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Posted 12/20/2011 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone! Im fairly new to having an ileostomy and everything was going fine for the first while, but the past two weeks or so i keep continually having problems trying to get my wafer to stick. I use a coloplast two piece and use strip paste every time, but for some reason with the last few wafers i find that after a day or two the entire top half of the wafer is peeling down and i can see right to the strip paste which is the only thing keeping it on. I have no idea why these wafers dont want to stick to my skin and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or if there is something else i should be using to help it stick longer
Posted 12/20/2011 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there.. sorry to hear you're having trouble. what are you using on your skin when you change? any sort of cream which might affect the wafer? or a skin barrier wipe like Cavillon which helps it stick? might be a bad batch of bags??
Posted 12/20/2011 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Chris,

Do try the Cavillon. I find it to be very helpful. I also switched to the newer coloplast system than they gave us in the hospital. I find it to be more secure. You can call the company and they will send you samples.

I am using the wafer code: 10025
and the pouches: 11135

And, I also reduced the amount of strip paste I am using. I am now only using 1/2 a strip.

One more tip - try taping all around the wafer, or get some sure seals. I tape with a breathable surgical tape and I find it also helps to keep it on.

Lastly, have you used any moisturizers, or have you been sweating more than normal?

Email me if you have anymore questions.

How did it go with your follow-up?
Posted 12/21/2011 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
I had same problems when had my ileo done 20 years ago. Was sent home with coloplast when I cam eout of hospital and for first 2 months they were fine then all of a sudden found bags wouldn't stick properly so canhed on convatec and have stayed with them ever since. Get samples from all the companies and cut little bits from the wafer and stick to your stomach and leave for a few days to make sure no skin irritation issues. Sounds odd but better to do this than find out a new wafer causes skin irritation after sticking it on around stoma and have sore skin there. Then try all the ones that are fine on the skin and see which you like best.
Posted 12/21/2011 4:39 AM (GMT 0)
I also have major issues with keeping coloplast wafers stuck to my skin. What I found that works for me is to tape around the outer edges with Nu Hope adhering tape strips and this keeps the wafer stuck.

Since I don't like worrying about this with coloplast, I alternate between Hollister and Convatec. I never have to use extra tape with these.
Posted 12/21/2011 4:45 AM (GMT 0)
I also agree with asking for some samples of other products. Also, I have a problem with severe sweating and I find that can really effect my wafer wear time. If you aren't using some kind of skin prep wipe that has a sticky coating to it, I would definitely advise that! I use the no sting skin prep by smith & nephew. It's great- you can use it on broken skin because its alcohol free and the stickiness helps the wafer stick!

As someone else mentioned as well, sure seals are amazing! They seriously were life changing for me. My confidence increased expontentially and it also keeps the wafer in place. I find it works better than tape, which I have also used lots of, but to each his own!
Posted 12/21/2011 10:02 AM (GMT 0)
I wear the coloplast, but a few months out of surgery I was having a lot of problems with them sticking, and my nurse switched me to a convex wafer. My belly was a little soft. This did the trick.

She also had me push my belly so it was flatter when I put the wafer. That helps a lot too. Some of the other brands have more rigid wafers, and you should definitely try them, but I started on the convatec and didn't like how stiff it was.... but I can see how people have fewer problems w/it peeling up that way.

Agree w/everyone on the sure seals.
Posted 12/21/2011 12:13 PM (GMT 0)
just one question for all menbers, do you use ostomy belts!!!!
Posted 12/21/2011 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
I wear an ostomy belt 24/7 (except for showers!). I just feel more secure that way....especially when waking up at night with a full bag hanging off of me! Don't have to worry about the weight of the bag pulling on the wafer, etc.
Posted 12/21/2011 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
I've never worn one.
Posted 12/22/2011 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
I have never worn one. I have never felt the need.

Dan
Posted 12/22/2011 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
Never worn one and never needed one.
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