I have the most confounding problem - my stoma is about an inch in diameter and almost flush against my skin (especially when it is contracting). Also, most of the matter that comes out of my stoma these days is liquid. This combination means that when the stoma contracts it gets liquid under the seal, irritating my skin and causing itching and stinging.
Does anyone have any equipment suggestions? I'm currently using the 1" pre-cut Holister wafers with Adapt paste around the hole. If I use an Ekin seal it bulks up the wafer too much and my stoma just sits behind it.
Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated! Thank you!

JMC

I do not have personal experience with this but it sounds like you need a convex wafer. You can call hollister and they can send you some samples. You also may want to try a cut to fit so that you can get as close as possible to your stoma. Hollister also has really nice convex "seals" that work similar to the eakins.

I have also heard a lot of people say they like convatecs moldable wafer which may help you. Again you can contact them, and ask for a sample. UOAA.org has a list of manufacturers in case you need it.

I have the exact same problem as you. Also once I cut the hole in the flange too big and it caused skin surrounding my stoma to get destroyed. I came to visit the ET nurse today. She had me use a convex flange and eakin seal. Used the stoma powder as well. And an important thing she told me was to always wear an ostomy belt. It really helps to make the stoma pop out further. She told me whenever the skin around the stoma is stinging or very irritated to change the appliance. If it isnt feeling bad then try to leave it on as long as possible- up to a week. I think that her suggestions will really help me. I feel more comfortable already and its only been half a day.

Wow - thank you both. That is very helpful.
IBDMommy: The supplier actually sent me a sample of the convatec moldable wafer but only sent 2 close-ended pouches (why would they do that?!) so i can't really try it out because I'd go through both pouches in about 4 hours and then I'd have to change the whole thing. I'll have to check out the convex seals, though. that sounds potentially brilliant!

Jeffery: I started wearing the ostomy belt about three weeks ago and it absolutely made a world of difference. I use the convex flanges, too and they also work well. As I mentioned above I HAD been using the Eakin seal but I felt like it bulked up the opening too much and caused the stoma to hang out behind it. Is the Eakin working for you? Have you tried paste yet? I also use stoma powder right around the edge of the stoma for added protection.
Using pre-cut wafers has made a big difference for me. Cutting the wafers too big was my main problem before, I think.

Has anyone tried the spray adhesive instead of an Eakin seal or paste? Does that protect the stoma the way that the paste does?

SO much to learn! Thanks for your responses!

JMC, I have the same problem as you do. Try using half of an Eakin seal. Cut it in half, roll it in your hands to make a little 'snake' out of it, then squish it flat, lay it around your stoma and apply your wafer (or smash it against the hole in your wafer and then apply the wafer). Try this with and without some paste added. You'll get some of the fabulous benefits of the Eakin seal (helping your skin heal, nice seal against liquid output) without all of the bulk of a whole seal.

-Rae