Posted 7/19/2012 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so frustrated. I got my temp ileostomy on May 25th. I have been managing OK up until now and was starting to feel more confident about leaving the house for any length of time. I have really had no issues (well - there was that time when I forgot to close the tail on the bag when I put a new one on - oops) and I have only been changing my wafer every 4 to 6 days. In the last 3 days, however, I have had a leak every night either just before bed or in the middle of the night. I've started using Sure Seals. When I ordered them I didn't think I would really need them but thought they would make me feel more secure. Thank goodness I have them because they seem to control the leaks.
I am using a two piece Convatec system with a convex flange. Not sure why I am having issues all of the sudden. I've gained a couple pounds back since my surgery, but my stomach where I have to apply the wafer is still fairly flat. The leak always seems to start in the same place. Not sure why the leaks are happening, but it has shaken my confidence a little and I feel like I've taken a step backwards. My husband wants to go away for a vacation in August but I don't feel like I want to venture away from home for fear of having an issue.
I feel like I'm putting my life on hold until I can get the reversal done. I feel bad for saying that because I know an ileostomy has changed so many peoples' lives in a very positive way. For me, however, it was unexpected and I can't wait until it is gone.