Leaks!

So sorry to hear about the lesks.

Can the stoma nurses offer any advice about trying a different type  of bag?

I had a urostomy 6 weeks ago and so rar I have had no problems.

I’m using a concave bag because it suits my body shape best.

Good luck with getting this probkem sorted. ️ 

Kiko

Yes, I’m in contact with the stoma nurses - probably should have made more use of them previously.

Hi Bagman 

It’s so dispiriting having frequent leaks isn’t it? I have had my stomas for morethan 3 years but have had periods where this happened to me. I’ll tell you the things which helped me and maybe you’ll find something in this that might help.

I had 2 creases, one on either side which were the main cause of my leaks. I found Trio stoma gel was easy to use to fill these before attaching the bag. I also used the aloe rings and changed to convex bags from flat bags.

Now I use Independence Fusion applicators which are like lollipop sticks to wipe extra adhesive round the stoma when I change the bag, and Brava Elastic flange extenders which stick round the bag for better adhesion. These were in the recommendation of my stoma nurse and were game changers for me.

Sometimes I would have leaks almost as soon as I put the bag on, but now any leaks are rare. From changing the bag every 20 minutes at one stage, that never happens now. I usually change my bag daily, but not always. I put my current bag on on Friday morning, and will change it this morning. It hasn’t leaked once.

I really hope you can find something which helps you as much. 

Sarah xx

Thanks Sarah - is the gel easy enough to get out again? My nurse mentioned “paste” (which she described as “like polyfilla”!) but said it’s a bit of a pain to get out again. But pretty sure my creasy thing is a maor cause of leaks.

I tried the paste and didn’t get on with it at all-too messy and I found it quite difficult to use and clean up afterwards. I didn’t find the gel messy at all and you don’t need to get it out again-it’s easy to clean away as part of your changing routine. It’s clear and in a small tube. Trio Healthcare are happy to send a free sample to try, along with many of their other products. I no longer need to use it as my other things mean I don’t need it now.

Sarah xx

Thanks. I’ve ordered some samples from Fusion and have ordered some “Trio Silken” gel from amazon. How do the flange extenders work? I use Hollister bags and they have the thicker flange but then an adhesive section (more like a plaster) on the outside - do the extenders go on your skin and then the bag goes on top? (Sorry for all the querstions but I don’t think I really got enough info when I first had the op!).

Yes, it’s the Trio Silken Gel I used. I use Hollister bags for my urostomy too, and the flange extenders go on after you put the bag on-one on either side of the bag, and sticking on the part where the bag sticks to your skin and your skin itself to provide a good seal. They are sort of banana shaped, just peel off the adhesive and stick on.

If you look online, mine are from Coloplast and you will see what they look like-it’s quite hard to explain! I have had to learn everything myself by trial and error and advice from my stoma nurse in the community as I got no information at all in hospital after surgery. I wasn’t taught how to change my bags or given any tips, but I think that may have been because I was on a gynae ward due to the nature of my surgery, rather than urology, and my nurses hadn’t dealt with stomas before.

Sarah xx

Awesome, thanks  have ordered some samples of the extenders as well - but will also talk to the nurses. 

Good luck with the products.I hope you can get this problem sorted it must be very dispiriting.Best wishes Jane 

Thank you - you’re right, it makes me almost too worried to go out at times. And has certainly meant I ride my bike less, so put weight on etc - it’s a real problem. But really good to hear others have had the same problem and sorted it!