Sensitive Skin + Convexity = I am at the end of my rope!!! :(

Hi everyone,

I have had my ostomy for just 9 months and have been through the gamut this year. I am so glad to have my ostomy (otherwise I'd be dead) but I am SO FRUSTRATED because my new health is tainted by my inability to find an ostomy product that works. Everyone says to be patient, but I honestly feel like there is nothing out there for me.

I started with Hollister 2 piece. Then I developed a skin allergy to the wafer. I switched to the no-tape 2 piece Hollister. It worked for a while.

Then I started experiencing leaks. I needed convexity. I then used the Hollister no-tape 2 piece CONVEX. It was fine.

Then I got a yeast infection under my wafer. It persists despite Nystatin powder, oral diflucan, and just about anything else I've tried. It's been about 2 months. I'm so frustrated. My WOCN says I should try a different wafer to "give my skin new life" but there are not many my sensitive skin + convexity needs will work with.

Convatec adhesive sends my skin into huge hives after just a day, Coloplast sensura was GREAT on my skin, but leaked after less than a day because I used a flat wafer, not a convex one. My WOCN says there is no sensitive skin convex wafer from Coloplast.

I don't know what else to do. I've ordered some samples from cymed, but I don't think they have convexity, and after reading everyone else's comments on the cymed post, I'm not sure what to wear with it if I can't use a barrier ring.

I'm so frustrated and scared I'll never find anything to work with my skin and convexity needs. It's so frustrating listening to everyone who can get 7 days wear time and have no problems. My stupid sensitive skin is making my life hell.

Does anyone have a light at the end of my tunnel? I feel I've exhausted all my options.

I have skin problems and use the Coloplast Sensura Flex with convex wafer. It is what the Coloplast rep recommended for sensitive skin. (Your WOC nurse was incorrect.) It works great for me.

The only other brand that worked on my skin was a Marlen one-piece UltraMax which was also convex.

To get samples from Coloplast call 1-888-726-7872.

For Marlen: 216-292-7060 or go to their website at www.marlenmfg.com/index.html and click "Request a Sample" at the top right of the page.

My other suggestion is to use the Smith & Nephew tincture of benzoin spray. It stings like fire but will clear up and protect your skin. It also makes the wafer stick better, but you must let it dry first (use a hair drier on low).

That is what has finally worked for me. I hope it works for you too.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I was so scared to read the replies because I was afraid I'd hit more brick walls!!

But honestly, THANK YOU all for your thoughtful replies.

Ohio, I have tried the convex barrier rings with other flat wafers, and I'm not sure why, but they don't work at all--I still leak. Is the Coloplast Assura convex? AND no tape? (fingers crossed!) Keep us posted on the cymed with convexity!

WeirdBeard, thank you so much for your info. I will give all of those things a try.

Tracy, I see a derm for other things but never considered asking about this. I feel like people who don't know about ostomies would freak out seeing one! I will check with my derm to see their thoughts on treating me though. Good to have another option.

Again, thank you all.

Stephanie- Ask your nurse about the Kenalog spray. It's expensive but I used it every time I change and I don't have irritation.

yup you can get coloplast Assura AND Sensura in convex. I've tried both. No tape on either as coloplast doesn't have tape on any of their products. If the Coloplast Sensura flat worked for you, hopefully the convex will too. I know you have the skin problems, but i can't remember if you said you can use eakin or not. If you can, have you ever tried just eakin stretched around the stoma with Sensura flat? that's what I use now after trying 8 different systems because of leaks and skin issues. I needed convexity, but all the convex wafers popped off and would only stick about 1/2 right around my stoma. The plain old eakin and flat wafer acts just like convexity. It works great, 7 days every time. (i had problems with convex rings under flat wafers too)

As for the yeast infection not healing, i think seeing a dermatologist is a great idea! There may even be one in a local hospital that has experience with ostomy skin issues. Also maybe you should try DuoDerm. You can put your wafer on right over it and its specifically designed to help heal skin.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers! Good luck!!

betsaronie
When I tried convex wafers in the past they came off just as you said in about two hours. ......only stuck 1/2 inch around my stoma. Right now I am wearing a convatec convex one piece and so far (15 hours) it is sticking really well.

Dan

Yes, Rosemary, thankfully I am. That is a major reason I'm so frustrated; my job is AMAZING and I am so scared to put it in jeopardy or not be able to do it.