iyja, your going through the hard part now-finding your way with pouches.  I couldn't get rid of the hospital junkies that I came home with-- I like the mio soft coloplast one piece easiclose-wind outlet order # 16731

coloplast 2 piece sensura order # 11125--the wafer or base plat that goes with this is "assura with lock-cant give u the order number as I have them pre-cut.. The ordering company will help u with what goes with what--but this one wafer has the extra lock after it snaps into place.. Give these a try!!!  You will get there!  Oh- Don't order a 3 months supply until your know what is what and your body.. I did orders monthly for 2 1/2 years...... Good Luck!! Marcie.

Hi Kiya, glad to hear you have choice, stay in touch and remember ask and learn, do check out Tonys suggestion of the Confizz web page. all the very best

Hi Kiya  . I was like you I also had irritation problems for about 10 months with leaks and painful skin . My ostomy nurse told me to try the convex barrier because my stoma is short and kinda points down that's why I was getting the leaks . But the convex barrier  may not be right for you we are all different . I use Hollister products a 2 piece system . I tried the seals before I started with the convex barriers and had leaks within a couple hours . Now I use only the cleaner wipes and then powder then skin protector wipes and convex barrier that's all . Another thing my nurse had me try for the irritation was Marathon skin protector (comes in a small one use vile and different quantity packages)  insurance did not cover it and it is kind of expensive but it really worked to clear up my irritation . I am in the US so I don't know if you can get it where you are . Hang in there !

Hello Kiya,

For you ( and anyone else ) there is a series of videos ( youtube) by St John's Hospital ( Canada maybe?)  That do a good job of explaining  several aspects of ostomy appliances. This one ( see link) is about CONVEXITY.  Might be some help.:

I am sure Eric knows more of these.. they are quite clear anyway.It WILL get better ( as others have said).

RIght on Dona, The convex confused me and the ostomcy nurses, just give u what THEY know by the stupid TEXT BOOK! and a short vido to watch which doesn't help me one bit as far as the proper fitrings for me..  Eric has much to show and she can ask questions too! A the best part is you can watch the vidos over and over.. So much eaiser dealing with this blog a=than then nurses.. We ate NOT text book stomas!  We an measure with the form of cut holes and then use seals to make it our own size if needed. Best! M.

    Go see Eric!!!!!!!!! 

Hi Dona .  Just watched it good video !

They have several of those available on You tube. They are all clear and calm.  Worth a watch.

Be well out there!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, EVERYONE!!!  I am truly grateful to you all for your very kind assistance and support.  It's wonderful that without having met you in reality and knowing almost nothing about you, I feel close, warm and cared about as if we are all one family.

Thank you very much.

kiya

Kiya . In one way or another we are all a family . 

Robert is right, WE ARE FAMILY!!!! So, relax, and enjoy and learn about us and us to you.. 

Just take it slow-

There are no stupid questions

Just stupid results!!!!!!!!! 

I had irrtations bad and leaks- THEN 7 months ago my girlfriend in my support group told me what she does. Cut the seal ring in half- roll it, press this seal roll around the opening of the barrier/wafer--like a pie crust but not to thin-made a nice tighter fit and I didn't have the irrations again-as I found for myself any-was the full seal ring caught all the "deposits" from Nellie- under it.  My stoma doesn't stick out that much and the opening Is on the more of the side than center.  So I use a light/soft convex-but will try a harder convex-got some samples..  I use convex-mio one pieice.  Pouch is softer and when filled doesn't HANG to the bottom-- But the soft/light convex, I use the normal size EKIN seals-- For the deeper convex wafer/barrier- I use the slims.. But NO irrtations!!!!!!! excuse the type-o's.......... 

NU_HOPE has a wonderful barrier!!!!!  Many use them as their skin is so delicate- I have 2 box's of them- one piece - I use them when I get into a mess of irrtations  like you-- The pouch is awful!! Hate it-but the barrier when I need comfort and ease the skin?-no better product.  not easy to cut but once u get your stoma to its normal size-which can take up to a year-- or not--- have them pre-cut- NU HOPE has a skin barrier to go with these barriers.  I suggest them to you-as they are SO VERY sticky!!!!  I mean when u take that seal off the barrier/wafer- easy does it-- It sticks fast and well!!  I lost a few handeling them.. Once you have that seal on-it is on so be careful-- While your still have the nurse she HAS to order for you until she thinks that you good on your own.. They come 10 per/box. I suggest everyone to get some for the above reasons!!!  Also, don't rub your skin and stoma to much- When u have problems or I, I use nice bandage pads.. they are soft-and a COLD washcloth is nice-.. They tell you to stand, lie down, sit when putting your pouch- I sit- I did all the other odds ones- and really- you have better gravity sitting-just sit up straight- You will be fine- I know the pain-had it for years!!! You have much to get used to now-but number one is the proper stoma and pouching.. Stoma first-- Thank God we don't have to shave like the men have to- That must be so horrible and raw!! Best healthy wishes to you! M.

HI, I gave u an item number on a mio pouch 1 piece DONT us it!!! it's for an 1 inch pre cut opening.. only-but u can as for one that u can cut yourself.... coloplast. MIO..

Hi John,

Yes, I was given basic information about stoma care appliances but while I was in hospital (in Japan), my stoma looked more normal and I didn't need any convex products.  I was using my favourite flat one piece stoma pouch which was made by a Japanese company called Alcare but unfortunately their products are not available in the UK.  Now my stoma height is about 12mm (when shortest) to 17mm (when longest) and I know that I really need to use convex pouches to avoid leakage and skin damage.  The soft convex pouches I have tried (including hollister and coloplast) recently all have a hard plastic thing on the wafer, which causes pain to my tummy as I am rather thin.  I have found convex pouches that have no such hard plastic frame and are softer and more flexible.  I contacted Nu Hope today for information on their non-adhesive ostomy care products (just in case) but I am hoping that I will find something that can work for me eventually (and soon)! 

As for diet, I wasn't given much information or advice but at present I am eating and drinking almost anything that I can so that I can gain weight (I have no large intestine and a shortened small intestine and perhaps I have absorption issues).  I saw my colorectal consultant in London (who refused to operate me some months ago because of potential risks I would have if I was to have an ileostomy) a few weeks ago and he advised me not to drink water too much as this could worsen my already very high output.

Thank you for listening again.  I hope all is well with you and with everyone in our community here.

kiya

You have to drink much fluids.. or u will get so dehydrated!  When u start to feel sick to your tummy, vomit,  dizzy, heart racing-go to E.R. and get hydrated.  I have infusions 3x/wk = 12-14 pounds a week s I am serverly dehydrated. doing that for 3 years now.  eat breads, cherroes and bannas.  Start with 1/2 banna each morning and see if you don't pancake- then move forward. Helps with loose outputs-  Sip your waters and juices and try  your best to stay away from sugars. 

Hi Kiya, High output at the start is to be expected, this will settle down with time, I  am sure you are aware of certain foods and how to treat them, Drinking will increase output but its important to get a good fluid in take as well. Yes I sounds like a convex is more suited to your stoma, I am glad to hear you are shopping around and trying out various types. Its finding what is suitable and comfortable. believe me now that your illness is behind you the weight will soon come back. On the site Eric has reviews on just about every thing you can imagine, check out dressing with an ostomy, it will help with support for your pouch and tips on waist bands etc. Remember life is going to get back to normal so think of all the things you would like to do when feeling stronger. The very best to you Kiya

 To Marcie and John, thank you very much for your specific and detailed advice.  I will remember and try them all.  Thank you.

kiya

It can be over loading of ones mind-- Right John and Robert? I have 2 types of pouching systems that I use - and NU HOPE on the side for bad irrations. Takes awhile to get a decent supply together.. The lighter the better- U will get the hang of things and with this blog of Eric's, you will catch on faster than I did!!! Just heal and relax-- M.

Marcie,

When you feel like shopping ( or just go online) try Yoga pants and skirts with fold over knit tops. Very comfortable and secure. They kind of squish everything into place. I do think dressing is easier for we girls!

Check out Zappos.com

Also.. with respect to staying hydrated..just keep a bottle of water nearby and drink as often as you can. Your output ( Pee) should be the color of light straw. If it gets dark, you are dehydrated. BAD! Drink more and pee often.

Be well & Happy. Like John said, the worst is really over with. You just have to adapt, but that you can do.