Leakage

Hi FiveO 

Oh, it’s so annoying isn’t it? I have a permanent colostomy and a urostomy rather than an ileostomy, but the challenges can be the same with leakages! 

Early emptying is of course the first thing, but sometimes we forget or don’t realise. I would never go out for the day without a small bag of “just in case” supplies. I usually take 2 of everything and a change of clothes. I’ve been caught out before and been glad I’ve had this with me.

I make sure that I’ve got a good fix on each bag-pressing and holding after I’ve stuck it onto my skin. I also use flange extenders-brava elastic strips-which I can put round the bag to help it stay on. I also use fusion independence applicator sticks, which are little sticks impregnated with adhesive which I use over my skin before I attach my bag.

These things give me that extra bit of confidence which is helpful. 

Sarah xx

We all dread it.

The basics are:

Ensure your skin is dry and free from moisturiser, soap  etc;

Clean the area with cold water, dry and use an adhesive remover wipe as a final clean;

Apply a Fusion stick to the area to prime the skin;

Flex the pouch to agitate the adhesive and apply the pouch working from the centre outwards, pressing firmly;

Then - the piece de resistance - apply a pair of Brava elastic strips (obtained from your stoma supplier).

This system works well for me and I have no fear of going out, flying abroad, etc.

Dulac

Oh dear FiveO - as you say at least this happened you at home. And experience is a good teacher.

I have a colostomy so a bit different but I noticed my occasional leak when the bag needed emptying would come from a weakness in the seal to the skin. Both Sarah and Dulac have made a full set of sensible suggestions so the only thing I’d add is to make sure there are no wrinkles or creases anywhere. Pressure will force open the tiniest gap and lead to an unwelcome event! 

Very good point! Wrinkles and creases are the enemy of us bag users! 

Sarah xx

With my body shape (or lack of!) Wrinkles and creases are a foregone conclusion!!  Thanks for all the replies.

Hi FiveO ,

I hope this is helpful to share, I've had so many disastrous leaks from my ileostomy it (almost) broke my confidence but 2 months in and I've learnt a few tricks that work for me. 

1. Change bag type: I needed to go from a flat bag to a soft convex maxi pouch, this has a large flange and surrounding the ileostomy nub is a big dimple that keeps the bag tight to the skin, especially closest to the nub. This comes with a belt that also keeps everything pressed onto the skin.

2. Dry the skin: all the usual steps, clean, wipe and dry followed by a stint with the hairdryer on cool setting. Just a gentle breeze, if you watch closely you can see the peristomal skin dry up. Mine had been red and raw and the bag refused to stick, even with stoma powder. The leaks made the skin worse, it was a vicious cycle. Hairdryer was a game changer for me. 

3. Brava Seal: this is a flat doughnut shaped disc made of sticky malleable stuff, you can ask your stoma nurse about adding it to your order. I have found them so helpful, especially with a little practice making the hole fit snugly around the nub, protecting the peristomal skin. It's made of hydrocolloid (same as the stoma bag flange) this stuff is great for healing.

4. Bag temperature: easiest and best tip, warm the bag up before you stick it on. I pop the bag under my armpit whilst I do all the other stuff but a windowsill would work in summer. The glue sticks better when warm. 

Finally, remember leaks happen to everyone, but there's usually a solution. Your stoma nurse probably has solutions for your specific challenge if we can't help. 

Good luck x