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please help skin is horrible under wafer!!!

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Posted 10/28/2008 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone...

I haven't been posted in a while but I do come to check on u all.  I hope ur all well. smilewinkgrin

I have never had a problem with my skin under the wafer until recently.  It's been so bad!!!! It itches and burns and bleeds and keeps getting wider.  I've been changing the appliance every other day when it used to last me 5 days no problem.  I use the powder and a skin protector, didn't change anything so i don't understand what the problem is.  I really need advise on what to do for my skin to heal. confused   Please help

Posted 10/28/2008 11:04 PM (GMT 0)

I had my appliance changed today with the help of my homecare nurse..(I'm still a newbie to all of this)..and the skin around one side of the stoma is red raw like meat.  It's sore also.  She put some stoma powder on it.  I hope this works.  This is the first time I have had a problem with the skin around there.  I had my ileostomy surgery Sept 23.  I hope you find a solution to the problem.  If you do (no..WHEN you do...gotta think positive)..please post and let us know ok???

Thanks! confused

Posted 10/29/2008 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
Rita,

I'm sorry you're having skin problems. sad Have you called your doctor about it yet? I would get in to see them, so they can diagnose what's going on and give you some medicine to put on it to help heal it. I wish I could be more help.

Cecilia
Posted 10/29/2008 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
Definately see the doc/stoma nurse to see if anything major is going on...

Have you measured your stoma lately? Mine did a similar thing for a week or so, but my size/shape changed a little (I am 8 mos post op). I also use the powder but I don't use any skin prep anymore...have you tried an Eakin seal? It conforms around your stoma, closer to it than the wafer can safely be, and does a good job protecting the skin. My problem cleared up within a week...but boy was it PAINFUL during the first couple of days:(

(btw, the Eakin is in place of paste)
Posted 10/30/2008 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
I am an Eakin believer as well. And I only began using it a couple of years ago after having my ileostomy for a long time! I use only a strip in place of the stoma paste. You might try it, with your powder - whatever you are doing to treat the sore area.
Posted 10/30/2008 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
I dont have a solution but I have compassion. I am having skin issues now with my loop ileostomy and it hurts. I changed my pouch a couple of days ago and there was greeen pus. It has gotten better but having skin issues is a tough road. I will keep you in my thoughts.
Posted 10/30/2008 3:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thank u all for ur responses. Ohio and Peggy, I did try the Eakin and it didn't work for me unless I didn't know how to apply it correctly. I will call for another sample. I'm willing to try anything at this point. I'm so tired of it and can't figure out where I went wrong if I didn't change anything. We measure it constantly and cut the wafer accordingly. I wish I can just take it all off and hang out without it for a few hours to let it breathe but it's so active because of my short bowels I can't. Even in the morning I can't because I have to get up early to start on my eating. I have EAT EAT EAT and EAT some more to maintain my weight. UUGGHHHHHHH!!!! It's so aggrevating!!! If anyone comes up with something please keep me posted.

Thank You all
Posted 10/31/2008 2:06 AM (GMT 0)

RITAS,

Here is a thought --- this happened to me about 5 years ago.  Just out of the blue, my wafer quit sticking.  I even went so far as sending a wafer to Convatec (after I called and they send a biohazard pouch) thinking maybe I had a defective batch.  Someone from Convatec called and recommended that maybe I should use an adhesive remover.  And ya know, it helped a lot.  I also added a convex insert, and Eakin seals.   The skin around the stoma almost looked shiny, but didn't feel sticky or tacky.  Now that I use the adhesive remover pad (like an alcohol prep pad), my skin isn't shiny and the wafers stick really well.

Just a thought --- maybe you already have tried it. 

Good luck to you,

Posted 10/31/2008 6:44 AM (GMT 0)
Though I'm sure your surgeon, GI or ET are well meaning ,you're better off with a dermatologist. I'm saying this as a result of my own experience. If you have a problem with your skin, then see a doctor that specializes in it without having to do any guesswork at your expense.
Posted 10/31/2008 1:08 PM (GMT 0)
Peggy--I didn't know that about the shinny thing...good to know!
Posted 10/31/2008 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
thanx Peggy keep thinking..haha..I've tried that too. The adhesive remover is a very important part of my process
Posted 11/17/2008 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rita,

I just wanted to add to my previous post. If your skin isn't showing signs of any ulcers, you might want to try putting Maalox on your skin. Let it dry before you put the appliance on. Depending on the cause, this often works very well. Good luck!!!

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