Ostomy Online Support Group

Hi My name is Courtney. I am taking care of my mother who on 10/27 had emergency surgery for a complete bowel obstruction and ended up with an ileostomy. Her ileostomy is not a true one, she doesn't have a stoma because the DR didn't have enough bowel to bring to the abdominal wall therefore she has basically a hole in her belly I guess like a inverted one. Since she came home right after Christmas, we have been trying every appliance there is and are having serious issues getting anything to stay longer than 2 days. Her skin gets so red and weeping around the site and I just can't get a good seal to keep the bowel off her skin. I have tried what seems like everything! I am so frustrated and more importantly my Mom is having a really hard time with all this. Between yesterday and today we went through about 8 bags. I am using Adapt barrier rings along with Hollister pouches that have convexity and even paste at times. I have done the "crusting" technique numerous times by applying the ostomoy powder, then dabbing it with the no sting skin barrier and repeating even using a hair dryer to get that area as dry and sticky as possible but it's just not working. HELP!!!!

Courtney have you tried switching to convatec? I started on convatec in 89 and in 08 had some major issues with my stoma and thought it was the appliance. I started using hollister and I did like the thin wafer better but had a majorly hard time with leaking. It would need changing every few days. Of course I ended up having a total mess around the site with redness and so sore..

I'd call convatec and explain the situation. They may have a nurse on hand that will understand the dire situtation. Get some samples. I went back to convatec and use a wafer that does not need cutting and you just pull the film on the back off and mold it into the correct size. I use a stoma paste all around the edge and hold it there for about 30 seconds. Ask for a couple of these as samples. And anything else they can recommend.

Why did the surgeon leave the stoma like that anyway?

Please let us know how your Mom is doing. Having issues with the leaking is a nightmare. I hope she gets better soon.

I did call Convatec and explained the situation and they are sending me something that may help. Once I receive it I will call and ask about what you suggested. It was an emergency surgery so I am guessing there wasn't time to think about where would be best. Hopefully this can be reversed in a year or less once she has gotten stronger according to the surgeon. We did go to the wound care clinic yesterday and they offered some ideas to get her skin healed since it is so inflamed from the constant changing. This is a nightmare for sure. Thank you so much for the information, I will definitely try it out and I think it will work because what we have been using so far and pretty stiff so there is not really much give for bending and I think that could be breaking the seal too.

I have major issues with leaking also. Like you I have tried numerous bags and such. I am still trying to find the right solution for me, but I may have a suggestion for you to try. I have a merchandise booklet, I will give you Item #'s and Description. So when you call Convatec, they can send you samples.

Stomahesive Skin Barrier Sheets #21712

(you can cut and place on skin around Stoma opening to protect skin. It is a flat sheet 4x4")

Any Durhesive Wafer (depending on what type of bag you use) Durheasive is more long term and will not break down as easily.

if you can give me more information on her situation, I can look for more products that may help. i.e. stoma size, location, any rolls on stomach, scar tissue and where it is by stoma.

One trick I learned was to not use baby wipes to clean skin, because there will be residue left on the skin. Use mild non-lotion soap and water, rinse thoroughly. I also use an alchol wipe to cleans skin of any left over residue. Do not use Skin Prep or Alcohol wipes and any irritated skin.

The longer stoma paste can be on skin, without bowel, the better it will heal the break-down.

Let me know, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.