I've been using paste round my stoma but my skin is getting really irritated and red where the paste is so (it's starting to burn a lot) I'm guessing I should change things. I have a system that works so I'm afraid to change anything. Leaks are yucky! I was wondering if I should go with a eakin seal ring? I don't really need convexity but I'm afraid to go with just the wafer. I use a HOllister extended wear wafer. I was wondering if a lot of you just use the wafer or is it a safer idea to try the ring?

Thanks!!
KC

I read a lot that people say the least amount you can get away with is the best amount.

Is this a temp ileo or perm ileo ?

What I found that works best for me is 2 pc Convex Light wafer with 1/3 of an eakin seal. I change bags every 2 days and the wafer lasts 6-7 days. - it took about 2 months of trying different things to find out what worked for me. I think every ostomate has to go through that stage. Its frustrating, but when I finally got what worked, it was like winning the lottery.

Good Luck

i use an adapt ring...it's sort of like an eakin ring (which i also tried and it was okay)...but it is not as thick...and i have to cut it up cuz my stoma is not round and the ring is very round and not as pliable as the eakin seal. but i only use a ring to cover up and protect an ulcer cuz i got pyoderma gangrenosum before that, i just used a moldable wafer (by convatec).. it was awesome and just as good as using an eakin seal or ring. i just slapped on that wafer all by itself and it molds to evey contour of your body so it's good if you have any bumps or anything. it was so much cheaper and easier when i just needed that wafer..i hate using a ring. and i get a bit of redness under the ring too. it just sticks too well i guess. anyways, i would try moldable wafers if you have not!

Are you using Stomahesive paste? You could try Keraya paste - kinda the same, only with fewer additives.

KC--My son uses the same Hollister wafers and they actually recommend not using any paste/barrier wipes/spray etc... under them. You can use an eakin or ring if you need it.
The paste has alcohol in it and my son started crying when i put it on and his skin became irritated. We now don't use anything with alcohol in it including adhesive remover wipes.

KC, I've been using the same thing since weeks and my skin is a mess. My skin is so irritated that I ended up going to the Dr. on Monday. He told me to use skin barrier and also told me to use powder. Also on the exposed skin (because of irritation), he said to use Malox. I've just started this and already had a leak this morning. I was also very used to using the paste as I rarely had a leak with it. I guess with the powder, I will have to make it a point to change more often. He suggested 3 days but I had a leak in 2 days

thanks for the tips!

Winnie, my ostomy is hopefully a temp. It's a loop and I will probably have it for at least 6 more months. It may become a permanent. I change my extended wear wafer every 4 days (the bag every 2 days). I don't think I could go more than 4-5 days with the wafer.

Niki, I think I have some adapt ring samples. May be I'll try one and see.

Kevin, I've never heard of Keraya paste. I'll check it out.

Laura, I know they don't recommend the pastes but the nurse in the hospital did it this way and it just worked so I went with it. It's been about 4 months now and I only had 2 small leaks at the very beginning. I guess I need to change something. My skin is killing me! I can feel your little guys pain. It must be so hard for you. I have a 5 yr. old son too and I can't imagine. When I was younger and sick it was so great to have my mother taking care of me and dealing with all the hospitals and doctors. When he's older he'll appreciate all that you do for him. It sound like you're a great advocate for your son. Great job!!

Dingi, I've been using the powder with the no sting. I haven't had any leaks with it yet (knocking on everything wood around me). You have to brush off the excess powder before you use the barrier wipe. I think too much powder causes problems. Then again it's obviously not doing too much to protect my skin so what the heck to I know!

Tomorrow is a changing day and I think I'll try nothing (I'm cringing). I have a big work appointment in the afternoon and friends coming over for dinner, so it would be really bad if I have a leak. Wish me luck!

Hollister sent me a couple sample rings. I tried one when the paste was really bothering me. For me, going to only changing my wafer every 4-5 days was all my skin needed to calm down, but the ring did seem to work and not all of them are convex. If all else fails, It might be worth an appt with an WOC nurse

What is the process for using the eakin seal? Do you put it on the stoma first then the skin barrier wipe then the flange? I am very confussed and thinking of change aplliances. I now use Hollister Convex flanges and pouches. I have some creaes in my skin so I am having a hard time getting a good seal.

Hi

I have creases, etc as well.

I experimented with all brands and types of rigs. Received & tried the free samples from all manufacturers.
Check my posts and especially JasonPa's (Obi-Won) for a long step by step method.

My abs went from a (mostly/near) 6pack to a minefield, looks like a cracked bowl that is upside down and missing a piece (a Crevice), nothing adhered for the first 4-6 weeks.
Now:
I use Keraya powder (for aggravated skin and to prevent its return), then permatype cement, then an Eakins seal, then a Hollister extended wear wafer (stays on better than Convatec if you have a misshapen bumpy area like me, then a Convatec 'snap-on' pouch with the velcro closure (Yes, I mix brands-Holiister lock and roll has a too-short tail for me and sticks out up top when full; I swab the same cement on the 'tupperware' prior to snapping in/on), then wear the 'white' belt; and have gotten up to 7 days though I average about 5 days

Good Luck
E

KC, have you tried Convatec's moldable wafers? I haven't had a leak in over 5 years of useing them (touch wood) because they really do mold to every contour. I have a lot of scars and dips around Wee Willie (my perminent end ileo) curtesy of Pyoderma and MRSA infections and the moldable wafers work brilliantly.

I'm very much a less is more person and so only use a no-sting barrier wipe before applying my wafer. I hate having to fuss with pastes and seals so these wafers are ideal as they have the same healing properties as the seals etc.

Good luck. I hope you find a solution soon.

Take care

Shell

Barbie G -

I use the eakin rings - I put it around my stoma first. I always leave just the slightest bit of room so that the ring is not squeezing my stoma. I then fill in these small spaces with powder and put the wafer over the ring. I don't use any of the skin barriers or paste because I find less is more and I haven't had any leaks or skin damage. I find the ring works wonders. I also use tegaderm to keep the wafer on my skin - this helps me keep it longer. Hope this helps.

Hey,
I use the hollister new image wafers and bags. I cut my own wafers. They both seem to have some durability. I don't use adhesive removers because I could never get the remover all the way off. I just use a very delicate method for pulling the wafer off. Basically you hold the wafer still and slowly pull your skin toward you and off the wafer. Don;t ask me how this makes my skin less irritated - I don't know
If kermit is in a cooperative mood and all is well this is what I do- I get rid of the bag in the shower. I use regular classic Ivory soap and a washclothe to clean the area. Sometimes I have to carefully use my finger nail to get all of the paste off from below my stoma. Then, when I'm done I use two Viva paper towels wrapped aroung kermit while I get out and sit on my pre-arranged toilet with all my stoma stuff already ready to go. I puff powder into the tiny crack/seam/ sometimes red line around the bottom of my stoma where it meets the skin. It can be tricky making sure I got under it and not have kermit spit at me in the process. Yah, tons of paper towels. I blow the excess off. I do not put power on the rest of the skin. Then I use an adhesive barrier wipe and pad the area with powder and apply the wipe to the rest of the skin. Sometimes it stings sometimes not. i can't imge it for a child. Then I slap on my wafer. Someone here suggested the next part. I use one hand with paper towel to manipulate the stoma while using the other's finger to smear Hollister's Keyara paste around the base of the stoma. Then snap on the bag. It may sound like a bit to do but i was just trying to be thorough in my description.
I have everything ready before i get in the shower. If Kermit is in an uncooperative mood and feels he must drool or fire sneaky pooh farts while I'm trying to do this I deal. I sit on my toilet lid and have a large mouth trash can in front of me. So in the event of stomal rudeness I just lean forward until kermit runs out of things to say, (Don't ask me why kermit is a boy and I am a girl. Perhaps girls are just to polite to behave the way he does.) I always have extra supplies around. On the days it doesn't go as planned I've had to start over again at different points in the process. I've even had to get back in the shower and start from the beginning. Those are the days when I hate this. I agree with Shell with the less is probably better policy. I've had kermit since June 2008 and the process has been simplifying. The one thing I seem to have to learn is that I don't always get to decide the length of time between changes. If I go as long or longer than I feel I ought to be able to then I pay for it with irritated skin.
I don't know if at least some parts of this will be useful to anyone. But I thought I'd try.
I've never done the seals. Apparently they are to advanced a tech for me.
God Bless,
Hope everything works out soon.
Lani

I am on day 8 with my "Duke"-he is a boy too!! I am quite sure girls are not allowed to act like he does either!!

When I left the hospital we changed my "stuff"- haven't learned terminology yet. I have had NO PROBLEMS SO FAR!! My question is how do I know when to change out the whole thing? I do know it is an extended wear. This is Thursday so that is 3 days. Does it look different?

Thanks for advice.
Blenda

I have had my end illeo for 9 months. I am an extremely active person. I can easily get 3 to 4 days out of the Hollister product (14603 wafer & 18183 pouch). I cut 75% of the tape off of the wafer, use no eakins seal, adapt ring, or paste, and have no issues whatsoever. YOU SHOULD ONLY USE UNSCENTED SOAPS such as Dial (the gold bar). This is important. Also, use as little product as possible to make everything work. I use 1 alcohol based wipe to get things loosened up when I change the system, and then use the non-alcohol based wipes for the rest of the removal.

I've tried all the different products available, and have very sensitive skin... what I find works best is Hollister with nothing else.

My skin does become irritated, but the more I have gone w/o the eakin/adapt ring and/or any pastes the more my skin seems to tolerate it.

And let me say this... THERE ARE NO LIMITS to what you can do w/ this ostomy... except maybe squats or heavy bench pressing... but you can definitely LIVE LIFE to the fullest... I hiked 6 miles exactly 2 months after having my colon removed and getting the bag. I was on Prednisone for 10 months prior to the surgery. I am back to flying and have a valid 2nd class FAA medical certificate. I eat whatever I want to include salads. I have had NO issues.... although beer will turn the bag into a balloon. I swim... I go in the hottub. I let my bag hang out of my pants...

No limits.