Hi Eric,
Great article. I have a suggestion for hair removal around an ostomy. For hairs very close around the stoma, some men may use a small electric nose hair trimmer with a straight trimmer head. The trimmer blade are typically 1/4" long and good for getting into tight spots.
Also, instead of using the powder for a dry shave some estimates could apply Hollister Skin Conditioning Cream (517220) after cleaning away the residue around the stoma. It can create a scooter more comfortable shave especially if there is some irritation to the peristomal skin. Any excess cream can be wiped away and/or massaged in.

Hey, Neal! Thanks for the tips.

I have tried one of those nose hair trimmers, but I found it to be incredibly frustrating because it wasn't cutting very well (could be the brand I was using). I also owned an electric razor that was not meant for wet shaves, so the cream wouldn't work for me. A wet/dry shaver could certainly do the trick!

I've personally been tweezing and epilating around my stoma - the hair takes much longer to grow back and I find it more convenient than shaving after you've done it the first time. I'll be updating my shaving article to reflect this.

Have a great weekend.

The tips were great and answered all of my questions.
Very good article!

Excellent! Thanks for reading, James.

Awesome! This answered so many questions and great detail. Thanks for sharing.

Glad it helped! Thanks for reading.

I find that after I eat something like a orange or on pineapple it seem to cause leakage , and sometimes I will have a mess in my hands , is this cause I not chewing the food right or I eat to much?

Hi Richard,

That shouldn't make too much of a difference when it comes to leaks. However, if your stoma is like mine and retracts when it's having difficulties pushing stool out, it could be causing the stool to go under your wafer and cause a leak that way.

If you wear a clear appliance, you may even be able to observe this happening.

Some people have suggested that acidic foods like oranges, pineapple, and even tomatoes, may cause the wafer to break down more quickly. I haven't seen evidence of this and haven't experienced it myself (even though I can consume very large quantities of these foods at one time).

Thank you SO much for your videos and articles, they are extremely helpful and thorough. I just had my ileostomy surgery on February 14th, and have about a million questions. You have the answers to everything. Your pictures are also so helpful. Thank you again!!!

Welcome to the club, Jill!

So glad that I could help :) If you've got any other questions that I haven't covered, feel free to ask them on my community forums : https://www.veganostomy.ca/community/

I am currently using coloplast appliances. I have tried several brands over the last 2 years with the same on going problem. It seem that all the barriers are made of the same plastic. My output keeps breaking down the plastic around my stoma, it shreds. The opening becomes bigger and bigger allowing all the poop to go through. I have to change it at least 2 times minimum daily. I’m reaching out to anyone who might have this problem. Or possibly have an answer 😊.
Thanks !!!

Hi Suzanne. Have you tried any "extended wear" products? They should help to prevent that, but most wafers will swell up to fill any gaps between your stoma and the cutout. I wonder if your stoma is getting larger and smaller during the day, which is causing these leaks.

Hi Suzanne,  welcome.  I had a bit of a problem with this when I first had my stoma. Two things changed this for me.  One was simple,I drank more milk and ate yogurt twice a day. This seemed to cut the acid in my output and meant less bad sores. Also, when you cut the hole in your bag, are you turning the bag or the scissors?  Turning the scissors gave me a crooked edge and small slits I did not want, causing me to have to move the hole over a bit to fix it.  The sharper edges also hurt my stoma causing a bit of minor bleeding when I bent over to pick something up or to pet the dog. I always turn the bag when cutting the hole for my stoma, it gives a softer edge and more control over your cutting. 

(Edited by VeganOstomy: Hi Linda, I've created a new topic for your hair removal question.).

I am scheduled for Colostomy surgery in a few weeks. Thank you for the information, especially the pictures. I’m scared but being informed will help.

Good luck, Gerry! Being informed is a great way to build confidence, too.

Just keep in mind that while I cover a lot of topics here, not every situation will happen or even be relevant for all ostomates. That should hopefully help to make things less scary as you prepare.

Best wishes to you, Gerry. My stoma is three and a half years old. I remember feeling apprehensive and hopeful. The adjustment was not difficult, and my life is better - in fact, I might not even be here at all if it wasn’t for the colostomy. Not long after my surgery I found VeganOstomy (I was on the internet looking for clothing options, and VO popped up!) and learned so much. I am very thankful to Eric, and to the wonderful people on the VO forums.

Hi Gerry, All the best and most of the things we worry about never happen. You found a great site here. Read,ask and learn 👍

Posted by: @john68

... most of the things we worry about never happen.

Unless you are me and then they all happen. Plus other things no one even thought to worry about. 😂😂

Welcome, Gerry.  I came to this site when I was told I needed a permanent colostomy.  I was scared, too but Eric's story did much to prepare me for the operation. It's always good to go into any situation well informed and to have support. Do not be a stranger to this site. There are a lot of good people who are great cheerleaders and have experienced what you are going through now.

God bless,

Stella