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Posted 5/12/2009 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
Just a couple of questions.

What do people mean by 'leak'.  Is it when output comes out from under the flange or bag and runs onto clothes, down your tummy/leg etc, or does it refer to when output leaks from within the flange and gets under the seal and makes contact with the skin.

How close do people have their bag cut? I have been measured twice and still get a few milimeters of skin at the top showing (which is now breaking down and very red/blistered).  Do people have their bags cut to actually touch the stoma?

I havent used paste yet however as the flange right around the stoma always comes away from the skin I am thinking about it. Can paste be put round the skin right up to the stoma? Is it OK for the paste to touch the stoma?

Any Feedback would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks.

Posted 5/12/2009 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
When I say "leak" I refer to any poo that escapes.  Usually for me, it leaks out from under the wafer, and then goes all over.

For skin breakdown, I use the "crusting" technique.  Stoma power then skin barrier spray, let dry, repeat 3 or 4 times.  Doing this usually gives my skin time to heal.

When I cut my wafer, small is better for me.  The hole actually touches the stoma, making a tight squeeze.  That helps me with skin breakdown.

I'm not sure on the paste, I don't use it.  I'm eakin seals all the way.

Posted 5/12/2009 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
In my opinion, the Eakin Seal protects your skin. Paste is more of a filler than skin protector...You may have to cut your wafer an odd shape if you are cutting it to size and there is a spot that is still exposed...try leaving that area on the wafer a little smaller.

For me, a leak is any area that has been exposed to output...it doesn't have to be running down my leg for it to be considered one!
Posted 5/12/2009 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
I have yet to have a leak but I have an end ileostomy right now and I have heard it is better to control than a loop ( which I will be getting in a month). Anyway, I use paste. It is what the nurses first used and it has always worked. It forms a barrier and fills in any spaces that between stoma and skin. The wafer is right up to the skin with no empty space. Sometimes my stoma bleeds just a tad, but it can be sensitive. The nurses told me it is ok if it does that.
I also have to cut the hole in a weird shape since my stoma is not a perfect circle, it is a weird oval. I measure it everytime.

And yes the paste can touch the stoma.

I have also used the stoma powder with skin barrier wipes and it helps to seal everything for me also.
Posted 5/13/2009 8:48 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the replies.

Jackie - mine too is a strange shape! I have a bit of a small bulge that sicks out on one side.  When my supplier looked at my template she told me it looked like an egg!

I have an end ileostomy too. 

From reading what everyone has put I dont have 'leaks', just not got a good fitting bag yet.  Gonna try the paste on next change.

Posted 5/13/2009 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
it just proves what might be good for one might not be for all. Although it gives ideas to try. All of our meatballs (stomas) are different. Mine actually started out like a football now it seems really round and the diameter of a quarter. I always cut my wafer and leave about an eighth of an inch border and i swear by the eakin seals along w/ paste and convexity, oh and a belt to pull closer to me. yes when read/hear leak i think of waste going btwn me and the wafer. i hit the 6 week mark 5-12 and it took about 2-3 weeks before i discovered all of the above and man whttps://www.healingwell.com/community/emoticons/yeah.gifhat a difference. its to the point now that unless THE BAG is some what full i dont even now its on. i hope this might help...
Posted 5/13/2009 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
I cut my wafer as close as I can, apply Eakin Seal, bag and I'm done. I used to use paste but switched to ES ... love them. Be forewarned, the paste can sting a bit if you have irritated skin. Just take a few deep breaths.. it goes away in a few minutes. There is a bit of alcohol in the paste, I think.
Posted 5/13/2009 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
I have just been on the ES website and requested some samples. I have also been in contact with a new supplier who do there precut flanges using a cutting machine - my current supplier do their precut flanges by hand (you never get 2 bags with the same cut). If i cant get a good precut flange then i think i will just cut them myself.

Thank you very much for the feed back again :)
Posted 5/13/2009 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
i put 2 pieces on... 1 at the 3 oclock & 1 at the 9 oclock fill in the rest w/ paste and shazam off and running. you dont need to use the whole piece either. tear off what you need and mold it in your fingers/hands stick it to the wafer and giddyup. give it whirl UK. your so very welcome.
Posted 5/14/2009 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
Ditto with The Bag, sort of. I just cut strips of the ES wafers and apply strips of the seal to the hole area of the wafer you are using, like you would do with the paste. 1 large seal will last me several changings. (Cost Effective for me too!)
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