Troublesome Loop Ileostomy Issues - Need Advice!

Hello fellow ileostomates! Just wondering if there's anybody out there who has the same problem I do...

I had a loop ileostomy performed on 11/2014 due to a small bowel obstruction that I still have and will be operated on 05/2015. Initially, my stoma looked quite "normal," but day after day, it started retracting, and now it's quite tiny, half in, half out, very, very restless, and with a "personality" of its own! 😄 My doctor says that it's been retracting because I have a little adhesion that tends to pull it back and that we'll take care of that in May when he removes the obstruction.

So, handling my little, crazy stoma is a HUGE challenge for me! Due to the fact that it's not completely round and not completely above my tummy, the opening looks downwards, and poop very often goes under my wafer. I've never had an "accident," thank God, but I now have a round circle of very irritated peristomal skin. My wafers last two to three days at the max if I'm very, very lucky! And it's always so painful in that zone; I wish I could ventilate it and let it dry out a little, but that's impossible with my stoma's "timing." 😥

I've tried several products and brands out there, but the main problem is that all of them tend to swell and "turtleneck" right over my stoma, which is very flat. They must be great for normal stomas but unfortunately not for mine! So, I need to find a convex wafer and protective barrier (rings, sheets, etc.) that don't swell. I'm currently using the 2-piece Hollister New Image convex wafer and drainable pouch with a filter, but the wafer doesn't stay as it is when I first put it on. The second day it gets fat and gummy around the opening that surrounds my stoma and loses its adhesion. Other products I'm using are the Stomahesive paste, Stomahesive powder, and Cavilon protective barrier spray, plus the Hollister belt. Today I ordered a New Hope/New Comfort ostomy belt hoping that it'll provide a little more pressure on my tummy and make my stoma pop out a little more.

I'd really appreciate all the advice you can provide me, or product info you can share with me. And I thank you all for taking the time to read my message!

All the best to you all!

Anita 🌻

Hi Anita, I'm probably one of the least qualified to help you but since you didn't get any replies I'll try. For starters I suggest a WOC nurse. They are usually terrific at fixing problems like yours. I think an Eaken Seal might be better than the Stomahesive paste. Using the crusting process with Cavilon barrier film and Stomahesive powder is an excellent approach because you don't want the skin to get messed up. You'll probably be very happy with the New Hope belt.

Most of us have gone through some of the things you are and you'll get the answers soon I hope.

Wish you the best,

Mike 

mikes advice about a professional opinion is  a good start. personally i`v had poor luck with the cavilon skin barrier, try another brand if possible. since your nearly flat at the stoma site,i wouldnt use a eakin ring or even the paste, as both will push your flange slightly out. try a convex flange over a good wipe on skin prep like coloplast. that with the belt may work in my opinion. be advised that the bare flange without the eakin will only last 3-4 days. change before it leaks to keep the skin underneath healthy so the next one will adhere properly. good luck...you will work it out in time....try EVERYTHING till you find what works.

I have a loop one as well but that is not an issue as long as you empty the bag often - otherwise it will push food into the loop pocket and it will come out in a whoosh.... when you take a shower or sometimes when changing bags.  

I have had to deal with severe burns on my skin and learned the best bag for me is the Sensura -Mio.  I am highly reactive/ allergic to the barrier wipes except the Smith and Nephew brand.  I have FAP and have lost the entire colon plus other parts so I am told not to be surprised at the body changes as they will happen.  

I wish you well and hope you have a simple solution soon.  

You might  ask for the protective membrane wrap to keep adhesions at bay....it is unbelieveably wonderful.