Struggling with Ostomy Bag Leakage - Need Help!

I cannot get a bag to stick for any length of time. My belly is red and the floor is a mess. How do I clean it? What should I do? I am very desperate.

Hi

Ring your stoma nurse and check if your template is cut to the right size. If too big, it can also cause leaks and hence red skin.

Try the following as a short-term solution:

* Clean the stoma with water/barrier wipe to help dry and stick the bag easily
* Rub the sticky side of the bag for 30 seconds before placing it on your skin. This tends to warm the adhesive and makes it stick better
* Once stuck, keep both hands firmly on the bag for a firm stick for 1 minute.
* Barrier rings that fit your stoma
* Flanges stick outside the bag
* Try changing your bag supplier. For me, Salts and Coloplast tend to stick better, but everyone's different.

Good luck!

Have you tried using a barrier ring? Sometimes that can help with leaks and sore skin.

Lee

How do you clean your skin between bags?

Are you using soaps with oil in them? If so, stop.

What is your cleaning process?

Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Cera barrier rings stopped my leakage. Warm them up between your hands or under your arm first. They are easier to mold then.

Yes. Get some barrier rings. This way, you don't have to cut the wafer hole very close to the size of your stoma. Cut the hole so there is about 1/8 to 1/4 inch clearance to the stoma.

Prep and installation of barrier ring:

Like others have advised: Warm up the ring under an arm (don't take off the protective plastic). When done, then peel off the plastic. In front of a mirror; wear gloves. Using scissors, cut through the ring at one place. Now press, pinch, and gently stretch the ring. Start at the side opposite the scissor cut. Take your time. Test fit the ring to the edge of the stoma where it meets your skin, start at the bottom and work your way up the sides. Continue molding until you can get the molded ring nearly all the way around the stoma. It's okay to have a small gap at the top. Press the ring gently to stick the ring to your skin around the stoma. Get a blow dryer. Set it on low. Grab the wafer and blow dry it for about a minute. This will preheat the adhesive.

Peel off the plastic protector. Place the wafer over the stoma, centered on the stoma, and press it into place. Get the top and bottom flange outer tape stuck to the skin. Peel off the side tape protectors. Stick the side tape to the skin. Use both hands, press the wafer down. Hold for a minute. Place hands at the top and bottom, press again for 1 minute. Put on the bag. If you have a support belt, put it on. I usually wear a belt for 1 hour... it helps the wafer stick firmly.

If your belly is red from the contact of the adhesive, use a barrier spray (I currently like the Ellise one). Get a free one off their website as a sample, then add it to your prescription.

We all get messes, unfortunately. I'm 4 months into having a bag and still learning. Had a breach today, mess all over my shirt at work.

Thank you all for your replies. I have ordered Cera rings. Using "Pink Tape." No leakage today or yesterday. Again, thank you to all of you. Good to know I am not alone.

I hope you have good results with the rings. I know for me they made a big difference between having leaks and not having leaks. Now I only occasionally have a leak.

Lee