{"id":4583,"date":"2026-02-11T12:47:52","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T12:47:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/blog\/common-stoma-challenges-and-how-we-can-fix-them-by-summer\/"},"modified":"2026-02-11T12:53:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T12:53:42","slug":"common-stoma-challenges-and-how-we-can-fix-them-by-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/blog\/common-stoma-challenges-and-how-we-can-fix-them-by-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Common stoma challenges and how we can fix them | by Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Common stoma challenges and how we can fix them | by Summer<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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While every stoma and every story leading up to stoma surgery is different, we can all agree there are some common challenges we all face. From bag leaks, to irritated skin to knowing what to wear with your stoma. So let’s break them all down and I will share some of my top tips along the way!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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Bag leaks<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The worst and most inconvenient of all problems has to be when your bag leaks. So here\u2019s how I would and have approached it:
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Step 1:<\/strong> identify a pattern, is this happening regularly? Is it after eating certain things? At a certain time of the day? Bag leaks should be a once in a blue moon annoying occupancy, not a regular thing. I would say it\u2019s more common in the early days after surgery whilst you\u2019re still trying to figure out what works but it should not be something you have to put up with on a daily basis.
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Step 2: <\/strong>make a change, speak to your stoma nurse and see if you can change bags or consider adding a seal into your routine.

In the early days I struggled to make my bag last longer than a day before I added freeseal <\/strong>into my routine and now I can go days before it needs changing.

Has your stoma changed size? While I used to do this regularly in the early days, it\u2019s not something I had done for years but my stoma had actually changed from 26mm to 25mm. It may not seem like a big difference but it\u2019s so important to have a snug fit to avoid leaks.

Is your baseplate right for you? I had been using flat baseplates for years until I started experiencing regular bag leaks. After a quick trip to see my amazing stoma nurses they suggested changing to a convex bas plate and it\u2019s been the best thing I\u2019ve done. I haven\u2019t had a single bag leak in two years!
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Step 3:<\/strong> always, always, always bring spare supplies with you. It doesn\u2019t need to be much, for me its x1 bag, x1 freeseal, x2 dry wipes and x1 disposable bag. There is nothing worse than being caught out and needing to change your bag but not having anything with you so just make sure you\u2019re prepared for the worst. This small amount of supplies can fold down into next to nothing and either go in your bag or jean\/coat pocket! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Irritated skin<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I have very sensitive skin and eczema in parts so I am no stranger to a bit of irritated skin, so here are my top tips and product recommendations:
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