Posted by: Lori Wooten

I am a new ostomate and I am having a really hard time finding a bag/system that doesn't leak. My stoma seems to be recessed in my belly...so I think I'm not getting a good seal...

Hi Lori, 

You may have answered your own question :) Generally speaking, for flat or recessed stomas, the usual appliance you'll want to use is a convex one. If you are using a flat wafer, then you will likely have leaks in this situation. 

Are you able to speak with a nurse to talk about the option of trying a convex wafer? Every brand has them, but they often differ in the amount of convex they have and how firm the convexity is. You don't want something that's putting too much pressure on your skin as you may develop pressure sores, so it's important to try and speak with a stoma nurse before making any changes to convexity. 

Good luck!

Lori, I had a horrible time with this at first too. Here are a few things that made a world of difference. I now use a convex wafer- like Eric mentioned. Your bosomy nurse can usually provide you with a few different types/ brands to try. Also, before applying a new wafer, I dry my peristomal skin with a hair dryer on low heat. I also warm the wafer using the hair dryer. I now have to change my appliance every 3 days (max) because of ongoing skin issues, but the above steps made leaking almost non-existent for me. I hope this helps!

Marci

I had problems with this as well. My stoma nurse switch me to a Coloplast convex wafer and voila! all problems disappeared. I change the wafer about every 3 to 5 days and haven’t leaked since.

That's fantastic, Stephanie! I'm glad that worked for you!

Hi

Putting water while emptying pouch can help to make stick stool becomes more fluid. From where is it safer to put the water, from the bottom or the top?

Awaiting for your advice.

Thank you

HM

Hi Hassen, when I empty my pouch and use water, I always put it in from the bottom while holding the open outlet upwards (so no water spills out). What I do is once I put some water in the bag, I close the outlet and swish it around a little to loosen the stools.

Hi there. Have been trying light convex Hollister bags, which really help ease the pancaking - at least it's easy to swish out the stuff from around the stoma.
The problem I have with this mfgr's bags is the smell! Even a small amount of stool in the bag is obvious. Their supplied deodorant doesn't do a thing to help.
Has anyone else experienced this odor situation? THNX!

@Lucy

Hi Lucy, do you notice odors when the bag is closed or only when you open it? There should be no odor from the outside of the bag. I use Hollister M9 deodorant drops and it's very effective at removing odors, even when the bag is open. 

I feel like the coloplast sensura mio bags especially have the problem with pancaking. The "check valve" system they have in the pouch caused stool to build up when my stoma was very active. I tried the lubricating deodorants and even baby oil. The baby oil would work for bit, but then it would start to leak out from the filter. the hollister bag which I now use do have pancaking, but not as bad as the coloplast pouches.

The odor is there whenever there is any amount of stool in the Hollister bag. Yes, even when closed. This particular model has no filter so it does require "burping" but of course one would expect a smell then, but just "hanging there", with even a small amount of stool, it smells. Their deodorant did nothing.

I had been using Coloplast SensuraMio #10481 but had problems with pancaking and leaking. (But had no issues with odor.)

So decided to try the Hollister #89811 with which I am pleased because pancaking/leaking seems to no longer be an issue. The adhesive seems to better agree with my skin as well. It's just the odor...

Am less than 6 months with my colostomy, and I'm getting the impression that I'll just have to keep experimenting to find the "right" product for me.

I've been reading the discussion on odor and may try some of the suggestions.

Thank you for your reply, as well as for providing this valuable forum!

Yes, I agree with you about pancaking/leaking with the SensuraMio bags, which is why I decided to try the Hollister with the convex faceplate. I have since discovered that Coloplast also makes bags with convex faceplates. Am considering trying one of those. Will post findings if/when I do.

Update: am trying a different Hollister bag (#8578) and so far, no odor! Perhaps the batch of #89811's was defective? Live n' learn, eh?

Hi
I’m also relatively new ostomate and noticed that my stoma became more recessed as it settled (3 months) after surgery. I changed to a Convex base plate which has extended the wear time.
I kept using the Coloplast Sensura mio bags despite the pancaking issues as other bags I tried came unglued, ballooned and made rustling noises when I moved

So much to learn. I am so 😕 and sad.maybe I am not capable or strong enough. Glad to have found you a cry for help from me

Glad some of you have Ostomy Nurses. My hospital didn't have one. My husband went on YouTube to find out about diff brands and it was a try it and see what worked. I've had to learn on my own as I am stuck with a permanent Ostomy because my Dr did not leave enough to re connect. So it's been a frustrating experience!

Hi Nancy and welcome, Ostomy after care can leave a lot to be desired! I would urge the use of this forum to learn and ask questions. A full and normal life can be achieved when a suitable appliance and routine are established. Best wishes going forward 👍

Hi Nancy,

Your experience is all too common for many people, unfortunately.

I am glad that you have found information that can help you. It will get easier with experience, so don't get too discouraged 👍

Best to you!

Welcome!

I did the exact same thing! No real guidance from my surgeon or his nurse, so I got lots of samples to try and watched a bunch of videos and settled on  the 2 piece Hollister convex wafers with vented bags.

Glad things are working out for you!

Hi Nancy and welcome! You did indeed come to the right place. I don't think there's anything else like it for support, info, and shoulders to cry on when needed. BTW, what kind of ostomy do you have? No matter what you are facing, we are here for you. So many of us have been where you are now. Just knowing that, for me, is a comfort. 

Stella

One of my problems is an oily mucous that occasionally leaks from my stoma that causes the wafer to leak. I assume it’s from something I have eaten. But so far I can’t figure out what. Any suggestions?

Also,after 9 months I am still trying to find an appliance that will stay on more than 1 or 2 days.