Stoma Appliances

tippgal84

Hi All, Im wondering if people have issues with the appliances and suffer leaks on a regular basis. I know its all about getting a system and the product that suits you. How many times are people out for dinner or in a social situation where their appliance lets them down? Is there something we need developed that would help us out of sticky situations?

Qreq

Hi. I don't have a stoma, but I have a close relative with one. We discuss their equipment and issues when they feel the need, and we attend support group meetings which are open to all ostomates (ileo-, colo-, and ur-). From what I hear in support groups, there's a wide range of experiences. Some people have few practical issues, and some have many. Some people are not psychologically affected by the operation and lifestyle, and some are deeply affected. They support each other, maybe listen to a talk about coping or another topic, and chat about their experiences if they feel like it, maybe learning a tip or two. If you'd like to check out such a group, contact IA Ireland (ireland.iasupport.org/contact) who will point you to the nearest one or help you set up a closer one. If you're in Tipp, I believe your nearest option is Waterford at the moment.

My relative is one of the ones who had leakage, pancaking, and equipment issues. It took some trial and error to find a product that suited them well, so don't stick with whatever equipment and accessories you were given first if you are having ongoing problems. Your stoma care nurse should be able to give alternatives, and they should be spread across a variety of companies. Some available are, BBraun, Convatec, Dansac, Eakin, Opus Healthcare to name only a few. There are products to reduce bag inflation, odour, pancaking, skin irritation, form a better seal around your stoma, and more.

*To state the obvious, have an "emergency bag" with you at all times containing the products you need for cleaning/emptying/changing as necessary, so that if you're surprised by an accident, you can pop into the nearest bathroom to deal with it.

*A large, but light summery scarf can be worn or stashed in a handbag year-round which you can pull out if you have an accident, and tie around your waist to cover any stains on your clothes while making your way to the bathroom.

*You can get a "can't wait" toilet card from either IA Ireland or one of the ostomy product companies. This is a business card-sized thing you'd show people in a toilet queue to explain you have an urgent need to skip ahead for medical reasons. The card isn't legally enforceable, but should encourage decent people to let you skip.

*You can get a travel certificate from IA Ireland or one of the stoma product companies. You use this when going through metal detectors, airport security, and the like. This isn't a legal document, but it states that you've medical equipment attached to your body that shouldn't be interfered with, that you need a private room and a medically trained person present for further searching; it has your GP's name and contact details. All that information is provided in multiple languages on the cert so that you can use it on holiday in other countries.

Hope this helps.

ps
There's a national IA meeting in Ashling Hotel, Dublin on October 22, 2016, from 12-4.30pm. There'll be some product exhibitions from different companies probably, free samples, and talks. If you like, you can confirm this with the contact I mentioned earlier in the post. No invite is needed and admission is free. All ostomates and their supporters are welcome.

LegacyUser

Hi I have a stoma had colostomy opp in september my stoma has reduced in size to 15mm and I have a lot of irritation n some swelling around stoma at what size does it stop decreasing

tippgal84

Hi there, not sure if you meant at what time or size it stops changing......i've had 5 different stomas and each were totally different. If you have swelling and iritation betnovate cream was a helpful healer for me -sparingly to allow the falnge stick properly. Obvious things like cutting your flange to size and protect as much skin as possible. Drying properly to ensure your flange sticks.

For me it was 2-3 months for the stoma to stay at a set size. Although due to peristalsis the stoma can change size even as you look at it. Having a colostomy means it will be slighter larger than an ileostomy further up the intestine.

Sorry not to be more helpful... if youre worried its more aggravated than you feel it should be do reach out to your stoma nurse.

Best of luck and get in touch if you need anything else.