Hi Gang - I'm having a frustrating time here with my convatec system. I can't get my pouch to snap down onto the barrier ring.

Have you guys ever experienced a stiffness with new bags/pouches or noticed that different barrier rings have trouble snapping?

I'm using all the same convatec products but for some strange reason my new bags are not snapping ont othe ring unless I really smash down into my belly, which really hurts.

UUUrrrrrrggghhhh, I'm pressing into my already very very sensitive belly and making it hurt more so than normal. I really appreaciate and have come to love my ileo but this is really upsetting me!

I usually use the hydocolloid durahesive ring, but just put on a plain durahesive ring yesterday 'cause the tan tape is gentler on my really sorry looking and feeling red raw skin.

I'm about in tears cause I have to sit there and struggle with the bag for so long before it will snap on. I don't want to change my appliance so soon, but it may boil down to that.

Anyone have any ideas on how I can remedy this problem?

Cat

Cat, I had the same problem in the beginning. It still takes me a while to make sure it has the proper seal. I found it works better if I lie down on the bed, and first make sure the outer ring is over the inner ring, and then I go around a little at a time and push until I hear it click. Once I think it's all sealed I pull up on the bag to make sure. It's frustrating sometimes, but other times it goes right in. I use Hollister adapt rings and convatec moldable wafers. Hope this helps,

janna

Just wanted to post an update. I seems that the new pouches/bags were stiff and needed to be snapped on and off the barrier ring to get them flexible. I resorted to snapping bags on and off barriers rings not yet stuck onto me. Seems silly, but yesterday it was making me crazy.

Thanks for the tip Janna. However, it wasn't any easier if I layed down to snap it on. Just stubborn little buggers. I guess I need to do stomach cruches to strengthen up those tummy muscles.

Cat

Cat,
After putting on the wafer try heating the ring on the bag with a hair dryer, not hot but warm and it should snap on easier. Snapping it on and off a few times sounds like a good idea too.

Holister took care of this problem with there new image 2 piece, they made the wafer so you can get your fingers behind the ring on the wafer and wala, no pushing on your tender belly. This is especially a good idea for those fresh out of surgery.Holister isn't as low profile because of this feature. Good luck.....Don

I use the Convatec 2-piece as well and I know exactly what you mean. I'm a month out of surgery (my second loop ileo and I remember it with my first too) and it's better but when my belly was tender, it hurt! Now that I've got the hang of it again, and my tummy has toughened up, it's not so bad.

I like the idea of snapping and unsnapping first. I'll have to try that if I have trouble again.

Good luck! Glad it's gotten better!

Erin

Hi Cat,

Sounds like you have had some great advice and have now figured out the best solution.

I hated having to snap the tupperware seals together which is why I was so glad to find a system that has the adhesive coupling. There is absolutely no pain involved in sticking my new bags onto the soft plastic landing zone and my system has the bonus of being nearly as low profile as a one piece.

Hopefully your next box of bags will have more supple rings on them.

Take care

Shell

I read on another forum that a lady would snap them together a couple of times so that it made it easier to put together when it's attached to you.

Just thought I would pass it along!
Jessica