Newbie with an ileostomy, need your help!

Just recently went from a colostomy to an ileostomy and I am having a very tough time with sore raw skin below and above my stoma, it hurts and I am having a hard time getting my bag to seal without the output wetting the paste and all of that good stuff before it can get a good seal. Does anyone have any tips to help? I just started using the Eakin but it doesn't seem to stick and starts to get a leak through the bottom. I am really getting down on this, I was able to get used to the colostomy but this is really a much harder challenge.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

When you take the old adhesive off, just wash the area with water or ivory soap (NO LOTION SOAPS) then rinse very well. You want nothing on your skin to break the seal.

Then use ALL care wipe to put on like a layer of shellack. Let dry.

THen Stoma hesive powder on the burn likely right under the stoma.

Then the Eakin seal.

Then the wafter. THen click on the bag.
Then run your finger around on the soft part of the wafer around the stoma to apply a bit of pressure and the heat from your hand should get it nice and sealed to your skin.

If the stoma goes active while you are changing, hold a tissue there and catch the output, then rewash where it landed. That stuff is like battery acid. Never just continue without rewashing and drying where that effluent has landed.

WIsh you well. Rosemary

Try warming the Eakin Seal (armpit or between hands for a minute or so) before applying it...do you apply it to your skin or the wafer? I have found that it is easier to keep it dry if you apply it to the wafer and then apply the wafer to your skin.

Could you need convexity? It pulls the stoma up/out so output cannot get behind your wafer. You may want to try a two piece appliance, so that you can see where the wafer is being applied, and you'll be able to tell if your stoma becomes active. Ask your WOC Nurse for a sample or call/email the manufacturers for samples.

The likelihood that the appliance that worked for your colostomy would work for your ileostomy are slim...sometimes it is trial and error to find the perfect one for you:( Hang in there, you'll get the hang of it...ileostomies are a little trickier but not bad once you get through the learning curve!

Welcome to the forum!

I was having ulcers at my stoma. My cousin, with a 2 inch stoma suggested I try Friars Balsam. He had constant ulcers until he used Friars. He applies it at every change and has no ulcers. I no longer need Friars.
The full name is "Friar's balsam compound benzoin tincture usp". It is from Canada. The phone number is 866-470-6886. Website is www.rougier.com.
I used Friar's alone under my wafer...no skin preps or powders. Friars is sticky when it dries.
Dan

I find the hair dry warms the eakin seal stuff greaat and then i warm the wafer before I stick that on and it has helped alot. I used to have it sore all the time. I tried to let skin air lots when I ha to change.

I warm the Eakin seal bit in the microwave for like 10 seconds. Makes it real sticky and good seal. Rosemary