Cutting the stoma bag and a few other questions!

[mlockhurst]

Hi Everyone,

So I have had my stoma for 4 weeks now and so far I have been getting on ok with it. My stoma is round and is still in the shrinking process which is making it very difficult to know what size to cut the bag to. I have measured it and continue measuring it and its about 20-25 mm in roundness. Around the side of the stoma I have an area that is healing after the stoma shrunk and is very red. I am worried that its causing a bit of leakage as the stoma nurse has told me that because of the moisture the bag would not stick to that area as well but not to worry.

Ive noticed the last few days i cant seem to get the size right while cutting the bag. Ive been kind of doing a middle cut between the two and notice that sometimes it fits brilliantly and then after a while there are a few parts where it seems the wafer raises, and then there are other times when the same cut will be way to big. Ive noticed in the morning the stoma is very small, where through the day it starts to move up and down and gets a bit bigger!

Does anyone have any advice on cutting the bag. I know you can get them pre cut but until it stops shrinking theres no point. Ive also tried OstoGuard barrier cream which definately soothes but despite it saying the wafer will stick with no problems, it never seems to properly stick, even with the removal of the excess cream!

Also does anyone know of good products to use for around the stoma. How long can I leave a bag off. I was thinking it could be a good idea to give the skin around the stoma some air. Im not to worried if my digestion kicks in because Im happy to clean it off me, I just dont want to hurt the stoma!

Any help would be appreciated!
Thank you x

 

[2thFairy]

You might try the Brava Strip Paste made by Coloplast.

http://www.us.coloplast.com/products/ostomy/accessories/strippaste/

You mold it around the stoma and then put the bag on. It seals in all of the gaps and when it gets wet, it swells up around the stoma rather than pulling away from it. It also has stuff mixed in the paste strip that helps to heal up any skin breakdown you might have. It is really good stuff! You might be able to get a free sample to try if you contact Coloplast.

 

[Terriernut]

And the mouldable rings that you can get are brilliant as well. What does your stoma nurse say about those?

The first several weeks while it's shrinking are tough for sizing, I certainly remember. Thats why the stoma nurse got me some rings to use.

 

[Mummyg]

Hi, I use calomine lotion around my stoma, I suffered with a reaction to the make of bag and nothing was helping. My stoma nurse recommended it, so far in 9 weeks I have used a bottle.

A someone has said, the moulded rings are good too because if the cut is not just right you can mould it to fit.

I change my bag first thing in the morning, I have a shower without a bag and try and let as much air as i Can get to my skin, as it is the morning I find "Russell" (it's name) is quiet. I put on the calomine lotion and wait till it has dried.

Make sure you press down on the edge of the bag for a few minutes to allow it to stick.

Hope this helps

 

[mlockhurst]

Do you wash your hair and stuff with the bag off? Im a bit worried about soap getting into it? or making it funny? It probably sounds silly, but its so new to me still

 

[Terriernut]

Your stoma will LOVE the water. Dont worry about getting it wet or soap on it. Warm water is very good for bad skin. Dont know why, but it is.

 

[mlockhurst]

Thats awesome! thanks for the advice I will try tomorrow during my morning shower!

 

[Mummyg]

I love my shower, it makes me feel 'normal' again and I also feel clean.

If any leaks out in the shower I just out some bleach down.

Good luck

 

[Terriernut]

Yes, Stan is occasionally VERY naughty while I'm in the shower. I just yell at him and rinse and clean well when I'm done. While continuously berating the little F'er.

 

[2thFairy]

Bob was completely silent for hours so I decided to do a bag change. As soon as I had everything off and was reaching for gauze to cover him, he started going wild. I yelled out "Oh no you didn't!! What the ____!!" Apparently the dog was also getting herself into trouble at the same time and thought I was yelling at her. She took off running down the hall with her tail between her legs. Hahaha!

 

[Terriernut]

Yes, they certainly have their 'moments' and always, ALWAYS at the worst time. They do need a good telling off! Sorry the dog thought it was his fault!

 

[Pointy_ears]

I too had some issues getting comfy with Junior, I found camomile lotion helps and is easy to apply! Not confident enough to shower bag off yet as his out put is still settling down. I'm going to try the mouldable rings I got a free sample from charter/coloplast. And the elastic tape that they can send you to help smooth the breast plate and keep it stuck is a great optional extra.