Anyone had a stoma ?

[Perfidious Albion]

I didn't know what it was until I googled it and all I can say is that I hope I never have to have one.... Get well soon mate , my very best wishes

 

[The Mole]

My best man had a stoma. He managed to fly out to the wedding in South Africa with no problems. Quite funny when we were on a game drive and the ranger asked the questions about any medical conditions to see the reactions of people around us. But it showed me that you shouldn't be embarrassed and you shouldn't let it stop you doing things - the more open about it, the more people admire you for facing up to it.

Good luck and I hope everything gets back to normal soon.

 

[Spider]

Ms spider replying...
As a nurse I have had a few experiences of dealing with stoma bags... I would say that with your problem (which isn't uncommon) getting an adequate seal is vital. If you're finding that the bag itself isn't providing this you could try duoderm which is a protective dressing (acts as an extra layer of skin). This can help to assist in the bag sticking as it's not straight to the skin which can obviously sweat etc. I would definitely recommend you visit your stoma nurse as they know so much and will be very willing to help. They are experts and will have experience in any problem you may come across. I'm sure you'll get it sorted....just don't be afraid to ask for help

 

[Tricky Dicky]

Ms spider replying...
As a nurse I have had a few experiences of dealing with stoma bags... I would say that with your problem (which isn't uncommon) getting an adequate seal is vital. If you're finding that the bag itself isn't providing this you could try duoderm which is a protective dressing (acts as an extra layer of skin). This can help to assist in the bag sticking as it's not straight to the skin which can obviously sweat etc. I would definitely recommend you visit your stoma nurse as they know so much and will be very willing to help. They are experts and will have experience in any problem you may come across. I'm sure you'll get it sorted....just don't be afraid to ask for help

Thanks. Two weeks in and I think I basically have one issue. I seem to have two areas on my tummy where the bag does not stick very well, and that is where I get leaks. My stoma nurse says I have a skin crease which seems to be the issue - maybe bacause I've lost so much weight over the last 6 months, so now I'm eating and putting on weight again it may help.

When we had an issue last night we applied a special stoma adhesive paste, both to me and to the bag and crossed fingers, so far has held. My sister being a nurse has just said she has duoderm in the car, so that could be another option.

I feel that if I can get over this hurdle, get a seal I am confident with, and moreover one I can do myself, then I just may be able to get through. I think I gave a bit of a trial and learning experience to go through to get to that point though.

 

[pasty]

Hey Rich, sorry to hear about all these problems you're having. I just had a chat with Jann as she has had to change stoma bags as part of her work being a carer. A little tip she asked me to pass on is when changing the bag it is often best to keep the replacement bag next to your body for a while before applying the adhesive, to bring it up to your own body temperature. She found this often helped with keeping it in place.

Wishing you all the best mate.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

Hey Rich, sorry to hear about all these problems you're having. I just had a chat with Jann as she has had to change stoma bags as part of her work being a carer. A little tip she asked me to pass on is when changing the bag it is often best to keep the replacement bag next to your body for a while before applying the adhesive, to bring it up to your own body temperature. She found this often helped with keeping it in place.

Wishing you all the best mate.

Thanks Jon. We were aware that warming the new bag might help with the sticking, it is something we're trying to do, it all helps. It's all a learning process but I've just managed to go out to a resturant for lunch, so all is not lost. At least since the op I can actually eat now, which after 8 months of not eating is a real bonus.

 

[fat old seagull]

Sincerest best wishes on that mate. Feel a bit helpless as I can't give you any sensible advice but wish you well.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

Nearly three weeks in and made some progress with this thing. A few accidents but getting there. Had a very low day on Monday, but with some sleep things seem to be on the up agsin. This is auite tough, but hey ho, just got to get on with it.