Week 3. I promise, I won't add a topic every week. Or maybe I will...? I did an appliance change earlier in the week, looking to solve some pretty awful peristomal skin issues. I was so pleased to see that my skin was so much better with the use of a duoderm, a 2mm and half a 4mm moldable rings. I was also able to accurately measure my stoma! To accomplish this, I fasted and planned, showered with many preparations and much forethought. I was very pleased that I got great adhesion with no burning or leaks... it was practically my whole day. There was some mild itching? But guys.... This is not a sustainable lifestyle! Today I went on my first outing. An hour drive, an hour and a half brunch, and an hour drive home. I packed *not* lightly. I was loaded for Bear! In the end I didn't even have to empty the pouch while I was out. I'm not sure if I was glad or disappointed that I didn't have to enact any plan whatsoever. Overall I was so glad not to have to visit a washroom In a four hour span (not an option pre-ileostomy)! I got to see friends I haven't seen in 35 years. It was truly lovely. Throughout the day, the itching has got worse. No leaks, but the entire area under the appliance itches. I peeled some back to find many many blisters, an angry red rash. And my first thought was, What did I do wrong? I'm sure it's the new brand of adhesive spray I used, but my immediate reaction was to blame myself - for doing it wrong, for not properly preparing, for not doing enough homework? Maybe it's the nurse in me, maybe just the perfectionist. I had a great day! I'm mildly itchy and I'll change the wafer when my stoma takes a beat. It's not actually any deal - big or small. And I'm feeling glad now. I guess I'm just venting. Has anyone else felt like they are an inadequate expert regarding their own body? Kirsten, all the time! It takes awhile to learn what is, quite frankly, not natural. Hence websites like this one. Never hesitate to ask questions; we’ll help you if we can. If we can’t, we’ll suggest you go back to your doctor or a stoma nurse. You’ll get there; the learning curve is steepest at the start. Laurie Just a semicolon Oh yes!! My 1st five years after ostomy was a disaster as far as I'm concerned! My hubby died a quick 5 months after my ileostomy & he was my only personal support & he knew everything about me & how to read my moods & my pain. I was shocked when I stumbled across VO & the topics they covered. It was all so natural & encouraging. I still second guess myself as to if i did something right or wrong & why i was itchy!! That said, I think its kind of normal to feel like I'll never get the hang of this & I still fear, 15 yrs in, a night time leak! I hate changing over when I can't keep my eyes open. But knowing that here, I am safe to ask anything or even vent, makes VO all its cut out to be! I hope that your blistered skin heals up quick for you! Thats just Nasty stuff! Linda Hi Kirsten, I think you could be right about a reaction to a product. It may even be the wafer if it’s covering the same area. I feel you’re frustration how much time you put in. Don’t judge ostomy life by the experiences of the first months. You will gain confidence and knowledge. Don’t overdo products and don’t overthink. The site is open for all types of feelings and questions. Keep the faith ye will get there.👍🤗 ileostomy 31st August 1994 for Crohns Thanks! I'm having a much better day today. I did spring a leak and changed the appliance. I used my plastic tube to hold onto any output while I crusted the blisters - something that I learned here, if course! I was able to slide the moldable ring, duoderm and appliance over the tube so everything stayed nice and dry. I used a hair dryer to gently warm the appliance once it was in place. I didn't use the adhesive spray at all. Relief! The itching is gone! There are some nasty blisters along the edges of where the old adhesive was. I put the new one on in a diamond orientation so it doesn't overlap the worst blisters. I felt much more comfortable today. Less panicked for sure. Week 3. I promise, I won't add a topic every week. Or maybe I will...? You're more than welcome to post as often as you like! I guess I'm just venting. Has anyone else felt like they are an inadequate expert regarding their own body? Yes, I think we all have. Ostomy care isn't as cut and dry as it might seem, since there are many variables that can affect our experience. Over time, you will hone into what works and what doesn't. You won't ever reach perfection, and trying will just be an exercise in frustration. Once you get to "good enough", things will change dramatically, and your anxiety will lessen. But hey, the fact that you were able to see old friends after only a few weeks is a WONDERFUL leap forward! Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate. Yes, In the start it’s a learning curve. You experiment with different products and find out what irritates your skin and what you’re allergic to. I’m allergic to a lot of products but I now know what I can and can’t use. You will get there too! It’s all trial and error. 
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~
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