I had to go do a simulation the other day where they made a mold of my body and marked several areas on my body. They put me through a scanner to watch how the nodule moves around as I breathe. This will help them plan the actual treatment.  The planning will last for 2 weeks and I'll get the treatment later this month. It will only require one treatment and was told that the usual side effect will most likely be some fatigue. 

Then will get scanned again in 3 months to make sure it's shrinking or gone away. I have my fingers crossed. 

Seems my rings melt quickly. 

They peel quickly, don't bend where the skin does, and eventually irritate the skin with that abrasive edge.

I'm not talking about something like a Sensura Mio, which is flexible enough to work like tape, but the thick stuff like what Hollister and some other brands have.

What are your deal-breakers?

But as far as my bag issues go, thankfully there are none. Hence no posts. I got my routine down. Change once a week 98% of the time. Sometimes twice a week in hot weather and lots of bending at the waist. Health is not too bad considering my age and bad habits. So just to let folks know.This thing can work out okay. Sixty eight now and still working 40 hour week or more with a fair bit of physical exertion at work and at home. I don't have any unusual tips or tricks to offer. But if you want to know anything just ask. I may just be lucky.

I have recently been plagued by a problem that I’ve never encountered before. I have noticed a smell coming from my pouch. I am not eating anything unusual that may cause this.

I am wearing an Eakin Ring, Convatec appliance and a Convatec pouch - the same products I have been wearing for years.

It’s not too bad. My partner doesn’t notice it, but I do.

Thoughts?

meredith 

I learned from my rep at my DME that Hollister is currently making changes to all of their products in which will take up into the next year to finish. She did not have info on what changes but I know a whole lot of you here wear Hollister. I use the rings. I was wondering if any of you have heard any news about this?.I'd be interested to know. 

I came across an article for a municipality in my region, who announced that they will be participating in the "Hidden Disabilities Sunflower" program.

As it turns out, our regional transit authority is also part of the program, and as I explored deeper, the United Ostomy Association of America is, too.

So, I had a look ( https://hdsunflower.com ) and ostomy was being featured in their index of non-visible disabilities.

What I understand from the program is that participating businesses, airports, transit authorities, etc., train their staff to recognize patrons who are showing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (lanyard, pin, wristband, etc.), and they'll discreetly know that this person may need extra assistance.

It's an interesting program, that I'll be looking out for now. It's apparently in countries all over the world.

My only real hesitation is that the program is being run by a private company (based out of the UK), not a charity or non-profit. Their business model suggests that revenue is generated through the sale of their Sunflower products (pins, lanyards, etc.), as well as memberships for organizations.

They've been around for nearly 10 years. 

Anyway, have any of you come across this program?

I am currently trying to heal from mucocutaneous separation of my stoma. This separation has made it extremely difficult to get my bags to stay on for any length of time. I have tried convex wafers, hydrocolloid sheets under my wafer, stoma paste, barrier rings, etc. I've had some success with trusting, stoma paste, barrier ring, then applying my wafer, but that usually only lasts a.couple of days. Needless to say, my skin is tore up. Unfortunately, I don't have an ostomy nurse where I'm located. 

Sorry this is so long. I am hoping to be able to connect with other people who have been through something similar. 

Nice to meet you all.