressure around your ring, there is the NU-Hope belt, the Movi Brace belt, along with some others.
Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister
Just pressure around the ring. I will look into these - thanks!
It's hard to tell, but I'm wondering if the 3238, with the attached seal, is an older design. It might be time to try a newer model. If you call the Hollister customer line, they can probably recommend a comparable product for you. One downside is that without the attached seal, you might have to use paste or an Eakin ring under the flange. It's not a big deal; it's a pretty standard technique.