Guys, a non-depressive question about stoma care

So I think by seal you mean barrier ring, right?

I use one and I would definitely never go back. I've tried the Convatec Eakin Seals as well as Hollister Adapt rings -- I prefer the Hollister ring because it's easier to remove and leaves less residue on my skin. According to my WOCN it's totally normal for a little residue to be left behind and it's better for your peristomal skin to just leave it be rather than irritate the skin by trying to scrape off every last bit. I've used a barrier ring on every appliance for almost five months now, and not worried about residue, with no ill effects to my peristomal skin.

For me they're indispensable. I stretch the ring by hand until it's slightly smaller in diameter than my stoma, then apply it directly to the skin and carefully snug it directly up against the edge of my stoma so all the peristomal skin is covered. After that I apply the wafer over it and snap on a bag.

I think the barrier rings are definitely very dependent upon body chemistry. You want a ring that bonds well to your skin and doesn't break down quickly when exposed to your output. This will vary for everyone and I'm sure there are those who can't use them or don't get anything out of it because their output breaks down the seal too fast to be helpful. I also think the wafer bonds to the ring a bit better because I use a Hollister wafer with the Hollister ring, so they're tested to be compatible.

NCOT, Definitely try to get a sample of the Hollister Adapt Ring if they have it in the UK. I did mine a little different than Pluot but same concept. My stoma nurse told me to stretch the ring to fit outside the cut out I made in the wafer. Then I placed it directly on the wafer and was taught to kind of mush it on the wafer so that it is spread to give better coverage. Also, my nurse said if the seal goes on flat there would be less leaks. Anyway, once I did that I attached the wafer directly to my cleaned stoma area. I got 6-7 days wear time with no leaks. I agree with Pluot. I liked the fact of using the same brand wafer, bag and barrier ring.

Wow, I had no idea that it was remotely possible to have an ostomy function without a barrier ring. I am a newbie just 3 weeks out of surgery and have been using Hollister 2-piece with the barrier ring - I was taught to roll up 1/3 of the stock Hollister ring into a little rope, and put it on the wafer around the cutout - interesting how different stoma nurses teach it differently. Anyway, so far, knock on wood, even when I had constant liquid output, mine has been totally impervious to leaks for up to 4 days (I change every 3 and 4 days but it couod probably last 7). The ring expands so much once it contacts the stoma that it completely turtlenecks it. I do want to compare other brands though. Definitely check out the Hollister ring.

Post Edited (Probiotic) : 5/24/2013 8:10:43 PM (GMT-6)

While in the hospital my WOCN barely even mentioned barrier rings and never suggested that I use one. She always used the paste when teaching me how to change my pouch, and it's worked very well for me. I did eventually ask her about rings, and she said I could try them if I wanted. I did try one a couple times, 2 or different brands I think, and didn't really see any benefits...I am just as happy using the paste, which is MUCH easier to apply. I have a lot of trouble getting the rings on, but maybe I just need more practice. When I use the paste I usually put it right on the wafer, all around the opening, and sometimes apply some on top after the wafer in on. Does anyone else use just paste?

We most definitely do have the Hollister Adapt ring here in the UK, I've been using them for almost a year now! I can't even contemplate applying a bag without one and wonder how I got through my first year of "stoma life" without them. They are not messy or complicated, they just require a little time and effort, and reward me with great security and comfort.
Here's what I do:
Break a piece off, roll into a "sausage" or "rope" and loop around stoma pushing down on skin and snug to stoma. At this point it doesn't stick to well, but fear not.
Take the rest of the broken ring and stretch a little, so it will fit around the stoma.
Loop around stoma, pushing onto the "sausage" and skin around it.
Push or tease the barrier in against the stoma, pushing down onto skin at same time.
Apply bag (I wear a convex) and spend some time circling finger directly around stoma (I go around the convexity) to spread the barrier and create some heat to aid adhesion. I also like to hold my hand over everything for a minute to create heat.

I often spend about 30 mins applying my bag, which is nothing for 3-4 days of comfort and security. I sometimes find people get too hung up on the time and effort needed, but what price for peace of mind?

Some things here I never thought of - thanks folks :p

Never heard of Friar's basalm, so I googled it. Seems interesting. I feel like I should give my poor old stoma nurse a break from ordering products, so I'll see if I can get this particular item by myself.

And that ties in quite neatly to Wriskli's post. @Wriskli: my stoma nurse has ordered a Dermacol collar. She'll probably just got one size though, so I hope it will be okay :-/ Also, I haven't tried Convatec yet, but she's also ordering a Convatec 2-piece system.

I never thought about applying the seal directly to the wafer or breaking a bit off and making a collar. Think I'll try Pro's method with a Dansac seal. @SilentLucidity - No offense, but I think I would botch your method up! I can see getting into a right mess with that, especially as I can't go longer than 10 minutes without the stoma leaking. Thanks for telling me you can get the Hollister Adapt ring here, though. I'll ask my stoma nurse about trying it.

By the way, my stoma nurse said that she trialed the Dermacol collar with about 20 people. Some loved it, others hated it, apparently.

I have never tried paste. Something else to ask my poor stoma nurse about... >_>. The idea of using a syringe to apply it sounds like a great idea.

Sorry, my reply was a bit over the place, but I did read all your posts. Thank you folks. I'd really like to settle on a long-term system for changing the bag, preferably something that is foolproof to a klutz like me. I don't think my current method is protecting the skin well enough, but a different way of applying the seal may help.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=33&m=2538279
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=33&m=2715840&g=2716680#m2716680

Check those threads out.
If you want more paste this in google:
"friars site:healingwell.com"

I know that friar's made by Care+ comany is available in the UK. I don't know if that would work as it only contains storax and benzoin. I ordered mine from Canada because I didn't want to risk it. I will get some of that one when I'm in the UK however to treat blisters.
I would try it if you have problems with stickiness or ulcers.
If I recall correctly, Care+ Friar's can be bought for as low as 2 quid

Also, when it comes to Friar's "science" Polishdan is your guy. He knows a lot about it, so read his posts with extra care

Ncot I was allergic to all the bags and had red raw skin also tried all the rings and seals but didn't help at all , when I had the last surgery the stoma nurse brought me salts aloe Vera bags they didn't irritate my skin at all and they stuck really well plus added bonus is easier to clean the skin after removing it
Lucky L