Welcome to the UOA Chat Room. I'm Nancy Italia, UOA's Executive Director. We are happy to meet you online tonight and hope you find this session hosted by an ET nurse helpful. I am pleased to introduce Leslie Washuta of Washington, New Jersey, where she is considered one of the most dedicated and caring ETs in the state. She is the primary mover in the Warren County, New Jersey Ostomy Association. Leslie has been honored with the 2005 UOA WOC(ET) Nurse of the Year award. I will now open the chat to your ostomy-related questions to Leslie. Please be patient as questions are presented to her by our moderators and a short delay occurs while she responds. Enjoy chatting!

Leslie, I have had my colostomy for less than 2 years and have had a few "accidents" (I call them blowouts) where the barrier separates. I finally found "pink tape" which adds a sense of security, but I only eat at night to try to not have problems at work.

Larrybilt--I think that pink tape can help the outer edge of the barrier but it might "mask" an actual disruption in your barrier seal right around the stoma. You should also think about having an ostomy nurse evaluation. Sometimes adding just a little adhesive ring or a belt can solve weartime problems. I don't think you should go such long times without eating--not healthy! How do you have the energy to work a full day with no "fuel" in your body?

larrybilt-i used the pink tape to try and increase the usage on my pouches but it eventually irritated the skin so bad I had to quit.

thanks leebo, no irritation here... I get 7 days wear time, I just have to watch which foods I eat and when because of the reaction. I have adapted fairly well and will probably get my confidence back shortly to try to eat moderately at work.

Leslie, my other question is: other can controlling the foods i eat and the timing, is there any other solution to prevent such accidents?

My wafer keeps leaking. When I just used the wafer, it didn't stick. It sticks better using the cohesive seal, but something oozes out (I think it's the glue), casuing leaks (yech). Help!

Starqueen--Make sure you're not using any creamy soap on your skin when washing, and rinsing very well to get all soap residue off. Don't use any creams or lotions, unless specifically recommended for use around an ostomy. Again, an evaluation by an ostomy nurse would be in order. If you have irregular surfaces around your stoma, you may need accessories, although the cohesive Eakin seal usually works well in irregular, hard to stick places. Have you thought about adding a belt? Also, hold your wafer in place for 5-10 minutes when you put it on to get it to warm up better and hence stick better. Just a bunch of thought . . .

yes, warm the seals...at least that’s what i do with the Convatecs. it makes them a little more moldable, and sticks to the skin better.

I have a colostomy and I used Hollister system. When I used it as is, it would not stick, so I now use it the Convetec cohesive seals. My problem is it frequently liquifies and oozes out leaving a passage way for other things to follow. HELP!

tarqueen--Did you try using the Flextend version of the Hollister wafer? Also, am wondering if your stoma area is irregular in shape or if your stoma is retracted? Sometimes that allows the stool to seep under the wafer before ever reaching the pouch, causing all kinds of leakage problems. Consider having an ostomy nurse look at your site for very specific evaluation and suggestions. Good luck! I think an ostomy nurse evaluation would be beneficial for you. There are so many variables that I can't begin to give you specific advice, but a good look by an ET/WOC nurse would be helpful for you.

Susie’s question was lost but related to a mucus discharge) susie--If your rectum is still present, you certainly can expect some mucus from time to time. The laser was used to seal the upper end of the rectum that was disconnected from the bowel internally, but your outer opening is still present. Mucus is a natural by-product of your bowel and will continue to be produced even though the lower end is not connected.

does anyone ever bath or shower without the pouch on?

ev all the time

each time I change pouches, I shower, clean around the stoma with soap.

I am just about a year with my colostomy. I need a colonoscopy. Tell me do they go rectally and through my ostomy.

Maggiea--If your rectum is still present at the end, the GI doctor will probably examine that also with a short scope. He will also go through the stoma with the usual colonoscope in order to examine the part of the colon above the stoma.

maggiea-I have one every year and it is no problem. If I had had them starting earlier I wouldn't have to have had the urostomy.

Leslie, My dad is a colostomy patient, had his surgery in January of 2003. Ever since he has had problems with constipation. He may go two or three days at a time without his bowels ever moving. When they finally do he may have a few good days before the whole process starts again. We have talked with his ET nurse and his surgeon. He has tried adding fiber to his diet by taking Citrucel and/or Metamucil. His surgeon has prescribed Miralax on occasions. When he has the constipation he is usually in much discomfort in his upper abdomen/lower chest. The things I mentioned above that he has tried helps minimally. This has been going on for now 2 1/2 years and we can't seem to find the right answer or combination of things to fix the problem, can you offer some advise?

Scoot--My first reaction is to make certain that he is drinking enough fluids, especially water. The bowel must have lubricant in order for the effluent to proceed along smoothly. If he's on the "dry" side, his body will absorb more water from his stool and it will become hard and perhaps even pebbly, and result in constipation. Then the next issues are the fiber or fiber-like products. I think he probably should use the products you mentioned along with the water on a regular/daily basis, rather than waiting until constipated, if that's what he's doing. Hope this helps!

Pia--have you been able to connect with any other people with ileostomies in your area? also, web sites offer options for chatting with others. Others--please offer any advice . . . Lynne Kramer

pia, you definitely need to talk to others who have been through what you have. Is there a support group in your area ? UOA Director

Pia, see the list of chapters and support groups on the UOA Web site. There are about 350 chapters in many cities who would welcome you at their monthly meetings. suzie

pia just think of how your life was before and how much better it is now....i was very sick for 5 years with crohns and i thank god every day for my ileostomy. maybe you can find a support group at your local hospital ev

Pia - I always felt so sick that the ileostomy has given me a new lease on life, I can do things I never could do before, like shopping without stopping a million times to run to the bathroom, like having a meal in a restaurant and going for a walk and not having to find a bathroom, I could go on but u get the picture ev

Pia- I just think of it as going to the bathroom in a different way, do you have supportive people around you?
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Although it's a huge adjustment, many people tell me that being rid of the ulcerative colitis and all its accompanying difficulties is well worth the ostomy and its life changing abilities--often much to the better. Hope you're well on your way! 5
Gas and Odor
Tina

Scientists at Penn State recently found that adding minced horseradish root with a pinch of calcium peroxide to hog manure significantly lowers the latter's notoriously foul smell. Is there something similar for ileostomates?
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Tina--There are pouch deodorants you can add to the pouch to diminish smell, and also products you can take by mouth that help in that regard, also. I'm not familiar with the horseradish root. Usually ileostomy output doesn't have as strong of odor as colostomies because of the difference in bacterial count in the two parts of the digestive system. ev

I know that the ileostomy pouches are supposed to filter gas out of the pouch, but at night my pouch is always blowing up like a balloon. Is there a solution to this? and thank you for your answer to the car problem, i will definitely keep the pouches in the car with me, not in the trunk
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Ev-Some pouches have filters built into them, others do not, so be sure you have the filtered kind. One of the companies also makes filters you can actually attach to any pouch style. I believe it is Coloplast. Please never consider putting pinholes in pouches, which is a very antiquated remedy from the very old days! Also, Ev, consider what gassy foods you're eating in the evenings. Angie

Is it better to get a pouch with built in filter or add the filter being discussed? Have heard if they get wet, when bathing, etc., do not work. Anyone? ev

Angie, with the Coloplast the pouches come with a little white round adhesive piece with you put on the filter before getting it wet phyl

Angie -- you can place tape on the hole over the filter.
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Angie--Liquid stool is a definite problem, which you most definitely have with your short bowel. Some of the filters do release the gas automatically, others manually. You will just have to experiment. Ask the manufacturers for free samples. suzie

ev i use gas ex and beano they work wonders for when you eat gassy foods. 6 jrice

May I add a little info for ev? Often due to the more liquid output of an ileostomy as opposed to a colostomy, the filter on a filtered pouch can get clogged from the inside causing the balloon affect. Often therefore, filtered pouches for ileostomates are ineffective and a waste of money. Adding the previously mentioned 'air-relief valve' may be a better choice for this the ostomy. ev

I am using the pouches with filters but I tried those extra filters. Don’t you have to put a hole in them to work? How do those attachable filters work?
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Ev--The attachable filters do require that you put a hole in the pouch--just a very small, pinhole size--then place the charcoal disk and then the adhesive layer overtop. The gas exits the pouch through the hole you made, and spreads through the charcoal layer, where the odor is absorbed. Check the instruction sheet for the specifics. ev

it doesn't seem to matter what I eat, i am fine most of the day, it usually starts after dinner
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Ev--Could it have to do with relaxing after dinner? Perhaps your body just goes into the relaxation mode too! ev
hmm. I never thought of that, maybe
jrice

Carbonated beverages including beer and many vegetables can lead to a great deal of gas. For some, even milk products cause this same problem. Diet needs to be considered when trying to find out what is causing gas. Often products such as Beano can help tremendously. Just my 2 cents based on experience and talking with ostomates with decades of experience. Bob webtech

About attachable filters, I'm not aware of that product, but maybe some people are thinking of the attachable VENT (KEM Osto-EZ-Vent)? ev

how does the air-relief valve work? and what is that?
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Ev--Are you talking about osto-vent? I've seen one only briefly, but I think it's a product you attach to your pouch and it has a little lid or vent that you can open to relieve the gas from the pouch. May be most helpful on a one-piece appliance. The two-piece systems 7 are easy enough to just "burp" liek tupperware to let the gas out at your convenience. Anyone else have experience with osto-vent? ev

that's what I thought, and i tried that, but it started leaking where the hole was made
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Ev--talking about the air relief valve? Does anyone else have thoughts for Ev? If your output is watery (ileostomy), it might compromise the filter. Also, be sure to put the product on the uppermost area of your pouch, not lower where the stool would migrate by gravity. When you lie down, it could be a problem with the filter getting moistened.
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

The osto-vent is an attachable product. I don't know the manufacturer, but have seen it advertised in the Ostomy Quarterly. Anyone else know anything offhand? ostomy49

confidence + vent order# CPLUS 29.95 EXTRA VENTS INCLUDED [Ed. note: KEM Osto-EZ-Vent and Confidence+Plus are different brands of attachable pouch vents. KEM website: www.kemonline.com; Confidence+Plus also had a website but it seems to have disappeared] chip

I couldn't be without the EZ vent as I have a lot of gas. I attach it to the upper part of the bag but it hits in the waistline and sometimes comes off. Then it will leak because of it being so close to the stoma.
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Chip- Have you tried relocating it to a little different location on your pouch? Don't know any other suggestions. Thanks for sharing your experiences with it. Hernias
Pami

anyone with a urostomy prone to hernias and had to have site moved
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Does anyone have a comment for Pami about relocating urostomy stomas due to hernia? leebo

I had colon surgery and an urostomy 6 years ago this Christmas. I have NEVER been able to get over 2 days wear out of a pouch. I have tried everything. Any ideas?
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Leebo--Have you seen an ostomy nurse lately? Products and accessories have changed so much over the last 5-10 years that there may be other options for you in the pouching 8 area that will increase your wear time. A full visual exam and evaluation is certainly in order for you to help determine why your wear time is so short. I am dismayed that, in this day and age, you were not afforded the benefit of having an ostomy nurse to help you. I do believe that regular staff nurses are knowledgeable in basic ostomy care but don't have the time or expertise or exposure to ostomy issues to fine tune concerns such as you might have. You would still benefit from an evaluation by an ostomy nurse. Check out the WOCN.org website to locate one near you. Maybe then you will be able to understand the unique characteristics of your stoma and products that will serve you better. leebo

Thanks a million Leslie. Thanks everyone, and God Bless-Bye Medications
flash

what pain medicines can Ileo take that wont start bleeding?
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Flash- I don't think bleeding is a side effect of pain medicines in general. However, aspirin and aspirin-like products can cause irritation in the stomach. I'm not aware of stoma bleeding from any medications. Try talking to your pharmacist about your specific concerns.
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Flash--Check with your pharmacist. Most people can use any regular medicines, unless advised otherwise by your physician. Again, aspirin can cause upper GI (stomach) bleeding, but it shouldn't affect your stoma. suzie
f

lash i use rapid relief tyelnol ( bad spelling) Angie

flash - I use Percogesic, combination Tylenol, slight muscle relaxant Pouch Brands and Types
ev

Just out of curiosity, which brand are my fellow ileostomates using? I am using coloplast because that's what they sent me home from the hospital with
btownkid
i use convatec
Lyle
9

convatec is good. I liked hollister but my skin told me likewise
Evie

I use Convatec also, works very well, the two piece is easy to empty and care for.
suzie

hollister, i was developed an allergic reaction to convatec. ev

I like coloplast because the closure is with velcro, how does the Convatec close?
btownkid

kinda of like a tuperware seal..."snaps" on
Lyle

I like the two piece system and "burp" the pouch. The filter system only gets one day of good use. It may seem ineffective but standing in front of people and ballooning gets too many questions. So the filter is good in "public" uses.
leegolfsa
ev-hollister 2 piece flextend wafer
ev

i am surprised to see that so many of you use the 2 piece system, I prefer the 1 piece, may I ask why the 2 piece?
larrybilt

ev, the 1 piece must be discarded, the 2 piece allows cleansing and reuse.
Lyle

2 piece system: burping is popular. It's a guy thing "gas, gas, gas".
leegolfsa

i like it because i can leave the wafer on if i have a good comfortable seal and just change the pouch
btownkid

if for some reason you get a small hole or something in the bag, but the seal is still good, you don't have to change the whole thing...simply remove the bag, and replace it with a new one. those seals get too expensive to change them when you don't absolutely have to.
suzie

ev- 2 piece is what they gave when i left the hospital. can you explain about the 1 piece
btownkid
and yes, burping the air is much much easier
10 ev

i am using the Coloplast 1 piece, it adheres very well to the skin and is very discreet because it sits on the skin with very little protrusion
jrice

Less skin irritation using a 2-piece when changing the pouch. The flange stays on and only the pouch is changed. The flange may stay on for up to 3 weeks, most often at least 2 weeks.
phyl

Has anyone tried the velcro end on the pouches? Mine leaks. ev

the 1 piece does open at the bottom for emptying and it can last 6 - 7 days
suzie

thanks ev maybe i'll give them a try
ev

the Coloplast 1 piece also come in mini, midi or maxi size pouches
ev

i think the 1 piece system may be more expensive than the 2 piece but i find it worth it, you can wear tight jeans, etc. and no one can notice anything
jrice

I have found that the Hollister flex-end flange with tape fits very comfortably over my stoma even with my hernia. Swimming everyday is not a problem and no pink tape is used.
ev

i tried the 2 piece coloplast and i never got 2 weeks usage out of it
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Ev--Two weeks is longer than anyone I've ever encountered for wear-time. I think 5-7 days, 10 days maximum, is the longest you should aim for, depending on your particular stoma type.
Angie

Without UOA, will manufacturers of ostomy products have regional seminars, etc., so we can stay up to date on latest products?
jrice
11

Local chapters should plan for their regional ostomy reps to conduct briefings of their new products. I know in Lawton, Oklahoma, we have the reps come in annually and tell us of their new product line.
Pregnancy with an Ostomy
Daffy

Thanks for the great answer. I have just one final question: 1) Planning my first pregnancy soon. What are some things pregnant ileostomates should keep an eye out for? Will my stoma prolapse? Thanks for everything. Have become very dependent on UOA and will miss them very much.
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Daffy--Congratulations on your next great adventure--pregnancy! You should keep a good eye on your stoma, which I know you will. As your stomach enlarges, the size and perhaps shape of your stoma will also change, so you should be prepared to have to use a larger size opening in your appliance. For this reason, a cut-to-fit might be a good option instead of a pre-sized opening. I don't believe your stoma will prolapse. Will be a very interesting experience. Enjoy every minute!
Lynne Kramer

If any of you are planning on coming to the Conference, there will be lots of samples in the Exhibit Hall, and many sessions where you can get some of your questions answered. I believe there will also be a Stoma Clinic where you can meet with an ET nurse.
larrybilt

Leslie, thanks for your help. This forum and input were very helpful. I encourage the group to get free samples from the major suppliers web sites. It helped me find a manageble system. Good night and congrats and thanks for caring.
Product Accessories
ev

I just had my ileostomy surgery in February, so I'm relatively new to this, any good accessories that any of you use, and where did u buy them?
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Ev--Hi again! How about pouch covers to match your personality? An ostomy belt can be tie-dyed if you want color! Look through ads in the Ostomy Quarterly for more clothing accessory ideas.
Skin Issues
btownkid
12

do you have any suggestions for raw skin? i've tried different things, but i am never able to get rid of it. all around the stoma on my colostomy...it's very irritating.
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

btownkid--I would agree that irritated skin can be very irritating! I would try using some stomahesive powder or stoma barrier powder to dry the moist skin, then seal it with a skin prep (yes it will sting, but you must get beyond that initial effect), then place your wafer when it's dry. But, even more importantly, again I would suggest an ostomy nurse evaluation. You may need a different wafer or appliance to better protect your skin in the first place.
btownkid

thanks...i've tried skin prep...different kinds. it just hurts so bad, and can't make myself go all the way around the stoma. i probably should try to find an ostomy nurse. thanks for the input.
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

btownkid--Try using a hair dryer on cool setting to get it to dry faster, so you can get that good dry surface before you put on your wafer. Wish you well!
jrice

There are no-sting skin prep pads available. Ask your ET or local pharmacy where you get your ostomy supplies.
Lynne Kramer

btownkid - there is one without alcohol - Cavilon - and it doesn't burn!
btownkid

oh really? any idea where i can get some of that? i would love to try it. anything that could help would be great
Lynne Kramer

btownkid - any supplier should have it - Cavilon No-Sting wipes, or it comes in a spray, or it comes as dabbers. [Ed. note: 3M’s “Cavilon” No-Sting Barrier Spray is identical to their “Nexcare” No-Sting Liquid Bandage Spray, now sold inexpensively at regular drug stores]
btownkid

thank you...never heard of it. i will definitely look into it!
Lynne Kramer
btownkid- you are very welcome !
phyl
Hi...can anyone recommend a soap, or not, for cleaning around stoma between changes?
13

suzie ivory soap, there are no perfumes in it
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Phyl..I like soap---just good old fashioned me! I do know people who don't use soap around the stoma, but think about the natural body oils you want to wash off, just as you do in a regular shower. So my choice is to use soap. However, choice of soap is also important. Avoid using those like Dove or Camay that have cold creams or any that end up being creamy in your soap dish. Instead, use a more solid bar, such as dial, ivory, or any cheap bar soap. Some people avoid perfumed soaps. Also, very important, is to rinse all soap film off, then dry welll, so you start with a nice, clean, pure skin to place your appliance on
Sports and Fitness Issues
Daffy

Yes, I have a question for the ET. I had ileostomy surgery two years ago. I would like to return to my pre-surgery level of fitness, particularly my flat stomach/firm abs. However, both my Gastroenterologist and Colorectal Surgeon tell me ileostomates shouldn't do situps. 1) What are they concerned about? AND 2) any alternate suggestions/exercises to improve/strengthen my abs?? Thanks. Congrats on your award. Daffy
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Daffy--It certainly is a challenge to return to pre-surgery fitness, especially since your abdominal muscles have been altered a bit with the placement of the ileostomy. I would ask your doctor more specificially why you can't do sit-ups. May have to do with possibly causing a hernia around the stoma, which would cause more bulging. Why not try toe-touches instead, which strengthen in a slightly different way. Consider consulting a gym person to help. Thanks, also, for the comment on my award. Truly a great honor for me!
maggiea

Leslie, can I go swimming without worry or are there some things I should think about.
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Maggiea--Swimming is wonderful in the hot summer or any time you can find a friendly pool! Make certain that your pouch is adhering well; consider using a tape such as pink tape (waterproof) around the edges of your wafer for added security. I have a dear ostomy friend who celebrated his ostomy surgery by spending a week at the Jersey shore swimming and riding the waves!
leegolfsa
i

s working out, doing core strengthening exercises, ok? Could it cause a hernia situation?
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN
14

Leegolfa--If you're working out and talking about core strengthening exercises, you're miles ahead of me! Does this mean you have a personal trainer or a trainer at a gym you could talk with? Sometimes increased pressure in the abdomen from lifting can contribute to hernia formation, so you would want to be cautious. Want to ask your surgeon? He or she would be more intimately aware of special concerns related to your particular ostomy and exercise effects.
jrice

Those with an ostomy have got to remember that they HAVE a permanent hernia (the stoma). Talk with your ostomy surgeon before beginning any strenuous exercise program!
Urostomies
McKee

I had a urostomy 2 years ago and my big problem is the odor from the night bag. I tried various deodorants and nothing works.
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Hi, McKee-Make certain you wash out the night bag every morning. Usually people put a diluted vinegar solution in the night bag during the daytime hours when it's not in use to help keep it clean and free of odors, then rinse it though again before attaching it at night. I believe you should also consider getting a new night bag every 1-2 months. Hope that helps!
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

(Regrettably Jim’s question is missing but it had to do with an odor problem his father was having following urostomy surgery) Jim--Odor can indicate several things. It can herald a urinary infection, so should be discussed with the doctor. Also, if he's wearing the urinary pouch for more than 4-5 days, the mucus can accumulate and become odorous, so he should change the pouch (if a 2- piece system) after about 3 days for a fresh pouch. The third possibility is because of the Ph of the urine, which can breed more bacteria. Is he taking Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) by mouth daily to help the urine be more acidic again? That can help, too. The dose is 1 gram per day of Vitamin C. Check with his doctor or pharmacist to make certain it doesn't interfere with other medications.
Wafers
conhay

What is the difference between Stomahesive and Durahesive wafers and which is better for an ileostomy?
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN
15

Conhay--Stomahesive is the standard wear wafer; Durahesive is a "durable wear" wafer and is designed for use with a stoma with a wetter output. Urostomates should definitely consider using the extended wear; ileostomates can use either, but the Durahesive may last a little longer. By the way, "Durahesive" is the Convatec product; Hollister makes a similar product called "Flextend"
conhay

Thank you. I have been having trouble with leaking and I believe I got a bad box of wafers. At least I hope that is what it is. One day I had to change 3 times.
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Conhay--It certainly does happen--a bad box of wafers, that is, from time to time. All of the manufacturers have toll-free phone numbers you can call to report your situation. Somewhere on the box of product you will find a quality control number--be sure to find that number for them. They will often send you replacement product for your troubles.
Barb

I heard recently that I should be cutting the hole in my wafer to the exact size of my stoma. Have ileostomy for 9 yrs. Use Colly Seal under my ConvaTec Flexible wafer. Also use Stomahesive paste. Cut colly seal 1" and wafer 1 1/8". Always have white film around base of stoma -- from the paste ??
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Barb--Sounds like you're using a lot of adhesive accessories. I never try to dissuade anyone from using a system that works, so keep doing what you're doing if it's good for you. I do often advise leaving about 1/8" of clearance from your stoma. Your collyseal and your paste will fill in that area with a soft seal. A wafer cut too tightly can cause irritation at the edge of the stoma.
Barb

Thanks, Leslie - that's what I thought - and I don't think the white film is any problem - it's been there for a long time and my skin is just fine.
Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Barb--Thanks for the reply. "If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it!" Collyseal is indeed helpful for specific problems such as yours.
Libby

We live in Florida (southern part) and we are having a problem getting the wafer to stay on in this heat!! We use an Eakin seal and an adhesive wafer but the minute my husband starts working and perspires the entire wafer comes loose and falls off Help!! Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Libby--Has he tried using the skin prep first under his wafer to make an extra barrier between the wafer and the skin? How about trying one of the extended wear barriers such 16 as Durahesive (Convatec) or Flextend (Hollister), which hold up better in the presence of moisture. Is he also wearing a belt? sometimes that can help, too. chip

My stoma is very close to my belly button and I can't keep the flange level. I've tried stuffing cotton in my belly button to level it off. Any suggestions? Been an Illeostomy for two years. Chip Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Chip--Have you tried something like an Eakin cohesive seal or other skin barrier ring, rolled into a little ball to "fill" the belly button before placing your wafer? It may have a better wear time, since it's made of ostomy-specific ingredients? A cotton ball is a novel idea, but . . . :-) Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

(regrettably Dee’s question was lost in the transcript, but it had to do with stoma measurement)

Dee--You should consider taking two measurements--one side to side, and the other top to bottom, then cut your wafer according to these measurements, so you end up with an oval shape. Once you have cut it, "try it on" before removing the paper from the adhesive and sticking it in place, to see if your new method worked to cover the skin better. I've also done tracings of stomas onto stiff plastic and used that as a template. Some companies will actually custom cut your wafers if you send them a tracing, but be certain it's just as you want it. Thy do it either for a small fee or as a customer service for their regular users, Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

(regrettably ostomy 49’s question was lost in the transcript, but it had to do with stoma measurement)

Hi, ostomy 49! Sounds like you definitely need to see an ostomy nurse for a good evaluation. Make sure you're cutting your wafer to fit the base of the stoma--that is, not the widest part of the stoma itself and allowing a lot of skin to be exposed under the stoma. Am not sure I can offer specific suggestions in this short time and space, so an ostomy evaluation is a definite priority! Wardrobe Issues
larrybilt

Leslie, I have read where a wardrobe change is not necessary with a colostomy, but I find to be untrue. I wear vests and sweaters at work to conceal the bulge. Am i missing something? Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Larrybilt--Is your bulge from your stoma, from gas in your pouch, or from a hernia which has developed around your stoma? It may be that you're more self conscious about your 17 stoma than you should be. Sometimes people chose to wear their shirts untucked or loose clothes but this isn't always necessary. Several companies have now come out with two-piece appliances with NO plastic ring-- Convatec has the esteem synergy, for example, so the product is completely flat, as it's an adhesive coupling. You might look into that. Also, before this type of system, people often suggested leaving a little air in the pouch as a cushion over the plastic ring to make it less obvious. jrice

Consider pleated trousers and the 'bulge' is not noticeable. Weather-Related Issues

ev We are thinking of going on a road trip and it's been a very hot summer. I read that the adhesive used on the pouch can be damaged if in prolonged heat. The car will probably heat up considerably. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Ev--Have you thought about taking along a cooler with ice packs or even ziplock bags with ice you can replenish at convenience stores along the way? Of course you'll probably have your car air conditioning on. Just don't store your supplies in the trunk during travel or leave them out overnight--take them into your hotel room. leebo

ev--I use one of the small electric frigs available for about fifty dollars that run off the lighter plug. They have adjustable temperatures and I keep them at about 65 degrees suzie

where i work it has been very hot lately is there any hints on how to keep my wafer from sweating? Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Suzie--Are you talking about the edges splaying out (for lack of a better word), or are you talking about the sweat from your body disrupting the seal of the wafer? suzie sweat from my body. sometimes i have to change two times a day Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

Suzie--If you're not using a skin protective wipe under your wafer, you might consider using it during the summer months when it's so hot, as it'll set up an extra "barrier" between the skin and the wafer. suzie 18 thank you leslie i will try that.this is a wonderful thing you are doing. thank you very much. Chat Room

suzie thanks to all for info. do you do these chats often? this is my first time.. UOA Director The UOA Chat Room has been open for 5 months, but just once a month. Our next chat will be with a colorectal surgeon later in August. Lynne Kramer I need to get going here - goodbye all - see you in Anaheim, and THANKS Leslie ! You've done a GREAT job tonight ! rick
Thanks for the informative chat. I will watch for the next one. ostomy49 Thank You Leslie !!!!!!!
chip
Super chat--so many questions!!!
ev Thank you all for the chat room
ev

Leslie, just wanted you to know how much I am enjoying this chat room, how often do they happen? Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN

ev--This Chat happens monthly, and there will be just one more before UOA closes its doors. Watch the UOA website for date and time, topic. Thanks for your participation! Angie
Thanks!
UOA Director

Leslie, we all look forward to seeing you and thanking you in Anaheim. This has been our best chat ever, thanks to your great advice. We appreciate it! Leslie Washuta COCN CWCN