Just wanted to pass this on to some people that may be having issues with redness over or around the stoma.
I get a ton of Pms helping people with directions on getting a system to work and thank God most work out
One thing I see a lot of is Pms that they have redness around the stoma. This is a simple fix and a simple test to see if its going to happen.
Most times you will get that redness from stool laying on the skin... this usually happens because the wafer is cut to big, dont have a good seal and stool gets under it or the paste or eakins seal isnt close enough to the stoma.

TO TEST THIS:
WHen I get done doing a full change... I usually wait a few hours and the next time I go to empty I use a squirt bottle with cold water.. I empty the stool.. then I fill the bag up about 1/2 way with the cold water. I then swish it around.. IF YOU FEEL COLD ON YOUR SKIN ITS EXPOSED... that means when you lay down or sleep the stool from the bag will find its way to your bare skin and cause that irritation. So you may want to do another change and get that seal, eakins or paste closer to that stoma.

Just wanted to post that tip... Also, dont forget the other one ... A cold damp papertowle over the stoma as you are doing a change will usually calm it down and keep that bugger under control

Hi,
I am brand new! My wife responded to Dave from Indy. I am in the last stage of a 3 stage surgery. I was so sick when I went in with my UC relasp that instead of a 2 stage, they made it 3. First was 18 days in. 2nd surgery was suppose to be 3 hours & turned out to be 8. My biggest fear was I was having no problems with 1st stoma and it was upright with mouth on top. 2 stage bag lasted average 5 days. New stoma pionts down & mouth near or on skin & can't really see. They went to a 1stage bag with ring, but still changing about every day. Have an open incision wound directly under! I'm returning to work light duty next mid week & have to get this under control! Had surg Sept 4th and expecting final one Oct 15th. I'm trying to push sooner to eleviate this problem! Any advice for this new member from Danville Illinois? Surg in Indy by dr. Robb
Thanks & God Bless Danny

Jason you ROCK !!! You always have the best tips. That's just brillent. I've been utilizing your cold compress trick when changing appliances. I use gauze pads because I've got thousands of those laying around from my j-pouch leakage days. The gauze pads work great because they don't stick to the stoma.

I tend to have red raw skin just from the tape around the barrier ring. The barrier itself makes my skin red just cause the skin is not getting any air and the ring is pressed down tight. I think its just one of those things you get used to over time. Mine doesn't bother me anymore. I just notice the redness when I change. I don't even have trouble with itchyness anymore.

Life is good with the ileo Cat

tehehe I always use cold water when I clean it out. So I can tell when it's going to leak or if the skin is exposed.


BTW I used the cold paper towel trick and LOVED it!! I also told my mom who has a end ileo and having trouble with it going all the time.

I have big smiles here... amazing what makes us happy now isnt it LOL!

Hi Jason,

This is what I love about this place, we can all swap ideas and tips to make each others lives a little easier.

Like Jessica I'm a swisher too because my output is nearly always too thick to just pour out on it's own. I can always tell when my wafer might need changing early by using the same method as you so it's really good advice.

I think Wee Willie has learned to be good most of the time as he's grown up and seems to know when I need to do a full kit change on him. But when he is misbehaving the cold towel really helps to shut him up for long enough to get a new wafer on.

Keep 'em coming

Shell

Thanks Shell, there are a lot of great things I picked up here too. Made life and my stoma (Brad Spits - my wife loves brat pitt and well I dont so i named him that) a lot easier and there are always things I learn new each day.. so even know I feel perfect and no issues... I still come here every day to read and learn and also to help
Glad your back here again after another operation and thanks for replying to the post.. a lot of ppl follow your advise (im one of them) and you always have some cheerful things to say

Jason, I haven't had the ear operation yet. It could be a while yet because of the long waiting list, but thanks for the compliment.

I think my cup is usually half full so I try to stay cheerful. Anyway, it's going to take more than a little ear or eye surgery to keep me away, this place is good for the soul!

Shell

:-) You have a great attitude and always loved it! And that cute smile isnt bad either <grin>

Great tip, Jason...as always!

Jason! Stop that or people will start to talk!

Shell

LOL - Ok.. I will stop... Snookems!