Pouch + exercise = Frustration

[Herndog]

I had my surgery in Feb of this year and I feel great now! Yeah!! I have always been a very active person. I work in a restaurant, so I duck, slide, dip , squat all the time. And I recently started working out with weights, running and playing tennis. My problem is my ostomy pouch doesn't last but one or two days. I use a Hollister two piece and use the belt. I know sweating a lot doesn't help but wondering if anyone had any tips. Maybe a different brand that works better? Thanks Kelly

 

[GutlessWonder86]

hi Kelly,

I've been an ileostomate for 27 yrs. since the age of 17. Many of the members of the ostomy support group I belong to have found that Hollister doesn't really stick to them as well so they've called Convatec for free samples or even a free month's supply if they were fresh from surgery.

I've been using Convatec for a while but have tried hollister and have found that it doesn't stick as well to my abdomen and either fell off or leaked big time so I went back to what worked very well.

Here is some information on Convatec for you.

http://www.convatec.com/concierge.aspx

They have wound care nurses that answer the phone if ostomates have questions or issues with their appliance. I've used this service several times, even when I got a bad batch of wafers (they leaked after 3 hrs.), they were kind enough to replace what I lost.

Hope this helps.

 

[DJW]

Hey. I switched from holister to convatec and have been very pleased. I recommend Eakin seals for extra security. I used to lift weights when I was younger. Make sure you get a support belt designed for ostomies. I pushed about 3 feet of intestine through the muscle wall resulting in major surgery to fix it. I use the support belt now.

 

[Minionaire]

I am a relative newbie (6 months post-op, permanent ileostomy), but have found a combination that works for me. I use the hollister 2-piece with a Salts "secuplast" sealant ring. This has increased the wafer life from 1-2 days to 6-9 days! Very very effective, even for hot and sweaty workouts (even saunas and steam rooms don't really affect the adhesion).

I tried other brands but really wanted to get the hollister 2-piece to work because I find their wafers to be most comfortable because of the fabric type flexible surround. In combination with the secuplast seal, I'm very happy with the durability of the adhesion around my Stoma.

Hope this helps!

 

[Crohn'sFor Life]

Cymed one piece works for me. I swim and lift weights...and sometimes sit in a hot tub with that bag. No problems yet.

 

[annawato]

Hi Herndog, nice to see you on the forum again.
Trying lots of different brands is probably the best solution. I know Pops recommends a product called benzoin that his ER recommended. Apparently it is amazing how it improves the stick factor.
Also the basics -use only warm water to clean around your stoma and don't use any creams, making sure your skin is completely dry before applying, warming the base plate before applying and holding your hand over it for a couple of minutes after applying.
Do you use a barrier wipe? These are meant to help with the stickiness as well as protecting the skin. Also brava elastic tape around the edges for added security.
That said, I only get a couple of days from mine before i get irritated skin around my stoma from leakage. Paste helps, even though it hurts like hell when applied! I know I found Hollister, Salts and Coloplast didn't suit my skin but other people love theirs.
Good luck in your quest to find the perfect solution,

 

[annawato]

The other thing I wondered about is hair removal for men? Does this affect how long your bag lasts and how do you all do it? Being a woman I don't have this problem but I would imagine it may be a problem for men. (Yes my husband is hairy!) (nice hairy )

 

[Jim (POPS)]

Herndog,
I know what you mean. I had the same problum, but a friend that works in the ER turned me on to Benzoin. This stuff is the BEST. cost around $10 a bottle and will last about 6 + months. You got to try it, you will be happy you did. BTW, when it comes time to change your bag it comes off clean and EZ. I could wear a bag for 4 days with no leaks.

http://www.totalhomecaresupplies.co...yName=MX_409&gclid=CLvosq7qmLkCFYaDQgod2woAnA