Hi

I am an infrequent visitor these days, happened on this thread

Had similar problems.

I had 7 surgeries, 3 due to initial surgeon’s poor choices/work, j-pouch failure resulted, have perm ostomy since May 2007.

Keraya powder is a better base product than paste and clams irritated skin

I experimented with all brands and types of rigs. Received & tried the free samples from all manufacturers.
Check my older posts and especially JasonPa's (he was my Obi-Won) for a long step by step method.

My abs went from very fit to a minefield, looks like a cracked bowl that is upside down and missing a piece (a crevice), nothing adhered for the first 4-6+ weeks.
Since/Now:
I use Keraya powder (for aggravated skin and to prevent its return-mostly successful), then Permatype cement, then an Eakins seal, then a Hollister extended wear wafer (stays on better than Convatec if you have a misshapen bumpy area like me, then a Convatec 'snap-on' pouch with the velcro closure (Yes, I mix brands-Holiister lock and roll has a too-short tail for me, experienced ‘splashing’ whichis an issue in business attire, and sticks out up top over belt too much when full; I swab the same cement on the 'tupperware' prior to snapping in/on), then wear the 'white' belt; and have gotten an average wear time of about 5 days
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On other notes / anecdotes / my trials and many errors:

SEAT BELT- if an issue, close belt before you sit down in car, drape diagonal shoulder strap over yourself and leave waist belt behind you- no bell/alarm and no discomfort, better than no belt at all.
Or I heard you may be able to get a medical note in case you are ticketed- did not try this tack.

When out and about- carry a few quart size Ziplock BAGGIES and napkins, easy to carry, and when in stall, easy to empty pouch in an unclean restroom or in the woods or ball field (then wrap in the napkin & covertly drop in a wastebasket, one not near the bleachers).

You can EXERCISE, start slow and stay with it....If it took 3-6 months to get in shape when you first started, it will take a year, however you will get in shape. I am a few years out from my last repair surgery and in good shape, Lift weights daily (incline bench best/least strain, seated curls and body-weight squats, you will see a marked increase in positive mood and how you look in clothes- 99.9% of people cannot tell with me, unless the bag is ½+ full and bulges out, or the end pulls out of pants and droops out ),
I jump rope when it is warm, do Tae Bo inside when cold,
a note: if you like to do chin-ups/pull-ups- use caution as they strain your abdomen

I wear my BELT/pants under the stoma/flange, felt like Harry High-pockets or a stereotypical Florida retiree with my trousers /belt worn over the stoma. You will have to find the right brands of jean and pants, regrettably I had to (almost) empty my closet and donated most all my business suits/pants/jeans to Goodwill.

REPAIRS- I can often repair a peeling flange tape once- use above cement and medical tape (not paper tape) for 1-2 more days until a change if need be

SLEEPING- I wake up usually once a night and empty- recommend: do not take sleeping pills, or Nyquil, Benadril unless really need it, if you dream you need to empty, get up and do it, I (usually) fall right back asleep and a leak is far worse


SHOWER- I use a Showergard apron, it is a plastic apron you wear to protect the appliance, when i did not use it, had to change more often

SWIMMING- there is a product sold that is like a plastic pocket with a belt, try teh showergard website

HOT TUBS- mixed results, heat often seems to loosen glue/tape/cement

CHANGING APPLIANCe- eat an early dinner, no night-time snack, take immodium before bed and when I wake up, and I change in the morning


AIR Travel- just back from a trip- I empty before boarding, always request an aisle seat and if need be- tell seatmate (who then prefers to switch rather than pogo up and down when I use restroom) & Attendant my situation, also, I do not travel in a suit, I change when I land just in case, Wind pants roll up or fold very small and fit in a bag nicely.

MARITAL Relations- regular, albeit different than prior to the ostomy


Sure, It is not a perfect situation, occasionally I do not wake up at 3 am to empty and have an accident/leak....
as many say it is far better than having days/events ruined by having 2/3 of your mind on a mental GPS hunt for a restroom


If they invent a permanent flange they sew into your belly, sign me up

My wife and son are happier and we are active- the old make lemonade from lemons


Good Luck

Hi I'm new and I've been trying all different brands currently I'm using Convatec, which brand are you using?

Thank you,

Hi Ed,
apologies, infrequent visitor these days.

I had many surgeries, initial one was problematic and left my belly a bumpy, crevice-y mess, the subsequent surgical repairs of the initial surgeon's poor choices (wrong mesh, poor decisions, etc) helped a little.

My stoma only peeks out a little and sits in challenging place- picture an upside down breakfast bowl with a broken bottom, bent inward, with cracks and crevices- my stoma is at the center.
I mention all this because some flanges are convex, concave, with an skirt/apron of tape, etcand may suit different peoples various needs/bodies

I tried many brands, free samples, etc.
After much trial, much error and much cursing...
I found I like some aspects of one brand and others of another.

The Convatec flange curves the wrong way for my situation above- did not last. Hollister flanges fit me better, albeit on top of cement, then an Eakin seal due to my uneven stoma area.

However Convatec bags (opaque, roll-up velcro style) are longer than Hollister and flatter on top. Which I like as I wear suits for work. Flatter top is less conspicuous and longer tail is less splash.
I called Hollister asking them to make such a bag over the last few years to no avail.

Then I had the idea of mixing the brands. It fits/clicks, but not airtight/watertight.
So I use a layer of cement on the ring of the Hollister then click in the Convatec and it works great.
I am currently on day 6 with my current pouch/bag (this is a good week, I usually get 4-5 days)

PS- feel free to "private message" me, I may see it sooner. Hope this helps