Community Forum

I'm having my procto-colectomy September 8.  I need advice from a bunch of you on supplies.  One piece or two?  What brands?  What kinds of clips?  Deodrants?  I know these are all a matter of personal opinion, but I'm new at this and I'd like yours.

 Reply posted for Ang300.

Thanks, Ang300!  It's been six weeks now, and I'm able to eat like a horse again--AND I've been experiencing leaks as well as redness around my stoma.  I'll definitely look for extended wear.  I've been using the convatec moldable wafer with no derma-adhesive, which had been working fine--but lately it's been not quite so perfect.

 Reply posted for JE.

Use producst with "exended-wear" in their descriptions.  These products are made for ileostomies which have more acidic output than colostomies.

It took me several weeks to find this out when I had an ileostomy.  I had constant leakage and skin burning from every product until I learned about extended wear.

 Reply posted for JE.

Call Hollister as well.  They will send you a bunch of different supplies to try, including the Adapt Lubricant Deodorant.

 Reply posted for ronkrson.

Thanks, everyone.  I callled Convatec and they immediately sent me, free of charge, a large package of samples, which contained--in addition to other products--their two-piece moldable appliances.  They are great--I love not having to use that "wood putty" adhesive or scissors.  I'm also using the bags with the velcro closure, which is a whole lot more comfortable than using the clip.

 Reply posted for JE.

I had my ileostomy in May 2009.  I suggest you go to www.uoaa.org it is the United Ostomy Associations of America.  It is a site for Ostomy people and they have plenty of advise.  The devise comes down to personel preference.  You just have to find out what works for you.  I use the two piece ConveTec Natura Sur-fit moldable device.  You want to keep your waste from getting in contact with your skin.  If it come in contact with your skin then you will get a rash.  The moldable barrier helps me do that. All I have to do is mold with my thumbs to the approximate size and put it on.  It then conforms to my stoma like a turtle neck sweater.  I wear it for about 5-7 days.

 Reply posted for JE.

I had my ostomy in the late 80's which means I have now had it for over 20 years.  When I first had it done, I tried a bunch of different options and finally settled on the Hollister one piece (3224).  I use Stomahesive paste to help secure the bag and prevent leaks. 

On occasion, I have had periods where the skin around the stoma broke down.  Initially, I used a plastic film to cover and protect the affected areas, but the results were less than satisfactory.  My pharmacist suggested using the Stomahesive powder and it has worked much better.

Other than that I don't use most of products out on the market.  I just don't find them useful.

That said, I do know that results may vary.  A lot depends on where your stoma is (above or below the waste), how sensitive your skin is, and your general lifestyle.  I suggest getting to know a good ENT nurse and talking to a knowledgeable pharmacist where you buy your supplies.  They will be able to guide you and provide you with solid information.

Good luck.

 Reply posted for JE.

I am also using the holister two piece system and I like it much better then the one piece system. While I was in the hospital they gave me the one piece system to use. I like the adapt deodorizer. I have only been using this stuff for a month so I too am new to this.

 Reply posted for JE.

I have an iliostomy and I am rather new at caring for it, but the supplies that I found were most helpful were the Hollister brand 2 piece ostomy bag and waifer.  I prefer the bags that drain and use the Adept deoderizing lubricant with each bag change.  However, you may find that you prefer different products since your surgery will be different than mine.  I hope my feedback helps and hope your surgery went well!  Take care!