Hi Bob, Welcome to the forum. A few questions, Are you measuring and getting a good fit around the stoma with the wafer. Also is your stoma at skin level or does it protrude. If it’s level a convex wafer May be useful.And do you have access to a stoma nurse. Getting a routine and the right product can be tricky, but when sorted you will see results and yer confidence will grow.🤗

Sorry for late reply-

Yes, good fit- The ostomy protrudes about 1 1/2 inch or so- The hollister barrier just does not stick well or absorb effluent like the brava barrier seal does-
I was able to get 4 days out of one brava sheet- and i probably could have gone another day but it was time i think to change- then i put another sheet on, and put my pouch over it like usual- tried to go three days- but after the 2'nd night, i woke up in morning and had a huge mess- The seal between the hollister barrier and the brava barrier seal did not stick Well enough to stop the contents from going between the two barriers, and who knows how long it was leaking- but it broke out during the 2'nd night at some point.

The brava barrier sheet is really sticky on one side- the side that goes against the skin- but the other side is almost waxy feeling- not sure how the hollister barrier is supposed to stick well to that side? But the first several times i used the brava barrier, the two stuck really well- the time it didn't- it was disastrous and i dont know why it didn't stick well-

Hi I am new in this colostomy thing , I been using almost all the brands and had accidents , skin maceration and cellulitis, been always healthy so for me this is a shock , I had by Nov 23; 2025 two colon perforations due to diverticulitis, weeks before that I had an extensive back surgery , that needed plenty of steroids, I do believe that this steroids thin the mucosa of the colon , oh well such is life, they save my life at 3:15 am with a high percentage of dying due sepsis, now waiting for the reversal which I can’t wait I feel lost in which appliances are the best for me .i just received the protective sheets , can I use also the small barrier?

You've had a wild ride, Luz. I hope that you're feeling better until that reversal.

Finding the right appliance can involve a lot of trial and error, unfortunately. Even these battery sheets may or may not even be needed.

My suggestion is always to start with the most basic appliance (bag + wafer, either as a 1pc or 2pc appliance). Then, if a problem needs to be solved that the appliance on its own can't, add more products into the mix.

Because of your history with products, it may be helpful to work with a stoma nurse, who could help with the testing and monitor your skin health.

Even I developed skin issues with a brand that worked well for me for years, so these things can happen. You should still also be able to find "non-adhesive" appliances, which could be an option if your skin is super sensitive to the wafer material or adhesive.

Best of luck!

Hello Luz! Welcome to VO! You've had a scarey time but I'm glad to hear you've come out of this in a good way.  

Back surgery is a frightening thing to me so I admire your courage to have gone thru what you have all gone through! I hope it was successful.  

I just wanted to welcome you to VO & encourage you to come back after your reversal or anytime you feel led or need encouragement yourself. Occasionally we get people heading for reversal so anything you can add to encourage them thru would be helpful.  With your experiences it may be helpful to others. So, please, don't be a stranger. 

I hope everything goes really well for you when you do get your surgery. Keep us in the loop as to how things go. Stay strong you'vegot this in the bag!  ... sorry I couldn't resist!