Common stoma challenges and how we can fix them | by Summer
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!
Bag leaks
The worst and most inconvenient of all problems has to be when your bag leaks. So here’s how I would and have approached it:
Step 1: 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’s more common in the early days after surgery whilst you’re still trying to figure out what works but it should not be something you have to put up with on a daily basis.
Step 2: 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 an eakin seal 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’s 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’s 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’s been the best thing I’ve done. I haven’t had a single bag leak in two years!
Step 3: always, always, always bring spare supplies with you. It doesn’t 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’re 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!
Irritated skin
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:
- Don’t be afraid to cut a bit of the baseplate off if it’s directly covering a patch of irritated skin so it can breath, and you can put some cream on!
- ModaVi bags – I have used them for years and the main reason is for the vitamin E in the baseplate. It’s very soothing and calms any irritation before it occurs.
- Respond lavender barrier wipes – they create a thin layer of protection between your skin and stoma bag.
The dreaded under bag itch
Now while I wish I had the secret to solve all your problems, unfortunately my only solution is just to take your bag off and give in to the itch… I don’t think it’s linked to any product or anything I do, I think it’s just a natural body reaction at a really inconvenient place.
Knowing what to wear
This is honestly probably one of my most frequently asked questions and I get it because I was exactly the same before I had my stoma surgery. My motto is anything high-waisted is a win. It covers my bag and keeps it in place without having to worry. I find the material is less of an issue as I wear tight jeans, gym leggings and satin skirts and it’s always fine. I think the biggest thing is probably having the confidence to try it out and see what works for you and what you feel most comfortable in.
While there will always be challenges to living with an ostomy, it shouldn’t cause you daily stress. I think there is always a solution and a way to fix it! Let me know any other problems and we can find a solution together!
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