Been at it now 6yrs and I've got new questions

Well I've had my ileo for just over six years now. And I find myself with a couple questions these days...so my current method to change the flange is:

1) remove bag/flange
2) clean up excess output
3) shave/trim hairs
4) remove excess glue & wipe down around site with moist towel
5) blow dry
6) dust site with Convatec stomahesive powder
7) spray site with 3M Cavilon skin barrier
8) blow dry
9) attach flange

So I'm wondering about steps 6 & 7. Is stomahesive powder and skin barrier necessary?? I read on the Hollister website that their flanges are designed for use without a skin barrier all together...?

Does anyone even know what the purpose of the powder and skin barrier actually are??

The only reason I've been doing things this way is because that's what my stoma nurse taught me...I've never had any leaks or problems, but I still wonder if all this product is actually needed...it does all add up $$

Thoughts??

Matt

I only use powder if I have irritation...Cavillon may be helping extend your wear time though.

I've been wondering what I can do to save $$ too...it gets expensive!

Try leaving out the powder and see haw it goes. If everything is fine try leaving out the Cavillon (best to try if you are going to be home for the first day!)...you will have your answer if it's needed for you.

How many days wear time do you get now?

Hey Matt, you've had lots more experience than I but we're always looking for suggestions. Mine is a colostomy and I'm getting 7 days with my 2-piece Convatec system. Instead of shaving I've been using an ear-nose hair trimmer for about 10 weeks. No shaving creams, no lubricants from the razors strips, no skin problems. My surgeon suggested stubble is better than skin damage or ingrown hair from shaving. I still use scissors close to the stoma if necessary trying real hard to avoid stabbing it.
Beyond that I try to remove all the excess glue and blow dry. I always use the Cavilon barrier wipes but never use the powder unless there's broken skin. I then use about a quarter inch strip of an Eakin Seal right up to the stoma.
Hope this is helpful.
Sincerely,
Mike

A rep at Hollister told me the powder is to use on any irritated (raw or broken skin, etc.) areas under the flange - to make the surface 'dry' as the appliance will not stick to something that is 'wet'. The barrier spray is just adding another layer of protection between the skin and flange.

I never use powder unless I have to for the above reason. I don't use a skin barrier at all (I've found less = more for me). I totally agree w/summerstorm about the sure seals extending wear time.

You have five years and eleven months on me, but I think you can definitely cut out the stoma powder... The one time a nurse used it on me my wafer felt very insecure so I ended up doing a change after 24 hours (usually get 3-4 days wear time), and it practically fell off with one tug.

Powder is only used if there is an irritation situation. Hubby uses the Smith and Nephew skin barrier prep in a pump spray bottle which is very convenient. His skin seems to like having a protective barrier so he uses it each change which is on Wed and Sundays. He can go a week with no problems and has.... he just feels that totally changing it and showering with no appliance with this schedule seems to be a good thing for him.

I don't use powder or wipes. I did at first, I've found that my appliance sticks better if I don't use the wipes. The only time I use powder is if I have yeast, then I throw some nystatin on it and cover that sucker up, still no wipes. People have said that they can't use powder without wipes because the adhesive doesn't stick to the powder, but I don't have that problem.