need tips: tape irritating, barrier leaking and sticking too much, bag pancaking

I didn't expect things to change so much after going sort of OK for 3 months after colostomy, but suddenly I have new problems.  I've been reading everyone's recommendations on products, and they've been helpful!  I'm calling manufacturers for samples but don't know what types of products to try. 

I'm getting irritation from my barriers, think it's from the tape, but it could be from any adhesive.  Currently using Coloplast.

Can I cut off the tape?  Benadryl helps at night, but can't take it during the day.

I'm also having trouble with the barrier sticking so hard I have an awful time getting it off without ripping skin, even using adhesive remover.  I've given up on paste and Eakin rings.  I'm only using skin prep (basically a plastic coating).

My stoma is oval, irregular 7/8 x 1 1/4 and I think still enlarging, sticking out a lot more.  It's doubled since installed.  Doc isn't worried, but I am a little concerned.  The "moldable" barriers are supposed to roll up, but don't stay rolled, and I have to cut them to fit.  There is always a little irritating, painful leakage.  I've tried the Eakin rings, paste, powder and am just using the skin prep.  Should I stop the skin prep?  One piece bag is too hard to put on accurately because I can't see through the bag.  I'm trying one today, but still itching like mad.

Bags with filters pancake with the slightest touch of clothing.  That's a problem with fairly firm output.  It stays and gets forced under the barrier.  Bags without filters poof up like balloons.  I have a fair amount of gas.  Would using the filter covers help contain a little of the gas, or are they strictly for showering? 

Thanks so much to everyone who posts!  I have no help at home, no ostomy nurse available.  Visits to surgeon don't answer these types of questions. 

Thanks, Sarah. I think you may be right about the filters being part of the problem. It's difficult to burp put the gas from the bag while in public or driving, so I thought filters would help, and they do, but they cause more problems. I'm already using convex wafers. I'll order some spray adhesive remover. So far growing stoma looks normal, just doubled in size.

There's no such thing as a stoma nurse around here once you leave the hospital unless you are homebound, which I am not, and even when I was there was an insurance limit of one visit once I got home.

I called Convatec and got to talk to a nurse who said I might have a yeast infection instead of an adhesive allergy or sensitivity. It takes an Rx antifungal powder under all the other stuff to kill off yeast, she said.  The red area doesn't have any rash bumps like in online pictures, so I think it's a sensitivity, maybe like I have to some bandaids.  I get to see my hemorrhoid doc tomorrow, and he's a colorectal surgeon, so I'll ask him. If I ever get this thing reversed I have to get the hemorrhoids removed because they were contributing to the blockage big time. #2 supposed to get banded tomorrow.

Post Edited (Alcie) : 9/4/2012 2:13:47 PM (GMT-6)

Christine, what is clear moisture barrier ointment?  I've had leaks in two ConvaTec bags, so I guess none of them are completely reliable.  In my purse I carry everywhere the "starter bag" my supplier sent me with my first order.

Irritation is not from yeast.  I saw one of my docs today.  I had worn a one piece without tape, and my skin where tape had been was still pink and irritated but not under the pectin (or whatever the wafer is made of).  The thin barrier was lots more comfortable than the ones with plastic rings.  I wish I could find two piece like that.  All my supplies so far have been ConvaTec, but I requested samples from 2 other brands. Thanks to the forum for suggesting that!

Today I am trying a two piece with the tape cut off and no skin prep.  It's holding fine and not itching, but it's only been a few hours.  This wafer has a larger opening and can take a plastic ring to make it convex, but I left off the ring and my rabbit pellets aren't getting stuck in the wafer.  Stoma has lengthened, so I don't need wafer pushed in.  But is it OK for stoma to be constantly rubbing on the plastic bag?

 

I had an ostomy nurse in the hospital, but he was really new and his suggestions didn't work at all, the month I was there.  I think the ostomy nurse I was saw once at home would have solved the problems if I had been allowed more visits.