Firstly, welcome!

I'm sorry to hear that you've been experiencing trouble, especially on an appliance that's historically given you good wear time. 

It may be a coincidence, but I've heard of others recently saying that their ConvaTec appliance have started to fail on them after many years of being reliable.

I do suspect that ConvaTec may have changed their product formulation, as other companies have done the same in the last few years, but I would let them know that you are having issues, and perhaps they will be open about any changes. At the very least, they may send you replacements. 

I'd be interested in knowing if they've made any changes.

I wear Hollister, and they've absolutely changed their products (some silently and some with info cards in the box). In the last 3 months, I've had the wafer BREAK under the floating flange, as it seems the plastic they use there is now much thinner than before.

It's a shame that companies can't leave well enough alone!  

Welcome Smarty, it’s so disappointing when a trusted product lets you down. I have been a Convatec user all my ostomy time. I haven’t experienced any change in the wafer which for me so the old hyrocoloid. The bags seem lighter but still doing the job. I have always found there customer service very good (UK) I hope that normal service returns soon 👍

@veganostomy 

I have spoken to convetec osto nurse.  They have tryed to help and made some good suggestions but so far nothing has worked they also replaced a couple boxes but thats a one time thing.  I have another call in to them and waiting for return call.  I wish someone would be honest and tell me if the manufacturing has been altered then I could avoid the stress of leaks.

I also have ordered samples from Hollister so Ill see if they work better 

thanks for your response

@smarty Good luck either way! 

You have a lot of experience managing your stoma, but try to think back to just before the problems started and see if anything about your lifestyle or routine has changed.  

This could even include things like changing your shampoo to a different brand, gaining/losing weight, taking new medication, etc.

Anything that might help to lend new clues could be helpful. 

Thank for your reply...maybe UK receives supplies from different manufacturer?

Hi Smarty, This is just a random thought. Has any thing changed about how you receive your supplies. Maybe it’s the way they are being stored ie heat, cold damp! Not on your part but a courier not taking care. 

@veganostomy 

I have scrutinized every possiblity ....nothing has changed, same bath soap, same diet, no weight gain/loss.  I keep my routine the same to avoid problems...not an exciting life but gota do it...

Also I have used eakin seals with mixed results...I noticed that certain lot numbers work better then others....????

Posted by: @john68

Has any thing changed about how you receive your supplies.

@smarty John has a good point. When you order supplies, has it been below freezing outside? I had samples come in when it was freezing outside and by the time they reached me the adhesive was "bad" and the product didn't work until it was replaced. 

Posted by: @smarty

Also I have used eakin seals with mixed results...I noticed that certain lot numbers work better then others....????

Sometimes it just happens, but as far as I know, Eakin hasn't changed their product formulation in a very long time. 

Unless ConvaTec comes out and says they changed their product, I do encourage testing new products. After this many years, you never know if something new might be significantly better than what you were using already.🤞

I do not use soap, hot water and paper towel.   the coloplast sensura rarely leaves residue that needs a solvent or such.

do your leaks all occur in the exact location or random?   i do find a bag occassionally will not last long.    even gaining less than 5 pounds  can lead to deeper skin folds that cause leaks. 

do remember, your products often can be several months old, any manufacturing problems are well in the past and can't be remedied by letting the company know.

try cymed bags.

I use a Hollister two-piece, and the adhesive on the flange/plate does get loose - but I also use the Hollister barrier ring, which gives a very good seal with no leaks for usually three days of wear. If a part of the adhesive on the flange/tape looks weak and puckered (I shower with it on) I place a piece of surgical tape on it. The barrier ring makes a big difference.

Morning:

Yes John does make a good point; I would think weathers and temperature would make a difference in the effectiveness of the adhesive.  I live on the west coast of central FL so freezing temps are not a problem however, I (or any customer) dont know the conditions these products experience before I receive them.  I imagine warehouses could be very hot or cold.  I use 180 medical and they have assured me that their storage facilities are climate controlled 

My plan is to keep questioning Convetec re their production.  I've gotten some names of numbers of quality control personnel so they will receive a letter and call from me. I think we need ostomy detectives to infiltrate the product companies LOL

I am considering other companies.  I spent an hour on phone with Hollister and have some samples on the way..

The fight continues!

Thanks for input.