I just learned that convatec now has a new eakin seal called  Eakin freeseal versa. I'm allergic to the original eakin seal but the rep told me about these new ones they make, and they don't leave a gunky mess on you.

They lift off one piece instead of leaving all that gunk on your skin like most rings, do. They are not silicone either. There's supposed to be amazing for liquid output as well and They are sending me a sample, so i'm very excited about this because i'm sick of the sticky mess. Maybe I won't be allergic to this one either. 

So I just thought I'd post this to let everyone know that there's a new barrier ring out there. 

It's sickening to see AI being shoved into any and every product, service, and software we use.

The software that runs this website is no exception.

For weeks, I've been holding out on updating the forum software, because the latest major version is basically AI-everything.

Now, the software that runs the website has begun to add AI-features into the mix, too.

As these updates often come with important security patches, I will be forced to update them at some point in the near future.

My intention is to disable any and all AI-related features that are used to either collect data, or generate content.

One such feature included in the new forum software allows AI to create new topics. To me, this undermines the entire point of an online community, and would be insulting for those looking to learn from another person's shared experience. It's my understanding that this feature can (and will!) be disabled.

I honestly don't know where things are headed in the next year or two. If these AI features can no longer be disabled, I'll need to make some tough decisions.

This site, and all of my content, has always been offered for free and without outside influence or manipulation. It's one of the reasons why I've never put up ads, taken on sponsored content, or sold my newsletter members list to marketing companies.

If AI undermines the effort I've taken over the last 13 years of running VO, it would be heartbreaking to say the least.

I'm thinking out loud, and sharing my thoughts, because what's happening affects far more than VeganOstomy and the VO community.

It's a good decision, but I'll be honest, it's ALARMING that people in their 40's are at risk of colon cancer to begin with!

While detection is critical, really, we need to find out what's trigging cancer at such early ages, so preventative measures can be put in place.

“Canadians born after 1980 are two to 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50 compared to earlier generations.”

Crazy!

Now that i'm retired, i'm spending way too much money on toilet paper. I can go through a 12 pack and and a half in 1 week. And sometimes more. It seems like I never stopped going.

there was always something in the pouch. Even though I rinse and get everything cleaned out as soon as I do it starts going again. I guess they have told me its high output ostomy. It's ridiculous.I feel like i'm spending all my money on toilet paper. I do rinse, but I have this thick output, and so I have to keep rinsing and use more toilet paper. Anyone else feel this way?

I've already gone through five rolls in two days. It's getting very bothersome expensive. 

I use a convex system because my stoma does not protrude without it.  The appliance sits on an eakin ring stretched to the elliptical shape of my stoma.  This has worked well until recently.  Basically, I’ve got a tube of paste, and I’m not sure how to use it.

A while back, I posted photos about a product that is no longer available, which hangs off your waist band to make a small pocket to support the weight of your ostomy bag. See here. @arichards159 might find this next one of interest!

Recently, I came across another product by accident, which was designed to be used as a dog treat pouch, that goes inside your pocket. Made by Dogopal (manufacturer's page).

Since this product looks *very* similar to the one made for ostomy bags, but used a magnetic latch instead of hooks, the gears started turning in my head!

So, I ordered one, and gave it a try.

The quality is quite good, and the size is spot on!

The magnetic latch is genius, but it will not work well as an ostomy pocket through fabric like jeans or thick material. BUT... when placed face out and hanging off my waist band, it works incredibly well with the thin Lycra shorts I wear for cycling! This is a material that's too thin for the other Ostomy Pouch Pocket to work on, but it's thin enough for the magnet on the Dogopal product!

I thought it was worth sharing, since it's such a unique and relevant use case for us all. And, for those who are crafty, a modified version perhaps with a strong or wider magnet might just work with everything!

I've attached a photo from the manufacture, but let me know if any of you want more detailed photos!

But isopropyl alcohol is not safe or ideal for skin, so I stopped doing that.

Unfortunately, since the one-piece appliances that I've been using don't come with tape borders (which rarely peeled), I do get edge peeling more often than not. This happens despite how well I clean my skin, or if I use soap to remove any reside.

So, I've been using ethyl alcohol, which is safe for use on skin (same alcohol they use in hand sanitizer and hand sanitizing wipes). 

The results are excellent, but I would be cautious of the following:

If you've got any broken skin, whether caused by the appliance or from shaving, it will sting!

Also, I'd suggest letting the skin air out for several minutes after using the wipe, as I find that my skin temporarily gets sensitive soon after using the wipe.

But edge peeling is minimized, and only happens days (not hours) after putting on a new wafer.

If you've had issues with edge peeling wafers in the past, consider this as a possible solution. 

Tip: You can get bottles of this stuff cheap from any pharmacy (our grocery store even sells it), next to first aid supplies. While sanitizing wipes are convenient, a bottle of the stuff + a gauze pad is much cheaper and works the same.

Apart from playing the drums and reading, I think most of my hobbies tend to be "practical hobbies": DIY/repairing things, indoor gardening, bike/bike maintenance, etc.

I did way back in my Crohn's Disease adventure, but decided to get back into it after a friend inspired me.

I was thinking that sprouts are actually the "perfect" meal for those who can't eat a lot of greens and veg, since they are much easier to digest, and are packed with nutrients.