Posted by David UK on 1/5/2008, 11:18 am

Tmy stoma is shrinking on a daily basis which is good. However my bags are sent pre cut and are always too big, leaving the skin around the stoma very sore and red after days when the stoma output is liquidy. This was compounded last night when I was changing my bag the stoma started outputting, and didn't stop for over 2 hours. I couldn't get the area dry quick enough to put new bag on and stick. After 5 bags I finally got it done. Although by this point I was exhausted, had stoma output everywhere and the skin was so painful I nearly was sick!!! I use silicon wipes on the skin and the powder. The wipes are brilliant but there was so much output the skin was just wet what ever I did. Does anyone have any tips as to what to do when stoma outputting liquid like a waterfall mid bag change?

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Posted by Gemz on 1/5/2008, 1:46 pm, in reply to "over active stoma "

Hi there I have a high output stoma aswell...i empty anything from 8-12 times daily.. I DON'T get pre-cut bags, never have done as my stoma is always changing shape... have had it for 22 months now... I cut out my own sizes, this covers the area much better and doesn't leave 'areas' for the output to go onto. Unfortunatly i don't really have tips on changing mid output...i know all too well about it and how frustrating it can be... My output is normally always waterlike also.. my skin has a red raw area, pain was so bad at one point it used to make me feel sick too.. but am used to it now if you know what i mean. Sorry i can't be of much help. Gemz xxx

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Posted by Cindy S on 1/5/2008, 2:36 pm, in reply to "over active stoma "

definitely get new pouches asap. like Gemz, cut your own for now are probably your best bet, but if you can't get them, then at least get a variety of sizes. once your gut starts going, there really isn't much you can do. to save clean-up, just strip down and hop in the tub/shower and hang out there until things slow down. get one of those hand-held shower heads and attach it. that way you can rinse off while you are waiting. you should try to change your pouch during your slowest part of the day. for most people that is first thing in the morning (empty stomach = empty bowel). also try getting some Eakins seals or something similar to protect the area. powder and wipes alone won't cut it.

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Posted by chip on 1/5/2008, 5:26 pm, in reply to "over active stoma "

hi david, am guessing if the stoma is shrinking then you're new to the world of stoma's and bag changing. It takes some getting used to. For starters your output will settle after a few months if it's new and thicken up. There are various types of bags you can use. One piece is what the hospitals usually start you on, but i prefer a two piece - where the sticky base (flange) sticks to the skin and the bags are detachable. The base can stay on for up to four days and you can change the bags in seconds every day. Getting to know output takes time. Best time to change is different for everyone but if you can change BEFORE you eat the output is less likely to be bothersome. If it's fairly watery then sit on the edge of a bath with a mirror in front of you against the wall. Have all your things in order lined up on a towel, i.e bag, lift off spray, wipes, skin protection, cavalon spray (for sore skin - get some from your ibd nurse or order it), orahesive powder to help sore skin is what i recommend, then a slims stoma adhesive ring for extra security, (mold it round the stoma (its' like waxy substance) and then stick one piece or two piece flange straight on top so if the pre cut hole is too big it won't matter as you mold the adhesive ring as close to the stoma as it will go._ Any output goes in the bath, and can be washed away after hygenically. best of luck and ask any questions you like chipgirl

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Posted by David UK on 1/5/2008, 5:37 pm, in reply to "Re: over active stoma "

Thanks for the replies! im 8 weeks into Stoma World, feels like 8 months My nurse is bringing a bunch of un cut bags tomorrow - just hope my hand eye co-ordination is good, I am rubbish at cutting shapes to fit so I imagine there will be a few wasted - once got will keep the rip off part as template until next shrink! I have a batch of uncut 2 piece and my nurse is keen I use because they can stay on and will help skin heal. However, my concern with 2 piece is that I will have to take a supply of bags everywhere with me (I do have my crap bag as I call it with all the required kit for 1 piece) but for example if I go down the pub would need to take bags in pocket as wouldnt take my bag... Actually as Im typing this am realising that makes no sense as I would probably take my crap bag erm now Im confusing myself! Im using the Convatech 1 piece bags and the yet underused 2 piece are by salts. Shame there isnt some magic tip for calming output - I ended up over dosing on Immodium last night which eventually, albeit post final bag sticking, did thicken up. What Im struggling with most is what foods trigger my stoma. The list is growing! the obvious ones like liqorice I could cope with but cream has come as a blow with my sweet tooth and KFC was a gutting discovery, especially as Im trying to recover from 7.5 stone weight loss pre operation!!

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Posted by mill on 1/5/2008, 11:17 pm, in reply to "over active stoma "

Hi and welcome to the site. I dont have a stoma so im afraid im not much help just wnted to welcome you to the site, fire away with all your questions and we'll all do our best to help you, regards Donna ( Mill )

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Posted by chip on 2/5/2008, 12:09 am, in reply to "Re: over active stoma "

just take your time hon, it takes a while to work out what set YOU off personally. some folks can eat ANY thing and some folks are more sensitive to certain foods, only you will know. the leaflets recommend eating stodgy stuff, less fluid with your meals, (never drink WITH food) i.e. leave half an hour, eat lots of stodge, plus rice potoato, jelly babies, marsh mallows, etc to thicken output, cut out caffiene drink lots of water, OK OK i know its like a lecture from a teacher, BUT just find out what suits YOU best. hugs and keep talking chipgirl

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Posted by David UK on 2/5/2008, 9:50 am, in reply to "Re: over active stoma "

Thankyou - I have spent years trying to find a good crohns forum and final think I have

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Posted by gemz on 2/5/2008, 11:46 am, in reply to "Re: over active stoma "

Hi Hon regarding your bags... get your stoma nurse to cut you a template for your bags... My stoma nurse still makes my templates nearly 2 years after surgery cos i'm useless at it. I currently use a 1-piece convex bag which are better for me as i suffered alot of leaks the first 6 months... You're only 8 weeks post op...it takes time to get used to... personally having my stoma has been a god send and wouldn't have it any other way.. Take care Gemz xx

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Posted by emma aka iceybun on 3/5/2008, 2:15 pm, in reply to "over active stoma "

hi david sorry not posted to you til now, but been unwell of late. boo hoo. anyhoo, welcome to the stoma world. i will have had mine a year on monday, i figure we get two birthdays now, just like the queen, one for me and one for "him"!! lol it does take time to get use to, but you will get there. we all did. but i wont lie to you, it can be difficult at times, but i find the best way is to laugh it off. i use one piece bags, just dont like the two piece, but everyone is different. i use pelican soft convex bags which i like very much. use powder, skin barrier stuff and holister adapt moukdable rings. but the one product i would recommend to you as a must is Apeel spray adhesive remover, this just lets your bag cone away from the skin really quick with little of no damage to skin. great stuff! i too have a high watery output, i take loperamide all day everyday, on comsultants orders, also find marshmallows or anything with gelatine in sometimes helps, and am told by stoma nurse that drinking lucozade sport or isotonic drink is good, replaces the salts we lose in the output. your right this is a great site, they is another site which you might find of interest. www.ostomyland.com fantastic place. any questions youve got will be answered there! good luck with it all and welcome to the stoma world, you sound like youve got it sussed to me! and that half the battle. love and hugs Em.xxxxxxxxxxxx

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Posted by David - UK on 4/5/2008, 7:11 pm, in reply to "Re: over active stoma "

Thanks! I tried 2 piece for couple of days, decided not for me, so gone back to one piece which I find easier to manage (what happens if you replace 2 piece and theres no bin?!!) Although I am planning my belated return to the golf course later this month so 2 piece might be good idea there... Im getting use to Stoma just wish the blooming thing wouldnt decide to leak in middle of the night - but I am using half moons now so touch wood seem to have got over that, costing me a fortune in laundry cost lol

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Posted by chip on 5/5/2008, 11:39 pm, in reply to "Re: over active stoma "

hi there, night time laundry leaks WILL become a thing of the past eventually. Your body WILL recognise a full bag within a short time if you're not on any pain meds or alcohol, you'll wake up automatically when the weight on your tum, is full. leaks CAN and should be corrected - speak to your stoma nurse. spend MOST TIME when putting on your new bag rubbing round the edge to assure adhesion. sitting on bag first for few mins to "melt" the glue on the flange helps. good luck, keep posting chip

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Posted by Kathy from England on 8/5/2008, 12:32 am, in reply to "over active stoma "

Hi David, I'm just back from a week away - and very, very tired. So this is just a brief reply. Firstly, you're probably much better off with uncut bags until your stoma settles down (it will shrink a lot initially). Pre-cut are great once things have stabalised. Secondly, is it an ileostomy you have? If so, a tip is to eat marshmallows about 20 minutes before changing. They are supposed to stop output long enough for you to carry out a bag change. Gary can't stand them, so I can't say they work...but I know many ostomates who swear by this. It's very early days yet...you sound to be doing well. Kathy

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