I'm having a problem we ith stoma bags. They pancake on me & blow up like a balloon. Nurses have tired me on different bags & seals so far no luck. Can anyone recommend anything??
Hi Ange and welcome to the stoma group.
Could you share with us what kind of stoma you have, colostomy or ileostomy, and what you’ve tried so far in terms of bags etc? In the group our members have different types of stomas so it might help you get connect with people in the same situation who can advise.
I have a permanent colostomy so use closed bags (I don’t drain them from the bottom end of the bag). The first thing I’d be looking at is your diet to see if you could make any changes which would maybe give less wind to reduce the amount of air? Maybe try to reduce the amount of vegetables, for example green veg like cauliflower and broccoli, also spicy foods, onions, eggs. I’ve found dairy products can affect me too so I try not to have too much of that.
Fruit juice and fizzy drinks can also cause too much wind. I try to chew my food well, and eat slowly, as eating quickly can make you take in more air. Chewing gum has the same effect. Also, I find it better to eat small, regular meals without eating large portions in one sitting.
One tip for pancaking I don’t know if you’ve tried, but a little bit of baby oil around the bag opening can help your output drop into the bag more easily. You just need to try not to get it on the seal.
What make/type of bag are you currently using? Are you having issues all the time or just after eating?
I’m sure many of will have experienced the same kinds of issues, so hopefully others will be along soon with some advice and tips for you.
Sarah xx
