Ileostomy

Hello.  Having been diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2025 I am on a imunotherapy treatment every 6 weeks as initial CT scan and surgery showed that removal of cancer polyps was risky. So having had an ileostomy I am well on the way of servicing stoma bags et al and still experimenting with a range of products available to make this easier regarding leakage and skin irritation etc.

What I have read in various blogs regards leakage and emptying I think I may have resolved some of the problems. 

1. Do not allow the discharge to become too liquidous. Limit high fibre foods and take Loperamide as prescribed.

2. Spay the inside of the bag with olive oil before application as this will assist the "squeezed" flow

3. Gents, in particular, don't wear belts or anything that compresses the top of the bag. I wear loose fitting joggers at home and revert to good old braces when outside or exercising. (Bag servicing is not a problem)

4. Before bed, empty bag and ensure it stays on the outside of the waist band of pyjamas or shorts. This allows some flow in the horizontal position providing you lie on your back. 

5. Use barrier spray or wipes after cleaning the skin and allow 20-30 seconds for the alcohol to evaporate before attachment. During this time, prepare the bag by removing protective films and papers etc.

6. Use plenty of barrier extenders or adhesive and ensure the extenders overlap the bag backing (as per instructions!)

Hope these comments help. To add to my problems recently I developed a Stoma Prolapse of about 70mm. This has been tucked backin to my bowel!