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bags won't stay! oozy skin

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Posted 2/3/2014 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
I've had all sorts of stoma problems across my two (three) stomas and I'm about to throw my hands up in frustration. I can't get the bag to stick to my remaining stoma for more than 16 hours.

I have what amounts to a giant ulcer 75% of the way around my stoma. It's also a cratered mess. The skin oozes. It seems to be oozing even more since the stoma became "alive" again. This had lead to the wafer being oozed through after 16 hours.

I've tried different combos of powder, hollihesive, hollihesive over pieced together hollihesive to fill in holes, no-sting barrier, and coloplast barrier strips. Recently we added Teflex, a type of guaze to take moisture from the skin under a hollihesive layer.

I'm about to just let it seep and put some waterproof tape over the affected areas. I can't keep changing the bag like this and it seems like the stoma itself isn't leaking, just the skin seeping.

Any other ideas?
Posted 2/3/2014 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
there is a coloplast barrier thingy like the hollihesive. When I had yucky unrelenting skin problems I found that worked whereas the hollihesive didn't work.

the coloplast barrier strips only hold down the outside edge of the wafer. Sounds like you need help under the wafer. For outside edge of wafer have you tried ME-fix tape?

and I know you probably don't want to hear this... but maybe you need to make a physical appointment back at CC to see the ostomy nurses. MAke sure you go at a busy time, because when you are a crazy case.. they will bring in multiple ostomy nurses.... which means more tricks to try.
Posted 2/3/2014 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
ActiveUCer
You did not mention Friar's or BCT in your list of what you have tried. Have you? Why not?

Dan
Posted 2/3/2014 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately, you've already mentioned the items I'd suggest:-(

Did your doc say anything before you left the hospital?

Do you know what is the cause? Is it getting larger?

I hate to say this, but I agree with ddd45, you should probably make an appointment with WOCN. I would also make the appointment (if possible) on the day your surgeon has appointments so the nurse(s) can get their opinion, if needed.
Posted 2/3/2014 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I need something similar to Hollihesive to help control the oozing. Last night my mom and I put on Mesalt then Hollihesive. Mesalt dries things out some so maybe I'll get 24 hours out of this bag!

I haven't tried Friar's or BCT - I typically go for whatever the WOCN's tell me to do so I've been playing with the supplies on hand.

I might need to see the WOCN. I saw two while at the hospital about a week ago. She had recommended just Hollihesive and powder. The one after recommended two layer Hollihesive and powder. The one before recommended Teflex, Hollihesive and powder. It's a long standing sore and my surgeon is very aware of it. She even cauterized in theater this time. It's been cauterized in the past to stimulate the skin growth (my skin decided it was done growing...it wasn't!).
Posted 2/4/2014 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
I can certainly sympathize with you and your issues with adherence. We are in the same boat. DH has two abdominal fistulas for which we utilize ostomy supplies. He is currently in a cycle of not being able to get an appliance to last more than about 10 hours.

I am wondering if you would share some information about the Hollihesive...DH is currently using Adapt Barrier rings. We cut the ring into pieces as needed to try to level out the peaks and valleys which are at the bottom of the fistulas. The problem with the Adapt Barrier material is that it expands from the excrement and pushes the flange away from the body. We have also tried another material...can't locate the name right now...it is not suppose to expand, but it is not flexible enough to conform or mold to areas we need to fill in.

Also, polishdan...I am wondering if you would elaborate on Friar's or BCT...I googled both and didn't come up with anything.

DH gets lots of oozing places but we find that stoma powder is quite effective for us. We have seen numerous WOCNs and they have all told us we are doing about the best we can in our unique situation, but I am always on the lookout for improving wear time. It is so upsetting to have continual blowouts...as many of you know. Thanks for your input!
Posted 2/4/2014 4:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hollihesive is a flat sheet somewhat similar to the adapt rings. It's the same kind of tacky stuff. It's 4inches by 4inches. You can heat it up (between your hands) before putting it in place and it will mold a tiny bit to your skin. As it heats up over time, it definitely molds more to the skin. In all honesty, I've had quite a bit of leakage under it and been fine for two days before, but now the seeping is a bit too much. Like the adapt ring, you can cut up the Hollihesive and use it to fill in holes in your skin with one layer and then put a solid layer over everything, cutting a hole in the middle of the final sheet for your stoma. It doesn't expand like Adapt rings (which I've also used). I suggest calling Hollister and asking for a sample.

So the order becomes..

powder
filler Hollihesive
Hollihesive solid layer
paste
bag
Posted 2/4/2014 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
And it's been 24 hours since a bag leak/change! I think the Mesalt got me through (plus I have the Coloplast rings around for extra security).
Posted 2/4/2014 11:47 AM (GMT 0)
rose
Friar's and BCT are the same. Friars is only available in Canada. BCT is Geritrex Benzoin Compound Tincture and is available in the US. Both are first aid products. When applied and dried they are sticky and waterproof. They help wafer adhesion and protect the skin. WOCN's are not familiar with either product. I really wonder why. My process when I change...Remove the wafer and shave with electric beard trimmer. When you remove the wafer the BCT comes off with the wafer leaving no residue. Any hair stands up. Clean with water and paper towel only. No adhesive removers, soap, or anything else. Dry with hair dryer. Apply BCT with q-tip to the whole wafer area. No powder or anything else. Dry again and apply wafer. The first time with BCT you may need to remove any prior residue. Use alcohol. No residue. I use select-a-size paper towel and cut the whole roll in half. Makes a nice pad to clean with. Friar's is available from Rogier in Canada. Geritrex is available from www.drugsdepot.com . Search for C2540383. $4.49 plus shipping.
I have been using it for several years with no leaks....none.

Dan

Post Edited (polishdan) : 2/4/2014 4:51:20 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/6/2014 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for info all. ActiveUCer...glad you found something to help...hopefully it will continue!!
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