We've all had some leaks, and some embarrasing moment, my worst was the clip to the bag breaking and spilling down my leg at work, I survived though, that was 20+ years ago.
I think that is why you get a new clip, I use them now.
I keep a little squeeze container of Karaya powder in my car and desk, if I had a purse, it would be there. when I am away and have a leak I go into the rest room and lift the edge and squirt the powder in. I seals it up until I get home.
Hi cross stitch.
I am so sorry that you are having so many problems with leaks
i can imagine that it could realy get you down at times.
what type of apliance do you use?and have you ever tried somthing like the Eakin seal.You fit it snugly around the stoma before putting on your bag.I have heard that it has helped many people because it is so good at preventing leaks.
Do you have a stoma nurse?or if not ask your supplier if they can get you the Eakin or somthing similer.The Eakin is made by Salters i think but other company's do things much the same.
Sue
Hi Cross Stitch
So sorry to hear about your leaks. I know how leaks can affect you. You didn't say how long you've had the ostomy. I agree with Sue about contacting ET nurse. After my surgery the leaks were constant.I determined that my stoma was retracting not so that it was flush but enough so that when I was lying down the stool was going under the wafer. I can only tell you what worked for me. I changed to a wafer with convexity.I also use the Eakin seals. I hope you figure this out .
Leslie
I've had my ileostomy for 19 yeaars, and have certainly had my share of disasters. I had a stoma revision after my ostomy surgery because it was too long and that was creating problems. I did find what I think are the best products. I haven't used a flange in many years, since they cause lots of problems, the bag pops off, etc. I use Active Life bags form Convatec, and Stomahesive paste, also from Convatec. The bags are one piece, which makes them strong, and they don't pop off. Once the stoma is settled from surgery, the paste and bags make for a great, reliable seal. The bags are also really thin and flush against the body, so you can wear lots of stuff and get away with it. This systen has really worked for me, and I've been lucky - no public disasters in many years. Of course leaks do occasionally happen at night, usually because the clip pops off! Everyone tries a bunch of things and eventually finds solutions which are best for them. I really recommend the Active Life one-piece though. Two-piece bags were a horror for me.
TracyE
I was going to ask how often most people get leaks, and if what I was experiencing was normal, but from reading this, It looks like some people can go for years without leaks! Lucky! :p
Male, 22, diagnosed with Crohn's at 13.
Permanent ileostomy in February 2010.
Medication:
On and off Prednisone for years. Currently only at 5mg
Loperamide (aka Gastro-stop) when needed.
Favourite Quote: Unfortunately my quote (while perfectly acceptable in Australia) contains language that is considered unacceptable in some countries outside of Australia. I guess that's what happens when you comment on a forum used by many different cultures. So I've provided a link to the Wikipedia entry for the quote instead.
Have you thought about a convex wafer/flange system? I use the Hollister brand with the Eakin ring under the wafer and wear a belt for the first few hours after a change and i've been fine.
-Allie
RX Crohn's 1999, over 30 surgeries, 3 strokes, permanent colostomy and rectum removal.
Please don't bring up older threads like this. It's much better to start a new thread on your chosen topic otherwise people don't realise that they're responding to people who probably left the board years ago.
Thanks :)
Ileostomy for 34 years due to UC
Moderator of the Ostomy and Psoriasis Forums
_______________________________________________
I'm not a complete idiot - some parts of me are missing!
During that time I mainly changed my bag when they were here, not because I needed them, but just out of convenience in doing it all at once (especially considering the fact that the bandage for the hole in my stomach went over parts of the bags base plate.
I went through a magazine today and called some companies for some free samples ( I <3 free samples :p ). So I'll be able to give that a try, although I kinda feel bad doing it wihtout letting my STN know. But it cant hurt!
Although, What is the belt for? And why only wear it for a few hours after changing? Is that similar to the waistband?
Male, 22, diagnosed with Crohn's at 13.
Permanent ileostomy in February 2010.
Medication:
On and off Prednisone for years. Currently only at 5mg
Loperamide (aka Gastro-stop) when needed.
Favourite Quote: Unfortunately my quote (while perfectly acceptable in Australia) contains language that is considered unacceptable in some countries outside of Australia. I guess that's what happens when you comment on a forum used by many different cultures. So I've provided a link to the Wikipedia entry for the quote instead.