HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

How to clean stoma?

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
1 2 3
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 11/5/2012 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Sarah
Do you use it on your stoma? Does it work? I just looked on Amazon. The Friar's I use is made by Rougier. Don't see it there.

Dan
Posted 11/5/2012 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't bought any in some time, so there is a chance it is no longer sold on Amazon. It looks like the other Friar's is available, however. I just tried doing some looking around on the Internet, you may need to take up that shipping offer, unfortunately.

Yes, I used it for quite some time just as you use it. Currently, I cannot use the Friar's as I have a ridiculous and raging yeast infection around the stoma and on a majority of the stomach. So, trying to fight that at the moment.
Posted 11/8/2012 10:37 AM (GMT 0)
Dan, the the individual sealed packages are 5 inches long - the swabstick itself, taken out of the packaging, is 4 inches long.
Posted 11/8/2012 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
In regards to what someone said about leaving a 1/8" gap between stoma and barrier, that seems nuts to me as it would surely result in exposed skin and irritation... some veteran help me out here - is that what we're supposed to be doing??

I have had irritation turning into ulcerations around my stoma due to exposed skin - I would set up what I thought would be a tight, sealed fit and then within a few days would see more skin exposed and would immediately do an unplanned bag change to cover up that exposed skin ASAP. I think it was partially from my stoma continually shrinking after surgery.

On my last change I used my moldable wafer and didn't push the hole back really at all so that the fit was super tight since I was frustrated about constantly seeing exposed skin, and so far so good. Just trying to prevent skin-output contact so I can get the ulcerations to get better instead of worse. Do I need to be worried about making the fit too tight and causing problems? I figured as long as output is not impaired and I'm comfortable, it should be fine, right?

And what is the purpose of this Friar's that you all are talking about - what is it for? Is it something I should look into? I've never heard of it...
Posted 11/8/2012 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Boot
Friar's is a first aid liquid. I have been using it for a few years. It heals skin ulcers and stops leaks. It dries sticky. Read this thread. Friar's discussion starts halfway down first page. Problem is that I got it from a Canadian pharmacy. They can no longer ship to the US. However, Nenagirl has found it in a US pharmacy in swab sticks. It is working for her. I am going to get some for my emergency bag, which I have never had to use.

Nena, thanks for the swab length.

Dan
Posted 11/8/2012 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
I did read the whole discussion before I posted but never saw what it was originally suggested for, just where to get it and how to use it. Sounds perfect if it really works for that... A couple questions:

1) How is it different from how barrier paste works - just its antibiotic/first aid properties but otherwise pretty similar?

2) If it only comes off with alcohol, do you use alcohol to remove the old before applying the new, or does it just wear off by the time you change your bag? (That was one of my problems with the barrier paste - it would wear off after a couple days and still leave skin exposed.)

3) Where did you hear about this stuff, and what made you think to use it on your stoma?
Posted 11/8/2012 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
Boot
I originally suggested it for ostomy use. My cousin was using it and sent me part of a bottle to try. I have used it ever since.
When I remove the wafer the skin is clean. No residue. I shave with an electric beard trimmer right after I remove the wafer. Clean eith water and paper towel.
Friar's dries sticky. No need for powders, pastes, etc.

Dan
Posted 11/9/2012 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
Is this what you are talking about?? Or is this the "wrong" one...

www.4allvitamins.com/product_info.php?products_id=3078&product_configuration_id=4088&referrer=google&gclid=CKCUsKmnwrMCFal7Qgod6kUAtg
Posted 11/9/2012 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
boot
Not familiar with that one. There are several companies that make a Friar's. The one I have is made by Rougier. The ingredients in the one you found are not the same. The swab sticks that ninagirl found have the right ingredients. She ordered it online at Allegro pharmacy. Seem to be working for her. For some reason the pharmacy in Canada that I got mine from cannot ship to the US any longer.

Dan
Posted 11/11/2012 9:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone,

I tried, on Dan's advice, the Friars and I can't tell you how wonderful it has been. My irritation and redness is gone. I just returned from 10 days in Germany and France and only did two changes while I was away. I am now able to get five to seven days out of a change and that was after partaking in two days at the bath house spas in Germany. No problems at all.

I would encourage anyone who is struggling with irritation, leaks redness to at least try it. It's an inexpensive fix.....and no more yanking around with pastes, powders and wipes. My change went from about 15 mins down to about 5-7 now.

Kelly
Posted 11/11/2012 10:07 AM (GMT 0)
Have you tried this site? I just put an order in and it went through... we'll see if I get it.

www.canadadrugcenter.com/rougier-friars-balsam.xhtml

(It's about halfway down the page: Rougier Friar's Balsam)

Since not much info about the product is listed on the site, I will post again to let you know the ingredients, etc, if/when I receive it.

.
Posted 11/12/2012 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Boot
Nice find! I sent them an e-mail asking the ingredients. I don't want to enumerate my infant fowl before they incubate, but they ship FROM other countries. That may be the Canadian bypass.

Dan
Posted 11/12/2012 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
Kelly
So glad your trip went good. So, how much of your supplies did you bring back???

Dan
Posted 11/12/2012 12:06 PM (GMT 0)
Ha ha Dan! I just unpacked them. I took 14 sets of supplies and happily unpacked 12 sets last night! The only problem I had was my Friars leaked on the way home but my other bottles were waiting for me when I got home.

I hope I have as much luck when we go to the Dominican in February. Not sure what the salt water and sand will do to the supplies but I will pack at least one change a day then too! No problems at all going through security. Took all my supplies on board and went through Canadian security, German Security and in France as well. It was a great confidence booster!

Thanks for asking Dan!
Posted 11/13/2012 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
I've had my ostomy for 6 years and never taken a shower with the bag off. I've also never had a skin issue. On the days I change the entire appliance, I do it first thing after I wake up - before I shower. I use the 4 X 4 gauze to clean around the stoma with just water; dry off the skin with another 4 X 4; use that stoma power and the seal around the stoma opening. No problems. Ever.
Posted 11/13/2012 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
Oops. Forget to add that I'm printing off the info you all posted in case my luck runs out!!! Thanks guys.
Posted 8/15/2017 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
I have had Crohns Disease for over 30 years and an Illiostomy for more than 10 years. I would like to address a product that I have found to be useful when the skin around my stoma is irritated or ulcerative. I use Convatec because I like the flexibility of their products on my skin. I change my wafer once a week and sometimes earlier if I have been very active. I do this in the shower with soap and water rinsing with water and making sure the soap residue is gone along with any sticky substance. I have used Stomahesive Paste in the past and found it doesn't hold up to my desired time usage. I also find that it irritated my skin and burned when applying on ulcerative skin areas. I was introduced by my Ostomy Nurse to Eakin Cohesive Seals #839005 a thin wafer that you can stretch the center of to fit. These work far and above the Stomahesive Paste which I believe is designed more for 24 hour changing and Stomahesive Wafers than use with the Durahesive Wafers. Convatec also has a thicker Eakin Cohesive Seal numbered #839002
That said, I don't use any powder or other products between the Eakin Seal and my skin as they don't seal as well unless directly on the skin. My irritation around the stoma is reduced and I get more time in between changes. Just remember, if it itches, change it ;)
Posted 8/17/2017 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Where do you purchase all your supplies - does insurance connect you with a company or is it ordered through your script place like a CVS. How do you know if it isn't working and what to try next? How often do you need to change your pouch and how do you know?
Posted 8/18/2017 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
I just noticed your post Doggiedo.
First answer: On changing your wafer will depend on weather you get an Ostomy (large intestine stoma) or Illiostomy (small Intestine stoma). Mine is an Illiostomy so that is what I know how to take care of. That said, I change out my wafer once a week depending on how my site feels or if I see any leakage between the wafer and my skin. Any pinching or itchy feeling that occurs means it needs to be changed even if you don't see any problems. Comfort and non-visibility is my main objective because I luckily have a very flat stomach so clothes can fit but not comfortable with the Illiostomy so I buy a size up so I can move about without popping my bag. If you have any other questions, your Ostomy Nurse is there to help guide you and can be a great help with fit and comfort.
Second answer: You will get a prescription from your Doctor for supplies and it will be up to you if you want to use a mail order service or go to your local Medical Supply store (Not CVS unfortunately) Find one that takes your insurance. If there isn't one close, mail order is the easiest way. Your Ostomy Nurse will also have that information.
Posted 8/18/2017 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
All that said, I would like to add a funny note.

After my surgery, my Mom took me with her to a Teacher's Convention with her because it was already booked and my husband was away with the military. We were in a very nice high rise hotel. She was in her classes for the Convention and I had room service, lol.

So, the first time I changed my wafer by myself was quite the thrill. I was very nervous and put it off for a couple of hours. I finally got up the nerve to do the change and was finished with my shower. While I was putting everything together to apply my wafer and being very particular about the whole thing, the fire alarm went off for the hotel. Needless to say, I slapped that sucker on got dressed and was out of that room in less than 2 minutes.

Hope ya'll enjoyed my little experience! I also would like to tell everyone that you are all amazing and can do anything you want, don't let Crohns hold you back!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
123