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Posted 9/24/2008 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
My question is, how do I know if I am satisfied with what product I am using.

I left the Hospital with Hollister, filled out for bunch of free stuff through the mail from diffrent companys, and have been using the Coloplast 2pc systems for about 3 weeks.

When I used the Hollister 1pc waffer type, I would leak in a matter of hours. Maybe I was doing something wrong? I didn't think so.

The type I use now is a 2pc drainable that consist of a convext "waffer" and the bag locks on to it. Seems to be doing good considering I have to keep up with a 5 & 2 year old and do what ever my pregnant wife wants me to do.

All I do is; clean of course, prep the waffer for my stoma with some paste, apply a skin barrier around the "site", and apply. Seems to hold up for about 3-4 days.

Is there a better product? Is there a better way?

Thanks!

Posted 9/24/2008 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
Some of us only get a 3-4 day hold; others get 6-7. We are all made differently, react to adhesives differently, and have different activity levels. It all makes a difference in wear time. You just gotta try out different bags/products and see what works. There are a large number of people on this board that swear by the eakin ring--they don't work for me, but it's an example of a product that could make a difference in wear time (not just bags, themselves).
Posted 9/24/2008 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
Sometimes, it just takes a few tries!  Make sure the soap you are using doesn't leave a residue on your skin...that can cause problems with the wafer getting a good seal.

Try as many brands as you can...did the Hollister one you used have convexity?  I myself used Conva-Tec for about 7 years and was never really happy with it, but wasn't miserable.  After I had my temp ileo made into a permanent ileo, my stoma size/shape changed, as well as my stomach's peaks and valleys...  The only thing keeping the Conva-tec on was my Eakin seal at the end of 4 days...luckily I had been using those seals!  Basically, try, try, try...one pieces/two pieces and all the brands...if you go to the ostomy association's website www.uoaa.org there is a page that lists all the manufacturers. 

Jen is right that what works for one may not for another.  Another good rule of thumb is that "less is more".  I used to use all the "prep" products but find with my new brand that just washing with a non-residue soap/rinsing/drying is all I have to do...sometimes I need powder, but not always.

Good luck!  I hope you find your solution soon...don't give up until you do:)

Posted 9/25/2008 5:19 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with "less is more". I don't use the prep products, but others do and do so successfully. It is worth trying it w/o them tho. I also use the eakin seal and it really made a difference for me vs. stomahesive paste. And it is easier to use! I've used the Convatec 2 pc since 1984, but just recently added a convex ring to the flange of the wafer and that has increased my wear time again - back up to 6-7 days now.

Good luck with your trials. Keep your chin up. You will find something that works for you. Just one day at a time....
Posted 9/25/2008 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
Alright! you guys are great! Thanks

Less is more? I use a good soap, no residue. I also use(for now) the Hollister skin barrier gel and paste. When I look at the market on ostomies, the product selesction is NUTS. I could just buy, buy, and never really know if what I am getting is what is needed. All of your help is appreciated and thank you for your kind replys.

I'll check into the Convatec brand as well!

Posted 9/26/2008 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
i dont' use any skin prep either, i found when i was using it i was getting no wear time at all, it was awful, like two days max. I use the hollister new image two piece, I remove it, dry the area, apply the new stuff, i use paste, hold my hands on there for a minute, pressing down and rubbign along it for a while, then use the hair dryer on it for a minute or two, i find that makes a BIG difference.
Posted 9/26/2008 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
tardofit,

I am 27 and female, fairly active, and I have loved the Coloplast Assura line (I use their wafer and velcro-close drainable pouch).

I have had my ostomy since May, and not had one leak or any problems with wafers not sticking....I know I am lucky!!

I do use paste, b/c this is what my stoma nurse taught me to do, and it has worked so well I do not want to change!

***One great tip that Summerstorm mentioned is the part about using a hairdryer to heat up the wafer after you put it on and then pressing it down to your skin. This REally does help (at least for me...!) and only takes about 30 sec. I thought it would not, but it did, noticeably. :)

I know there is a lot out there, but don;t get overwhelmed. There are probably many products that would work for you equally well...you just need to find one that does the job for you!
Posted 9/27/2008 8:34 AM (GMT 0)
Another hint that may help as well as pressing the wafer and "warming" it a little is to try to pick a good time that the stoma is not real active. Having that little bit of a time out on the new wafer sometimes allows it to adhere better to the skin before it has to start fighting to stay "stuck" against the liquid output.

Best of luck in your search for the perfect combination that will suit you.
Posted 9/28/2008 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi!
I have only had my ostomy for about 2 weeks now but I am also using the Coloplast Assura (currently the velcro close one but after a few wks I am going to try the 1 piece disposables ..I have a colostomy and insurance, LOL
Its way better than the antiquated ones at the hospital. It also doesn't hang down too low so you can wear a pair of shorts without it peeking. I don't use any prep except the Adapt pasta bc thats what the ostomy nurse taught me. But, I am new to all this!
I actually changed my mind at the last minute in hospital, I was going to use a Hollister NewImage 2 pc with floating flange, but one of the nurses who'd had a temp ostomy a couplke yrs ago came to talk to me and advd me against the 2 pc. She said sh!t always gets caught in the flange and its a PITA. I know its different for everyone but I felt like she came to see me for a reason so I took her advice. I am glad I did so far.

Thanks too for the hair dryer tip! I will give it a try on tuesday- change day!
Posted 9/29/2008 3:00 AM (GMT 0)

tardofit,

I use the Coloplast Assura Extended Wear wafer with built-in skin barrier (item #2833). It's a two piece system, so the pouch snaps and locks on and has a velcro closure (item #13986). I've been getting 7 days wear time out of the wafer and put on a fresh pouch every 3-4 days.

I also use stomahesive paste and nothing else on my skin under the wafer, since it has a built-in skin barrier. To remove the wafer, I use an adhesive remover wipe and clean the skin in the shower with Dove soap for sensitive skin, which is fragrance free.

So far, this system has kept me leak free for over 2 years. I've even spent the day swimming at a waterpark and still get 7 days wear time! :-) So, it's definitely worth giving it a try.

Good luck!

Cecilia

Posted 9/29/2008 11:18 AM (GMT 0)
I am a fan of the two piece...I like being able to see my stoma through the opening in the wafer...that way I know I have it centered and I won't harm the stoma itself.  As far as having anything get stuck in the flange, I haven't had a problem.  I liked the assuras, but my stomach was not helpful to the cause and kept popping the wafer off my skin...for that reason, I use the New Image two piece w/filter and lock and roll system.  I am in LOVE with their filter...NO need for a sticker on the filter when it gets wet and it works after sleeping!!!!

Lucky you being able to use a disposable!!!  Ileos don't like those too much:(

Posted 10/2/2008 12:59 PM (GMT 0)
I use the new Coloplast Sensura 2-piece system. It works the best for me. However, I know in our Ostomy support group, many folks use the Convotec 2-piece and like that the best.
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