I am having a difficult time with leakage under the wafer. My stoma sticks up about 3/4 inch and is level with my belly button. My belly is rounded and soft. I use the Colorplast one piece system with convetec paste. My WOC nurse said to cut the opening leaving about an 1/8 inch and apply the paste making a turtleneck up the side of the stoma. Well, it is hit or miss...I've returned to work and my husband made two trips to bring me clean clothes - I ended up changing three times that day.
I contacted Hollister and viewed the CD I rec'd right after surgery. They say to measure the opening up to the stoma without leaving the 1/8 in. and to apply the paste on the wafer itself. I am out of my regular supplies and due for a change. I have the Hollister samples but before I change, can anyone tell me what in the world I am doing wrong? I am at my wits end.

Hi Nana,

I'm sorry you are having problems. I use Convatec's durahesive moldable wafers because you don't need pastes or seals with them. They really do mold to every contour and turtleneck around the stoma once they get wet. I change my wafer every 4-5 days but could probably go longer, I just prefer not to. I'm all for a simple life and don't like fussing with pastes or seals so the moldable wafers are perfect for me. If you go to Convatec's web site you can order free samples.

I'm sure there will be others along soon with more suggestions. Hope you find a solution soon.

Take care

Shell

Hello Nana B,
When I used cut to fit and I some times still do just to change things around(I believe this is good for my skin) I would cut the wafer as close to the stoma as possible then put the paste on the wafer close to the hole you cut, now wait about a minute to let the paste set up a bit then wet your finger a little with cold water so your finger is damp but not dripping,this helps so the paste doesn't stick to your finger, now push the paste more towards the whole then apply the wafer,the paste should squish around the stoma when you apply your wafer, this has worked for me. Almost forgot to mention I "always" use a ostomy belt, helps hold everything in place nice & snug.

Now I use the convatec moldable durahesive(w/durahesive you don't use pastes or seals,this is what causes the turtlenecking feature) w/tupperware type snap 2 piece which is much easier and quicker and less fuss. Take Shells suggestion and get samples, the manufactures are very good about that,you can usually talk to an et nurse at each manufacture and they can offer suggestions.......Good luck

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DMC,

Hi Nana, I also used convatec moldable wafers. The bottom of my stoma was a little flush, so I used the convex wafer. Before I used the moldable wafers, I was using the adapt rings, which is similar to the eakin seals. I continued to use the seal with the moldable wafer. I never had any leakage or skin problems. I would definitely call convatec and ask for some samples, they work great. I also used a belt to keep everything snug.

Hope things settle down for you soon,

janna

I was having leaks mainly at night while sleeping and this was with a good stoma.

I tried all the brands and settled with Hollister New Image Flextend Convex wafer with compatible
bag. I also used the Eakin seal with it and the combination solved the leaks. I did not use any paste or skin prep.

You just have to keep trying.

Everyone,
Thanks for the encouragement and ideas. You guys are great. I find that despite being a nurse when it comes to myself or my family, my confidence and knowledge seems to slip away. I will call Convatec first thing in the morning. Meantime I am going to try the Hollister, cut to fit my oval stoma and put paste on the ring and not on my stoma and hope for the best!

Hi

I had similar problems-uneven skin, a crevice, red cheese grater skin
-try the "Jason" method
(look up his posts for his detailed step by step tutorial.

After many experiments due to leaks, etc. and trial & error;
I use Karaya powder, Perma-type cement, and an Eakins seal, then a Hollister Convex flange and a Convatec 2 side cloth/with filter pouch (yes- mixing brands can work).
I am very active, exercise every day and coach my son's sports, I have been getting as long as 6 days between changes lately ( 4+ days on average).

GOOD LUCK!!