I can offer a few basic suggestions that helped me -- first, make sure your skin is totally dry.  I sometimes use a hairdryer on cool/low to help dry it after I've applied sprays or barrier wipes, etc.  After applying the ring directly to the skin (wrapping the ring around the stoma quite closely), I press down on the ring gently yet firmly around the entire ring with my fingers to make sure there's a close contact with the skin.  After applying the wafer on top of the ring, I also press that firmly down for a few minutes.  If instead of applying the ring directly on the skin, you apply the ring to the wafer and apply it all at once, you can still press down on the ring around the stoma to make sure the ring has close contact with the skin.  It also helps me to try not to bend over or twist, etc., for awhile after I'm done with my application (maybe an hour or 2).  Just a couple things I learned with time.  There's a facebook group called "The Real Ostomy Support Group" which has been really helpful as well.  Best wishes.

Thank you ready to try anything. Only area not holding is  the bottom of wafer as this seems to be where my stomach bends everytime i sit up orhave to stand.

Another thought is to stand up as straight as you can while applying the wafer.  If applied while sitting, there is a chance that when the skin stretches out as you stand, the wafer might pull and the seal you have could break.  Imagine putting a bandaid on the crook of your elbow while it's bent.  When you'd straighten the arm, the bandaid will pull and no longer be snug against the skin.  I use a clip-on cubicle desk mirror on my vanity (from amazon) so I can see while standing as I'm applying the wafer.

Talk with your ostomy nurse…. I had a real hard time with this and the nurse found me a adhesive product that worked really well.  I can’t recall the name of it, but it was a life saver.   Only downside was if your skin was raw it would burn on contact..  good luck … keep your spirits up as this can be frustrating…

Just google ostomy adhesive….there are a couple of them to chose from

I had the same problem when I had my first surgery as well.
things that helped me- after using a wipe to clean the area, use an alcohol prep pad to remove any residue or film left by the wipe  then let it completely dry before putting the donut on.
also I used some Tegaderm (misspelled?) that would normally go on an IV site, just cut them with some scissors and placed them over the edges where there was a leak. If you use that method just make sure you’re changing it frequently as the pouch contents can irritate your skin.

After putting on the appliance sit with a heating pad for about fifteen minutes. On high. I do it on every change to melt it all together and to my skin. Then go easy on the bending for a few hours.

I find this step in my change helps alot.

Never had a leak on the bottom. Usually one side. Along the cut line from surgery.

Good luck.

Richard.

If memory serves, my ostomy nurse taught me to apply the wafer to my clean and dry stomach and press and iron all around, moving outward to the edges, then keep both hands flat on the wafer for a minute or so, just to let the warmth from the palms of your hands help the adhesive stick better. You could rub your palms together first, just to get the blood circulating and palms warmed up. It was comforting and relaxing too in laying hands on my appliance, and just to take a minute to settle and be prepared for another day and happy that I completed another bag change! My ostomy was a few years ago, but I remember this worked and my wafer stayed put much better. Every day will bring you closer to your reversal. Good luck to you.

Thanks.

I remember having that issue, although it was years ago. I remember washing the area with dial bar soap, wiping my skin with alcohol wipes, and applying stomahesive protecting powder and a barrier film wipe. I also warmed up the waffle by rubbing it between my palms; it helped the adhesive stick better. I also wore the belt during the summer months when I knew I would sweat.  Good luck, Nancy; I hope you can find a solution soon!

Thanks

I have a question for you you said you had your jpouch since 2013 how is it working for you I keep getting told that I will have some issues in the beginning and possibly take a year or to adjust I've heard horror stories again I know everybody's different but I was just wondering how you are doing with yours can you live your life the way you want do what you want I thought living with UC was a challenge but it was one I learned to adapt to which maybe that's how this will work you learn to adapt to the situation this is just all so frustrating to me right now appreciate your input and hope you are doing well

Hi Nancy, I'm sorry I just read your message! I can tell you that my J-pouch gave me back my life. In 2013, I had the surgery at my GI's recommendation. At that time, Humira was the most potent med I could have. Unfortunately, it didn't work. I had extreme anemia and was hospitalized. When I went home, I had a pick line for a few months to help reduce the inflammation to remove my colon. On the first surgery, they removed my colon and placed a colostomy bag, which I had for a few months, and then I had my second surgery when they connected my J-pouch and removed the colostomy bag. After that surgery, there was a lot of gas and discomfort, but it got better with time; I would say after three months, I was getting used to not worrying about finding a bathroom all the time. Overall, the recovery time was long, about a year. I had to use a walker and pain meds for some time, especially right after the surgery. I had oxycodone to help me with the pain the first two to three weeks because it was terrible, even though we, chrons and colitis patients, have a high tolerance to pain. Honestly, you will need help the first month with basic things because the recovery was painful.

On the other hand, I must say that I had three emergency surgeries while on the colostomy bag because I had intestinal blockages, so I had internal scarring; maybe that's why it was so painful.

Today, I can tell you that my life is as normal as possible for someone who doesn't have a colon. Also, don't be afraid; other people's experiences don't have to be yours. Medical procedures and treatments continually advance, so I'm pretty sure your case will go smoothly. I wish you all the blessings.

Thanks we were doing much better with the pouch sticking but the last 2 weeks have been terrible again. Maybe it's the heat and humidity now, not sure but I'm 16 days till take down surgery and I can't wait. My skin on my stomach is so broken out and sore. Glad to know you can have a " normal " life after this surgery.

I use a ring.

But first I take a peice of toilet paper and wrap my stoma gently to get all the mucous dry. And I immediately slide a ring over it.  While it's dry.

I think my problem was taking the mucous down with the ring and having the mucous between the skin and the ring keeping it from completely hitting the skin while dry.

It works.

If this makes any sense.

Try it.

Richard.

Thanks, we do use a ring my problem is stoma empties at skin level and there is a dip at opening. Seems everything gets under ring becasue of where openings is. I am 2 weeks from takedown hoping things go better after.  Even the Dr said he can't wait because it has been horrible. Maybe my skin just rejects the adhesive.

Thank you 😊

Have you tried stoma paste?

I can only give advice on what worked for me.
-If you use wipes or anything of the sort to wipe the area clean make sure you follow up with an alcohol pad. Wipes leave residue that will not create a good seal.
-I used the donuts then the stick on pouch. I used pieces of Tegaderm cut them to fit and put them around the edges of the stick on pouch. If you do this make sure to use alcohol pads to remove the Tegaderm when changing the pouch so you don’t rip off skin.
hope this helps

Thanks for the reply. Thankfully,I had my reversal surgery on July 9th of this year. I did resolve the sticking issue however I had a difficult  stoma that retracted in and nothing we tried kept it from leaking as it was so close to my skin where it emptied. Ostomy nurses and surgeon could not solve the issue. So very grateful to no longer be dealing with that issue.

@Nancydiane posted:

Thanks for the reply. Thankfully,I had my reversal surgery on July 9th of this year. I did resolve the sticking issue however I had a difficult  stoma that retracted in and nothing we tried kept it from leaking as it was so close to my skin where it emptied. Ostomy nurses and surgeon could not solve the issue. So very grateful to no longer be dealing with that issue.

So happy to hear!!! YAY!!!!

Yeah loop ileos can be annoying! I love my end ileostomy!

@Johnathen M posted:

I can only give advice on what worked for me.
-If you use wipes or anything of the sort to wipe the area clean make sure you follow up with an alcohol pad. Wipes leave residue that will not create a good seal.
-I used the donuts then the stick on pouch. I used pieces of Tegaderm cut them to fit and put them around the edges of the stick on pouch. If you do this make sure to use alcohol pads to remove the Tegaderm when changing the pouch so you don’t rip off skin.
hope this helps

Alcohol pads did not burn you? It burned me!