When I first got my stoma, I tried a couple of different
bags, and ultimately settled on Coloplast’s Sensura Mio. As I gained the weight
back that I had lost due to surgery, output began to creep under the baseplate,
because my stoma was created at an old stoma site, so it sits in a dip. The
Sensura Mio is available in three convex levels; Soft, Light and
Deep. So, I ordered some samples, and the issue was immediately fixed with the
soft convex.
I was pleased when I continued to gain weight because I
hadn’t been happy with how slim I was for years, but a couple of months ago, I
began experiencing leaks again, which I think was due to the additional weight
gain, which ultimately deepened the dip even more.
I had been thinking that I probably needed to start
considering my diet anyway, so when the leaks started happening, I felt that
now was the time. I was certain it had only been the last few lbs, so I figured
I could lose those pretty easily. I did, but instead of leaving my abdomen where it had last arrived, it
left other places!
The leaks actually got worse because I had reduced the
number of carbs I was eating, which usually help thicken my output. Depending
on the type of fruit and vegetables, I either have watery output or watery
output PLUS pancaking of the actual fibre, so I have that stuck around my stoma,
and water at the bottom – doh! So, watery output, pancaking, and a dip a
little too deep resulted in constant leaks, and I began feeling really
frustrated with it.
I ordered some samples to try and stop the leaks, as my skin
was getting burnt and sore. I need to let my stoma nurse know what I have tried
anyway, so I figured I’d also blog about my experiences.
I ordered samples of:
Brava
protective seal – for the dip.
Brava
paste – for the dip.
Brava
lubricating deodorant – for the pancaking.
Brava
barrier cream – for the burnt skin.
I also think that absorbent crystals such as Trio Pearls may
be helpful, to soak up the liquid, but I was having issues ordering samples, so
I’m hoping I can sort that with the stoma nurse.
The protective seals didn’t help because they were a little
too thick, so the baseplate sat higher up my stoma. I tried putting the seal on
my around my stoma and then my bag on top, and I tried putting the seal on the
bag before attaching it, and let’s just say, things got messy! The amount of
output under the baseplate was worse than ever.
The barrier cream, I ended up using when I was trying the
protective seals, so because the leaks were so bad at that stage, I’m not
really sure if it was any better than the normal barrier wipes I use. However, I did notice that my skin around the burnt edges was a little less dry, so the
moisturising effect was definitely noticeable.
The lubricating deodorant did help with the pancaking, but,
output was still very watery so it didn’t prevent the leaks. I think if I’d had
the absorbent crystals, and used both together, the outcome may have been
different. I read that some people use baby oil which has the same effect, so
rather than costing the NHS money, I am just going to pick up a little bottle
of baby oil, and hopefully, when I have some absorbent crystals, that will help.
I got the paste out to try a couple of days ago, and
realised that the dip now looks like it did before I started having output seep
under the flange – congratulations to me for sticking with the diet and yoga! 😊
So, I think the issue must solely be due to my output being so loose now.
I don’t want to go back to loading my plate with carbs, and
I suspect that if I did, I’d just regain the weight anyway, and then I’d have
two issues to be dealing with again rather than just one. I am seeing my stoma nurse
today, and I also have an appointment with my Gastro, so I think the next
plan of action will be absorbent crystals and increased loperamide.
Wish me luck!
