Looking for some guidance to resolve a leaking and skin irritation issue. I had my loop ileo on 1/14/09 and within the last week or so have started to experience leaking and skin irritation. My stoma has been shrinking so I've been measuring it at each change (lately every 2 days-currently using the Coloplast SenSura 2 piece system) and have tried Eakin seals and paste with no success. My stoma is fairly flush and am wondering if I should try a convex wafer? Any suggestions or guidance would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I would definitely give convexity a try. I, too, have a short stoma. The sensura appliances were holding up for only a day at a time. I got sick of changing every day. Sensura has a convex appliance. I am using convatec Natura durahesive moldable convex wafers now. I get 3 days of wear without a leak. This morning, I added an Eakin seal. I'm going to see if it will help the seal last even longer.

Good luck finding something that works. If you contact Hollister, Convatec, and Coloplast and let them know that you want to try a convex appliance, they will each send samples for you to try out.

When I got my loop ileo a year ago, I started having leakage problems after 2 weeks. The flanges were lasting 1 or 2 days at most. I went to the ET nurse and she switched me to a convex flange (Hollister in my case). Result - no leakage problems since!

Yes, definately try a convex wafer!

I know we are all different but the wafer that literally saved my skin was Convatec's moldable convex wafer. It really does mold to every contour and it is Durahesive so much better designed for the high, acidic output from an ileostomy. Other Somahesive appliances are mostly designed for colostomies rather than ileostomies.

They really do mold to every contour, which I need as I have some really nasty scarring from some old pyoderma ulcers. I find there is no need for pastes and seals with these. The fact that they are moldable means that you don't have to keep cutting to a new size. Just roll back the collar, apply and then unroll it again to fit snugly around the base of your stoma.

I change my wafer every 4-5 days but could probably go longer if I wanted. However, I prefer to change this often as it keeps my skin in optimal condition. If I try to change earlier than 4 days I have a devil of a job getting the wafer off as it is stuck tight. This gives me the confidence to forget all about it until my next wafer change. I haven't had a leak (touch wood) in the 5 years since I've been using them.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Take care.

Shell

Thank you all for the advice. Just wanted to post an update. It's been about 2 weeks using a convex wafer and it is working great!! It seems I've finally found a system that works!!

Has anyone tried ConvaTec's "ActiveLife Convex drainable pouch with durahesive skin barrier" ? I'm trying to find a better system for my son.
Thanks for any input.
K