Loop ileostomy

I also have a loop ileostomy - it's 6 years now and I had major issues in the beginning. Both parts were short and squashed for me and pancaking and leaks made things tough to deal with, but swapping to a concave bag solved the problems for me, so it might be worth a try?

Thank you Mandy, I have the concave bags and a belt, they both help but I feel like I’m fighting a battle every day. I’m only 4 weeks post operation, I think you’re right about one day at a time but some days are hard. Jill xxx

I remember that feeling really well - it took me a good 3 months before things settled down for me - I was constantly sore and struggled to sleep with all the leaks. 
I really hope things improve for you soon- 6 years on and I can eat what I want and have very few problems - so much so, that I decided not to go for a reversal.

Thank you so much for your support Mandy, I know I have to be more patient but it’s hard, I’m on my own now having lost my partner 3 years ago. Sometimes I just want to have a moan, sorry. Jill xx

Please don't apologise!!! We all need to moan and you are more than entitled to with all you are dealing with on your own!! This forum kept me going through some very dark days and nights - moan away!!! ️️️

Mandy you’ve made my day, it’s been so lovely to speak to you. You’ve made me feel so much happier, thank you. Love Jill xxx

I'm really glad - Always here if you need a moan xxx

My loop ileostomy sounds as if it is the same as yours. I had trouble at first (2021) and the solution was to use a concave drainable bag - which suited the parastomal hernia - in conjunction with a Fusion stick and Brava elastic tape. The key to success was learning to match the odd shape of the stoma to the cut out in the pouch flange. A simple circle doesn't work and causes leaks. I cut the pouches myself using the special blunt nose scissors and have now got it down to a fine art for a close fit. Works a treat!

Dulac 

Hi Dulac thank you so much for your advice, all really welcome, unfortunately I don’t know what a Fusion stick is nor the Brava tape. Where can I get them and what do they do. I do use the concave pouches. I try hard to get the shape of the pouch flange right. I’m seeing my stoma nurse tomorrow so I’ll ask him to check I’m cutting it to the correct shape and size. 
thanks Jill x

Hi Jill11 abd welcome to the group.

Dulac and I are big advocates for the fusion sticks and elastic strips and both of us recommend them quite frequently!

the “sticks” are Independence Fusion Applicators which look a bit like a lolly pop stick, and they have a glue/barrier adhesive on the end which you put on the skin around your stoma to help with adhesion. Brava Elastic Strips are adhesive strips which go round your bag once it has been attached. 

I was able to add both of these products to my stoma supply prescription when they were originally recommended to me by my stoma nurse. I have both a permanent colostomy and a urostomy, and I have found these invaluable in helping with bag adhesion. You could request a free sample of either from your stoma supply company, or any supply company online, or your stoma nurse might be able to show you them. A very accurate fit is important too, and if your stoma nurse confirms the accurate sizing then you could arrange for your supply company to send the bags pre cut so you don’t have to do the cutting yourself. I find this much easier personally.

Sarah xx