Ileostomy bag not sticking

[hbonsky]

ileostomy bag not sticking

My 4 year old had his colon removed about a month ago and now has an ileostomy. We use the convatec one piece drainable pouches with the stomahesive paste, but can not get them to stick any longer than a day. Sometimes we have to change it several times a day and can't figure out what to do. The area is dry when we put it on. The pouch does not leak or detach from the bottom, but starts to pull off on the top. I thought it was because the bag was getting heavy, so I empty it often. It still is not sticking at the top.
Any suggestions on what we can do? There are so many options and I am overwhelmed on what to do.

 

[Nyx]

I'd call the ostomy companies and get them to send you out some samples. It may not be the brand for your son...so get some freebies and try them all out. But, in the meantime, if you can get your hands on some tegaderm, put that over the top of the flange and that should stick it in place.

Is any of his output leaking at the top? And do you use seals or paste as well? If there's leakage, the paste or seals will help with that.

Good luck...sorry you have to deal with this with such a young little man! You're all very brave

 

[hopeful]

In my experience, quit the paste and use the Covatec Eakin seals instead. With the paste I had trouble all the time.

 

[Crohn'sGirl]

I agree with trying the eakin seal. I have never tried the paste but I have had no trouble with the seal. Also I use a two piece system which you might want to try. I know I have read there is a tape you can use around the edges to help keep the wafer on. I know some people can only use a certain company so you may want to look into that. Are you using a wafer with a tape edge? I know for me that offers more support so its not just the wafer attached to me.let us know if you find something that works. Hope things get better for you and your son. I'll pray they do.

 

[Gav]

All of the advice given above is pretty complete. I'd certainly try a new type of bag. It took me a few different samples to work out what worked best with my skin. We all have different skin types so what works for one might not work for another. Best to try many samples to find the right combination of bags/sprays/pastes/seals that may do the trick.

Gav

 

[Terriernut]

You are very strong dealing with a 4 year old and an ileostomy. While you are waiting for more samples to come from Convatec, Coloplast, Hollister, etc., do you have any normal medical tape on hand? At a pinch it can make a big difference for you! The tegaderm is the best of course. But normal medical tape will do while you source the other supplies and tegaderm.

I agree, seals are better than paste. I use the Salts seals. They are very pliable.

Hugs and good luck xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[glum chump]

How frustrating it must be for the both of you in dealing with this!

Everyone else has offered great advice. The only thing I'd add is to say that you might want to try out the Cavilon No-Sting spray. The spray helps to protect the skin (especially if there's leakage getting on your little ****oo's skin), and helps with adhesion. After you dry the skin, just spray a little bit on, and then put the Eakin ring or the Adapt ring (made by Hollister) and then the appliance.

For added security, you could use the Sure Seals. They're shaped kind of like a CD and work similarly to Tegaderm. They fit over the wafer for added security. And then there's the 'picture frame' method where you get waterproof tape (I've used 3M micropore and Nexcare waterproof tape - reasonably priced - under $5) and use the tape around the wafer (half of the tape on the wafer, the other half on his skin).

The only other suggestion I have for ease with the top of the wafer is to use some sort of lubrication in the bag. I've used Hollister's Lubricating Deodorant...it helps to keep the output sliding to the lower part of the bag. Hollister had sent me six small samples of this and they worked really well. To be 'non-fancy', you could spray a little bit of Pam (the cooking spray) in to the bag as well and see if that helps. Its worked for me.

I wish you both lots of leak-free days ahead,

Kismet

 

[PsychoJane]

*Are you using a bag that has a filter? If not, maybe that could help. I'm guessing that even without being heavy, if the bag is inflated it can break from the pressure of the gas.

*I don't know if you heard of the hairdryer's tip. You can dry before applying but you can also, just heat the flange a bit after you stick it. It allows it to "mold" to the body better. I don't know if that would help.

*I would maybe try a 2 pieces system even though it might involve more manipulations. Because mechanically talking, there is less weight involvement at the top of the wafer with a 2 piece system than with a 1 piece.

*I would also maybe consider a pediatric belt if you don't already have one. It clips on the wafer to keep it stable on the body so it helps to stick the wafer for longer. Or you may want to try finding some sort of bandana, or extensible fabric band that you could just fit over the bag so it stabilize it a bit, appart from the clothing. I guess these technical things are more complicated with a young boy.

I hope this helps! Good luck

 

[hbonsky]

Thank You everyone for the suggestions. I am going to start to try some and see what will work best for him. I actually got one bag to stay on for 2 and 1/2 days!! That's my record so far

 

[Terriernut]

Heather, hows it's going on your little one?? Any better?? Anything longer than 2 1/2 days yet?

 

[hbonsky]

Things have been getting a little better. We are getting his bag to stay on for 2-3 days at a time with the use of tape to hold it in place. Every couple weeks we have a bad day where we have to change the bag 3-4 times a day. But, definately an improvement over the past few weeks.