In this video, Stealth Belt VP Collin Jarvis talks about his top 8 best ostomy leak prevention strategies. Visit our blog on www.Stealthbelt.com for more helpful information!
I’m 68 years old. I got 3yrs in. My ileostomy surgery went well. I do everything you said, your right you must keep your stoma clean. I use a little water to help flush out my bag. It helps me. Thank you so much.
Here's another tip that I learned in the hospital. Eat marshmallows before you change your appliance. I have a severe issues with leaking. I know that being on my 5th ileostomy doesn't help. Back in 1986 I had a temporary osteomy because my colon surgeon thought that I would have a difficult time adjusting to a permanent ileostomy. My surgeon sent me to the Mayo clinic to have a J-pouch created. During this time frame I ended up losing close to 90 lbs when I was done. I didn't have any issues except for after the J-pouch was created I had some issues with dehydration. I finally had my reconnection done about 5 months after going to the Mayo clinic. Fast forward to around 201r I started having some issues with my J-pouch. It actually started to fall apart on me and I was a mess. I have a new colon surgeon because I moved out of the area I was living with during the time of my first one. So I ended up getting around 30 years out of my first J-pouch. My colon surgeon here started the process again but this time I was sent to the Cleveland clinic. At that time I was in my mid 50s and thought that I'd never have to go through that again. Well I had terrible leaking issues with my temporary osteomy from the Cleveland. I got back home and my skin around my stoma was getting worse by the day. I was going to wound care up 4-5 days a week. Plus I had a nurse coming to my house every week. I remember one day. She'd managed to get an appliance on me and left. I was calling her back in less than 5 minutes and she came back to take care of it again. It literally looked like I had 3rd degree burns all over my abdomen. Well my colon surgeon pushed up my reconnection surgery up by over a month of when we'd planned on doing it. Well a few years afterwards, I'd gotten to the point that I was spending more time in the bathroom than anywhere else. Plus it started causing me to have major dehydration issues. I was in the hospital getting rehydrated just about every month. One time a year ago this past April I was admitted again for dehydration on a Friday night. My colon surgeon came in to see me first thing that Monday and asked me if I was ready for surgery again. So we scheduled surgery for the next week. I went in for a late afternoon surgery and my dr thought it was going to be a quick hour at the most. Well it lasted over 5 hours before he was done due to scar tissue that he had to try and remove. If I'd have known in the 80's what I know now I would have just learned to live with my first ileostomy and been done. Immediately back to leaking issues again and do not have a flat space on my abdomen for him to put my stoma so I'm dealing with usually changing it from 2-8 times a day 😢. The marshmallows do help and I recommend them to anyone who has major leaking as well. Regardless of when or what i eat I still have issues. I wish all the rest of you not to go through what I've been through. Good luck and God bless everyone of you. Not an easy thing to live with at least my last 2 anyway 😊🙏
Sorry to hear about your struggles, but thank you for your courage in sharing your story. You never know when your story can help others. You may want to check out this site, and they do offer samples. Those frequent changes might be easier. stomagienics.com/
I've been using Stealth Belts for years I'm a small business owner and the Stealth Belts are a life saver, and don't even get me started on the swim belts I can get back and enjoy my pool again!
Lying in bed 13 days into a hospital stay. My planned surgery went wrong and I now have an ileostomy...so much to learn and I'm so grateful for videos like this 💙
@STEALTHBELT Thanks, I've been using my Stealth Belt for the last 4 months, It also works great as an abdominal brace. I had a skin graft from my thigh put on my stomach and it helps with the healing process. It is a lot more comfortable than the braces given to you at the hospital.
5/30 1216 pm I am a double ostomy and use the common belts which are uncomfortable is there a stealth belt that you can use for a double ostomy. I'm 77 years old but still quite active physically and have had the ostomies for two-and-a-half years.
On my third week with ostomy. This video is not only helpful guidance but also positive. Order my Stealthbelt 2 days ago. Also started contacting other product suppliers for samples. Hope to be back at work within the next 2 weeks. Thanks for the video and wishing all healthy and successful futures!
So glad to hear you've found this video helpful! We're sure you'll love your stealth belt too. Check out some of our other videos on our channel and let us know what you think! We'd love to be able to have a video like this one for any topic that needs covering :) best of luck with your recovery!
looks like you got yours about the same time as I did,, They wanted to reduce my days at work only work tried to give me a hard time, I told them No I will do my work, so do not let your employer try to mess up your job
Thanks for the great tips, Collin! I'm a veteran ileostomate with 38 years of experience. My additional tip is that your stoma may not always remain the same size as it was right after surgery. If you lose or gain a significant amount of weight (10 pounds can make a difference), be sure to re-check your stoma size.
Our pleasure! so glad you found it helpful :) Best of luck with your upcoming surgery! Feel free to contact us if you have questions after surgery, and look at our blog on our website for some good articles as well.
I’ve had my ileostomy for 54 years and this year is the first year that I’ve had a problem with a lot of leaking so I’m listening to all these videos trying to find out ways I can help myself thank you for sharing❤
I don’t have a bag but if I did , I would defiantly buy this due to the fact that this is better protection to use with the adhesive for prevention of leaks . Great invention.
Totally agree. I always run out of my supplies before I can reorder. I'm ordering one today so that I hopefully will be able to start walking in a pool again for my RA and AVN
Some great tips here thanks. One more that I would add, which I suppose is pretty obvious, but is worth stating, is to make absolutely 100% certain when you apply your base that the skin is completely and utterly dry. If it isn't, the adhesive is facing a uphill battle from the start!
To totally avoid leaks use a pouch with a convex shaped wafer and which also has belt hooks. Keep the belt as tight as is comfortable. Use a moldable sticky ring and attach it directly to the wafer for a good seal. Don't let the pouch get too full of output or gas. Personally, I never wore a support girdle as the pressure it put on the pouch always caused leaks and I haven't suffered a hernia yet...!
My doctor has suggested to me about possibly having this procedure done. I have rectal inflammation due to radiation from prostate cancer. You have put my mind at ease about making my decision. I'm totally terrified about maybe doing this.
Hey Francis, I'm super sorry to hear that after everything you've gone through that you're now dealing with the possibility of an ostomy. It's a big change at first, but as an 8-year-veteran of having an ostomy, I can tell you that it does become normal again and can make life so much better than dealing with chronic pain. Best of luck should you get the procedure, and I hope you've beaten that Cancer!
@@collinjarvis6251 the cancer was beaten in 2006,Thank you so much. these later years in my life has brought on the onset. Im in so much pain that I can't sit on my bottom. Thanks so much for responding back to me.
I have had an ileostomy for 7 years now and haven’t had a leak in approx 5 years. You should learn which device works better for you especially if you are still having leaks about once a month. Good Luck
I always find it interesting what other people can eat with an ileostomy. Oatmeal of any kind. Instant or not. Turns to cement inside me. I drink 1 to 1.5 gallons of water a day too so that's not the issue. Most peanut butter eaten off the spoon with nothing else. Same thing. Not quite as bad as oatmeal but enough to give a minor blockage. On the other hand I've been able to eat buckets of popcorn with no problems. And all the raw veggie salads I want (except raw brocolli). Rice, no matter the kind or how cooked, always give a minor blockage. Potato's depending on how they're cooked do it. But meat, eggs, cheese...I can eat all I want as they all seem to breakdown to liquid. Peanuts and macadamia nuts seem to go thru ok. But almonds no matter how well chewed = blockage
How long ago was your ileostomy? After 3 months I was able to eat most everything. I do chew the heck out of my food and it takes me a long time to eat. I have oatmeal almost every day. But my digestive system may be used to it because I've been eating it every day for probably 12 years now. What bugs me is that my chemo seems to be affecting my tastebuds and nothing tastes as good as it used to. My output varies between thick and watery. But I've yet to experience what I could tell was a blockage.
@defbear I imagine that everyone is a little different. You have to learn what your body likes. I just finished my FOLFOX after 7 sessions and headed for radiation. So glad to finish FOLFOX.
I’m 66 my Ostomy saved my life! I’ve don’t the shower with no bag, what freedom. The only products that work for me is Convectec. Every-time I’m in the hospital they use coloplast my body does not like that brand. Always learning! TY.
Had a stoma for two weeks now with no problems. Put the stealth belt on for the first time and got my first leak... To say I'm disapointed is an understatement.
That’s frustrating. Would you like to have a phone or video chat so we can figure out your leakage issue? I’d like to help make your experience more positive.
@@STEALTHBELT Maybe i had it on too tight, not sure. Anyway tried it again today with much better results. Kept it kind of loose and kept checking it when out and about. Gives me that liitle bit of confidence to venture out after being stuck at home for two weeks. Thanks for posting the videos, very helpfull.
It took me over a year to not have to many leaks samples are a good way to find out the bag that best suits you, some foods will make more watery output, over time you will find out what's best for you.
Sorry to hear the Jpouch hasnt worked for you, I'm sure thats very frustrating. Thankfully, you'll have some experience already with how to make the ostomy work well for you though! Best of luck with your upcoming surgery
After my ileostomy I couldn't get more than 3 days before springing a leak. That was using the wax barrier ring. My stoma is at the level of my belly button and close enough to it that the flange covers half of it. My leak was always to the button, and I was thinking my surgeon screwed up putting it there. I was in the hospital a few weeks after the surgery because of fever and fatigue. My bag was leaking, and a nurse replaced it. It leaked badly again after 6 hours. Another nurse changed it but used stoma paste and left the tube with me. I ditched the wax ring and now only use paste. I haven't had a single leak with the paste. I can get 6 days with no leak and could go more, but I think 5 days is a practical limit. I don't sleep in my Stealthbelt Pro. I take it off in the evening and put it on in the morning. I remove it because when the bag is in the belt the advantage of weigh removal is lost when laying down, and the belt has the disadvantage of keeping the output from the stoma pushed to the stoma. When you have watery output it just gets held there. I use two bags (2 piece). I remove one and clean it, then install the 2nd one. Then in the evening I repeat the process. So I install the morning bag sideways for the horz belt and the evening one vertical for no belt. One tip I have that I am fully exploring now is using petroleum jelly (Aquaphor) to caulk the gap between the stoma and the cutout on the flange. When I do my twice a day bag swap I smear just Aquaphor around the edge of the stoma. This helps keep the output from getting through. I recently started this and will continue to monitor the results. Even with the paste some output does find its way in and cause some minor burning sensation. I also have the neoprene Steathbelt. I use it for foil boarding and wakeboarding. It's great! I'm 68 with colorectal cancer and on chemo. But thanks to the belt I am able to return to the sports that make me happy.
I have a loop colostomy (temporary) and noticeably higher. Will this belt work for me. My next question will it help hold the appliance in place when sleeping on my side
Stealth Belt can be made in any size. For below a 26" inch waist sizes they will need to be ordered through our custom process over the phone (800)237-4491, or email Sales@stealthbelt.com . Standard products ship within 2-3 days for UK orders from our UK distribution facility, but custom orders will take a bit longer as they come from the US and are made-to-order. Hope that helps!
Can the stealth belt help people with parastomal hernias? Mine is huge (think grapefruit), so my options as far as which appliance to use are very limited and I've never found one that helps avoid leakage. No flange stretches far enough or securely enough, including convex ones. How might a belt help? I'm a woman and I've gotten a bit of support with maternity pants, which also helps a little bit cosmetically speaking.
no bag showers are the best. I've not had output problem there, yet. starting to get more frequent leaks after 17 months with my colostomy. dietary changes, physical changes?, looking at convex as possible remedy.
Have you had any sores. I had an abscess a week after my colostomy which caused cellulitis. After 7 days of iv and weeks of packing abscess it has healed but in now have sores. I see an ostomy nurse three times a week still but some sores she is not sure why. It’s 5 weeks since surgery. I would love some help or encouragement this will get better.
Yes! We do make belts for double ostomies. It’s great to hear you’re still active. This is Amanda, and if you have any questions we can reach out to her if you need. Double Ostomy Support Belt ru-vid.comex7TG-__-is?feature=share
It's more about having good posture at all times (or as much as possible) throughout the day. I put together more in-depth info about it, which you can check out here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hG2ZqP4dNbA.html&ab_channel=StealthBeltInc.
Mine doesnt stop moving and My stoma doesn't stick out enough to place into a bag. I admire what you are doing because this is a subject that even my family don't want to talk about. My bowels are very watery and I have to use the bag designed for urine and I have so many leaks that I refuse to go anywhere because I am afrraid of the leaks. I have seen other stomas that go into the bag, but mine is flat to my stomach and I hate it. What can I do?
But you put the baseplate over the hole of the stoma where stool comes out, I don't understand what you mean by it doesn't stick out enough for a bag??. Mine is also inverted, so I buildup a flat surface on top and bottom of the baseplate with the rings
My understanding is that you need a convex bag with a flush stoma. If you are already using a convex bag with no luck I would suggest stoma paste. That was the key to fixing my leaks. I also just started putting petroleum jelly around the stoma to seal the gap. I use a 2 piece system and swap/clean bags morning and evening. That's when I apply the jelly. I change the flange about every 4-6 days.
Try gently warming the adhesive flange on a new bag with a hair drier before fitting. We find this makes the plastic flange more flexible (so better follows the contour of your body) and increases the adhesion too. Costs nothing to try and may prove invaluable!
I learned everything on my own. Should I be wearing a wafer? I just put a bag on and that's all I wear. I can't get the size right of my stoma. How do I measure it precisely?
If you're referring to the measurements for a Stealth Belt, you should be measuring your appliance, not the stoma itself. Check out this resource page for some videos that can walk you through the process. If you still have questions, give us a call! www.stealthbelt.com/fitting-measurement
I am about to have my Surgery in about 2 weeks time and I am very apprehensive. Since you have had this sugery I would like to ask some questions please. How many years ago you had your Surgery and were there and complications or side effects. How did it affect your normal life? Are you active like before, can you run and jump, can you swim, can you drive and what about your sleep, do you get up in the middle of the night to empty the bag, if so then how many times each night. Does it affect Sex Life? Anything abnormal? Any pains or bleedings? Please answer all of my questions, it will help other viewers too. Thanks.
Hi Zain. I'm sorry to hear you're slated for surgery - happy to answer questions as best I can. Ive had an Ileostomy since 2014, so 8 years. Initially, I did have some complications with infections post-op, but that was more due to delaying the surgery too long and the state of my intestines deteriorating.. most people do not experience infections post-op. 2 of the most common post-op issues are hernia prevention and staying hydrated. I'd recommend you check out my resources on those here: www.stealthbelt.com/ostomy-resources The first 6 months were the most challenging, both physically and psychologically while I adjusted to life with a stoma, but over time it became just another part of my daily life. I'm incredibly thankful for the second chance at life that the surgery provided me. I am extremely active (I rock climb, surf, and just ran the 2022 Boston Marathon in 2:35:15, 265th place). My sex life is also just fine! Everything is in working order and I'm happily married. I think a lot of the challenge in regards to sex life that people with stoma's face is our own self-image and ability to accept and be comfortable with the ostomy. I found the Stealth Belt particularly helpful for both being active and in regards to intimacy for this reason. I don't have any abnormalities to speak of, and the majority of people with stomas report similar things. Of course there are some risks involved, and complications can occur, but compared to the life of being chronically ill or possibly dying, they are much smaller and more manageable problems in my assessment. I hope this helps! Please feel free to ask any more questions, I'll do my best to answer whatever I can! :) -Collin
@@collinjarvis6251 Thanks Colin, you have put my mind to rest. I was very apprehensive but now I am relaxed and ready to go for my Surgery. Did they remove your Prostate? They told me that they will remove my bladder and since the Prostate has enlarged, they will remove it too. I wonder if it will have any affect on my sex life. Thanks for your encouraging words.
It will not set off metal detectors. As for hernias, there’s actually no clinical evidence that hernia belts help reduce the chance of developing a hernia. Hernia-specific belts that are out there are for the management of existing hernias. So long story short, we can’t say they help reduce hernias any more than any other belt. however, I have a resource page here that can help you with the best ways to reduce the chances of a hernia. It’s core, posture, and functional movement. … www.stealthbelt.com/ostomy-resources Hope this helps!!
Two to three Weeks? Jeez, I have been at it for 30 days now and can nearly get 24 hours. I'm happy if I just go overnight! I've tried barrier ring, barrier sheets, a combo of them- even when my home care nurse install a new appliance it doesn't last even twenty four hours. I tried past which failedeven faster that the rings.
I am very frustrated because I have tried almost everything you have said, and it still doesn't do anything for my ileostomy. I have tried like four different products, three different bags. But my stoma is 100% healed, but it keeps changing. I have been able to get two days, if I'm lucky! I have used a belt, and the leak still happened. I unfortunately don't have a ostomy nurse to help with any of this in the state I am in.
Leaks and stoma changes are totally normal in the first few months. Hopefully things have settled down for you. Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help!
How can I buy a stealth belt for my 5 year old daughter. She has a colostomy on the right side. Her bag is always tugging down and gets creases. All new to this.
for pediatric belts, you'll want to contact us directly through this page: www.stealthbelt.com/custom-ostomy-solutions or by phone; 800-237-4491 or email sale@stealthbelt.com We will be able to assist you and your daughter! :)
I have a Colostomy and am a full time wheelchair user. I do have leaks because there are a few spots the adhesive doesn't stick to my skin. Are your belts just for Ileostomies or are they made for Colostomy's as well? I'm not sure if it's just an angle issue or what my problem is with it fitting and staying completely. I don't have great luck with the pastes so I stopped using it.
Sometimes people find barrier rings work better than paste. But our belts are designed for every type of ostomy. As a wheelchair user, you may find the horizontal belt works best for you.
Paste is what worked for me. I didn't have much luck with wax rings. In my experience I'm not sure a belt would help if you are always in a chair. The belt supports the weight and hides the bag. But it also will hold output against your stoma, which could make leaks worse. I love my belt, but take it off in the evening when watching tv and sleeping. If concealing the bag is a consideration, then the belt would be useful at those times.
I got my colostomy in November of 2020. I've used the CeraRing from the start but in the last month my output gets under the ring almost daily. I'm doing nothing differently. I've talked to my stoma nurse and even her suggestions (Eakin Cohesive Seals) aren't working. She sent me a tube of paste but I don't know how to use it.
Hey Jodi, If the Cera Ring is causing problem or not working as well, I would suggest trying: 1. putting down an adhesive skin barrier first (Trio Healthcare makes a good one called Trio Elisse Sting Free Skin Barrier,TR204 that may be worth checking out, but there are lots of options available!) 2. using a different barrier ring from another company (Coloplast and Trio make the ones that I've used with sucess, but again, all the big manufacturers will have their own unique formulas and different brands work better for different people) The past that you were given can be used in a couple different ways. When I'm able, I will create a follow up to this video to demonstrate the above and how to use stoma paste, but in the meantime @Veganostomy has some great resources that may help you out! www.veganostomy.ca/guide-to-ostomy-stoma-paste/
That's all well and fine, and I would gladly try one, but I am a rarity that has two stomas. One for urostomy and one for colostomy about 5 in apart. Need two holes! Try to measure that belt for proper fit!
Hey Kaymie! I'm glad you posted this comment. I believe we are one of the few (maybe the only) company that can custom make a belt like this for 2 stomas! Here is some information on that: Custom Page: www.stealthbelt.com/custom-ostomy-solutions Double ostomy worksheet: www.stealthbelt.com/pub/media/double-ostomy-pdf.png Please give us a call if you need help finding measurements for your set up, or if you're wanting to place an order!
Its not uncommon for people to have issues with leaks until they work out the right combination of appliances / adhesives. How frequent is the leakage? Does it always happen at the same spot on the appliance? What combination of products do you use?
Yes! This video shows how one empties a horizontal style belt with different types of pouches ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GLNPB1nQWy0.html&ab_channel=StealthBeltInc. and this video will show you the Vertical options in case your preference is not to wear the bag horizontally: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-201OYztzJrw.html
@@christopherseyer8126 any bag / appliance should work fine! I'd just recommend getting a Stealth Belt to use while you're in the water (Pro style should work, or Neoprene if its intense water activity)
Check out the websites of each of the major companies - Coloplast, Convatec, and Hollister. Each will have a page for samples, or a phone number you can call to request them directly on the phone.
@osama aldoctor One of these two videos should help you determine the best size for coloplast appliance: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-myB54vSJkNs.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eVc7_k9ondI.html
I am two weeks out with ileostomy. I’m constantly getting leaks. I have days where I change and waste about 4 or 5 bags. Nurse comes 3 days a week and even when she changes my bag for I still get leaks. It’s horrible and probably the most mentally draining of all of this.
Sometimes it’s very challenging to figure out what works for you. We always recommend contacting the manufacturers for samples so you can see what works best for you. Things settle over time.
I would be thrilled to be able to get 2 nights out of one appliance. I usually have to change mine a minimum of twice a day. On some days it's been up to 13 charges in 1 24 hour period.so frustrating 😑
Paste was the key for me. I couldn't get more than 3 days before the leak was intolerable. I would tape the side of the bag sometimes just to get to 3. Since I started using paste and ditched the wax ring I haven't had a leak.
Hey Tim, not at all. Many people who use Stealth Belts are larger and find the belts work great. As far as leak prevention goes, these tips should still work for you as well!
@@Gimo76 Hi there. For sizes above 48" waist, you'll need to contact us directly by email (sales@stealthbelt.com) or by phone (800)237-4491. This page has more information: www.stealthbelt.com/custom-ostomy-solutions
Just got the operation. I've had 3 leaks and it was while commuting home on public transportation. I'm new to this and it's just my husband and me. This helped but I m so ignorant about it all. I have so much research to do. HELP!!!!!
Hi Andrea, I'm sorry to hear you're having some challenges with your new ostomy. Not to diminish what you're experiencing, but I hope it is helpful for you to hear than its completely normal to have some bumps along the way in the first couple weeks/months. I'd recommend checking out more of our helpful vidoes on Stealth Belts youtube channel, and this resource age on the website: www.stealthbelt.com/ostomy-resources . Vegan Ostomy ( www.veganostomy.ca/ )is another really great resource as well!
just got a ostomy bag last month, had one leaked out as I was in a Dollar General store that I usually go to,, Thank God no one saw me so embarrassing embarrassing enough that it happened started having a Parkinson spell afterwards that lasted a couple of days Did get good news last doctor visit Tumor gone everything looking good had two treatments Doctor said maybe 6 more or 10 more then if everything goes good they can reverse the process and do away with the ostomy
I’ve found myself changing my bag within the 2nd day majority of times; since I was discharged from the hospital. There have been times I’ve made the bags last 3-4 days, but it’s been 1-3 days, at times it’s been a day, because I’m active
@@darriusbonner5684 If you're getting leaks every day, then you should consider trying a few of the things suggested in this video - specifically trying different appliance types (new adhesives), barrier rings, and using a Stealth Belt. Even being super active you should get at least 3 days per appliance!
I have a question about gas. Ive had my ileostomy for 6 months now and I have 6 more to go assuming all goes well. Its kind of obvious what foods cause more gas but I was curious if anti gas pills actually make any difference during the digestion process. I have woken up before to a bag so plump with gas I thought is was going to explode lol. Any thoughts or food no-nos would be helpful.
Hello how are you. I have a problem...i am a colostomy patient ( after my road accident) problem is that there is a stool in remaining colon near Ractom but it is too hard and sometime immence pressure built on ractom and gave me a tough time even to walk. What should I do ?
I’m beginning irrigation. So I won’t need a bag or a belt anymore. And I’m shocked no one talks about this. No more bag, farts, leaks. Nothing. It only takes 6 weeks to train your colon. Why wouldn’t more people do this? It nearly eliminates your bag life. Never worrying about poo again. If you are scared, just think about the little sacrifice of being strong you have to do and how much your confidence and quality of life will be.
@@STEALTHBELT Yeah I’m aware. I had an ileostomy at some point. It was a nightmare. Glad I have the colostomy. But yeah if your able, which most people are with a colostomy except for people with a hernia, it makes life so much easier. No poo. No stinking up others bathrooms. More body flexibility since it’s a tiny little cover instead of a gigantic wafer and bag.
