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ok so i got my coloplast assura extended wear today! and im scared to use them lol

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Posted 7/17/2008 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
ever had that feeling? i was so excited to get something that would last a longer, and be more flexible that i'd be able to get wet etc. Now that i got them, they look so different than what im used to (convatec moldables).

 I'm afraid to go back to cut to fit...can u use eakin seals with these? I'm not sure how to know if theyr really snapped on (i've been practicing w/out putting them on)

i dont know what that little white thing that u pinch, on the side is really for...

i really want to use them, but im turning into a chicken lol

Posted 7/17/2008 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
okay, I was afraid too!!! Glad it's not just me...I know you shouldn't use any skin prep with them (I even left out remover when I tried them). I was also using the convatec mouldables, but with my new stoma needs more "structure" and had to go to precut. I think you can also get precuts...do they work for you or is your stoma not round? I did use Eakin seals with them without a problem and the little white thing locks the pouch onto the wafer...make sure it "clicks" which will say it is locked on.

They didn't end up working for me (didn't work with my uneven stomach). Don't be afraid...just try them on a day you don't have to go too far from home!!! Good Luck.
Posted 7/17/2008 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
i am afraid to try a new one too!  i think, if it's not broke, dont' mess with it!
Posted 7/17/2008 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
I use Coloplast products and love them. I have some of the Assura Extended Wear too. If you push the little white button once you have it on, it will release the pouch. I myself have used the 3M Skin Prep Wipes with them. I didn't know you were not supposed to.

The Coloplast product, I usually always use, though is Sensura. They are meant for sensitive skin. I also went to one piece units and use a 1 1/8 inch pre-cut. The Assura also comes in pre-cut one or two piece.

Don't be afraid. They really are good products. I tried to Convatec moldable, but I kept getting leaks and had an allergic reaction.
Posted 7/17/2008 3:22 AM (GMT 0)

Praying.... haha don't worry about being chicken! :-)    I too am always concerned about my appliance fitting perfectly.  I mentioned before that I use the coloplast extended wear and have been really happy with them (though my stomach is flat around the stoma--is yours?)

I think you can use eakin seals with them if you want...I do not; I just measure mine really close--I have to get it cut perfectly or I throw it away!  (Good thing my insurance pays 100% and sends me more than I need--but usually get it right the first time:)  I found that my stoma is close to round, being 30 cm from side to side and 28 cm from top to bottom, so I cut the wafer this way.

Anyway, you can tell if the bag is snapped on because you know the little plastic thingy on the bag that you push together so it snaps, and press to open if you want to take the bag off?  Well, it will only snap shut if the bag is completely snapped onto the wafer.  Does that make sense?  My stoma nurse told me this, bc like you I always wanted to be totally sure!

I actualy use paste also (that is how my stoma nurse taught me), and I have had really good luck with it.  If you do not cut the wafer perfect, the paste can fill in the space around the stoma.  Though paste can be messy if you are not used to it... :)  I remember when I was just lurking on this board before I got my ileostomy and would read Summerstorm's tales of paste and think "OMG, what is this 'paste' stuff?  I better stay away!" lol.  Good luck.  I hope they work as well for you as they do for me! :)

Let us know. :)

E

Posted 7/17/2008 3:34 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks guys, i intend to try b4 the weekend

well thats another question i have E,

When people say flat what do they mean? since my surgery i've been gaining my weight back, im up to 125 and eccstatic about it! but of course that means my belly is growing too, not like pregnant or n e thing, actually if i didnt have this darn bag i think id look great in a bikini lol

so when they say flat do they just mean that u dont have a hernia or does it really mean flat? like a board? if so then my belly is not flat like a board (at least not when im sitting down) will this cause a problem?

Posted 7/17/2008 4:31 AM (GMT 0)

Praying,

When I say flat, I mean free of creases when you are sitting down.  My belly is normal like anyone else's--it has a little curve at the bottom (definitely not flat as a board!) and is curved a bit when I sit.  But when I sit there are no creases/rolls.  As long as their are no creases, you should be just fine.  I can't imagine you having any creases as you only weigh 125!  I am sure you look great now!!

I also have been gaining weight since surgery --I was 108 and I am up to 136, yikes! :)  I am 5'6'', so I am happy with it :)--now I am acutally going to have to watch what I eat or I will be too chubby! 

:-)  E

Posted 7/17/2008 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
I've been using the same supplies for years now. But, I experimented with a lot of different appliances during the first couple of years. I would always put them to the test over a weekend, and when I planned on doing a lot of yardwork or other strenuous activity. I figured if they stayed put over those conditions, they'd be fine during my normal workday.
Posted 7/17/2008 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
"I feel your fear about using new appliances." (silly me) I have used Convatec since I was released from the hospital and I am not really having any problems. But I could just be ignoring things because I have not had the nerve to try any other products. I just keep ordering large quantities of the same products- which means I have to use them. Another problem I have is not having any support from an ET nurse so the samples I have received are still in the drawer because I have no idea how the things fit.

I am trying to lose weight and wonder if I will encounter any problems with the wafer fitting. (Not that I have lost any yet but I might!)
Posted 7/18/2008 4:24 AM (GMT 0)
i am not telling anymore stories! lol

i am pretty particular about how i cut mine and stuff too
Posted 7/29/2008 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
praying4healing, I use the coloplast simple round wafers and love them. If I sweat they sometimes melt a bit...so I use the small and medium Sure Seal rings around the wafer and get 7 days. Sure seal wafers look like this...https://www.edgepark.com/shopCatalog/ShowItemDetails.cfm?PSKU=ALRS0110&PageRef=ShopCatalog&nm=SURE+SEAL+RING,+SMALL The medium is square. You can see leaks coming before they mess up everything..they are thin and clear. Very water resistant for swimming or the lake. I actually use the big big bag and wear it across my abdomen so I don't get a big lump bumb unevenly on my stoma side. It evens out the stuff better and I can go longer if needed to empty. They are great for sleeping all night! Don't be a chicken. I was real confused on the white locking mechanism but after you get used to it, it feels more secure than the other types.
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