Ostomy Care: Preventing Leaks 

I take care of someone with a temporary colostomy and your videos are so helpful. Thank you for making them.

You are very brave to have to live this way and deal with these dreadful issues. You are to be admired.

I went through a stage where my bag was leaking once/twice a day! I was so confused as had never had any problems before... I think I've figured out why...I lost weight after stopping steroids and my tummy had changed shape and so when I was sitting on the side of my bath to apply to bag, my stoma looked one shape (& I'd cut the wafer accordingly) but then when I stood up my tummy would stretch flat and the bag must have been pulling away from my skin! Now I always stand to apply the bag and no more leaks 😊😊😊😊

Terrific advice! I recieved very little training, therefore had lots of leaks. I've been an ostomate for just about 5 years now (tomorrow Nov 20th is my 5yr anniversary). Just this year I have seen 2 different ostomy nurses who had tons of great advice. I am using different supplies, and applying them differently now, so I am having very little problems with leakage. Hallaujah!

so happy this channel was recommended to me. I don't have an ostomy but I take care of someone who had one placed 2-13-19 and her ostomy nurse spoke highly of your channel so I've been watching and trying to learn everything I can. you're one creator that I can watch that doesn't bore me lol you're enjoyable and informative. just figured id let you know how helpful you truly are!!!!!

I'm so glad I found your channel, as a relatively new ostomy bag wearer, I have had the same problems you address and your advice is very helpful and appreciated, thanks again! Now going on to your next video.

Your amazing we are new ileostomy with flush or inverted stoma that has been impossible to stop leaks! We are desperate and your videos have been a God send. Thank you from the bottom my heart!

Very informative post VO.

I am not sure when I watch this before because I gave it a thumbs up but I'm having problems getting so I'm going back to get some more tips😂😂😂 I have had an ostomy for approximately 15 years and got very little backup like non-existent after I healed and it's been trial and error and a year or more ago I found your channel and honestly it's been a godsend❤❤❤❤ thank you for your honesty in helping other people I can't imagine that would be easy😮

Thanks for valuable information.

Thanks for the info about the gel cap. I have my ileostomy 8 yrs never knew about them. Thanks for dry morning 😊

Excellent advice and great clear presentation - many thanks - I will watch your other videos

I know when I was in the nursing home they would change it. One day they got so aggravated that they told me I was making it happen. 4 to 5 bags a day. I told them they were bad bags and why would I want to put myself through ripping off the bag and having that burning going on with all that pain. I was in tears. Finally I called my friend from the hospital to talk to them and tell them where to get the better bags.Well guess what, no more leaks. Then this nurse who specialized in applying the bags came in and showed us how to prevent all that, and it worked. I loved the two ladies who gave me extra care and did their best to stop the leaking. Occasionally it would leak either from the way I was lying in bed or like one of these other comments because when the belly shifts it's not going to be secure. Thank you all for your comments. I'm a bit worried, next Wed. I go in to have the reversal and have the giant hernia that grew while postponing my surgery too long. So I am not looking forward to all the pain I will have. Even when it was first done, I woke up in such pain, that I told them just let me die. So I can't imagine this being worse and possibly a longer period of time. Certainly it will be done and no other repairs. Thanks for all the info and good luck to all. God Bless!

Hi Eric, I did have a problem with ballooning, at night particularly, but we have excellent Stoma Nurses in Tasmania, Australia and they put me onto a product called Windless Tablets. They are a light blue in colour & you just put one of these into your pouch especially at night with a Eakin Perform Sachet and I usually have a "unbroken" sleep. They also help with odour. I hope this helps others with an Ileostomy.

Great info..thank you!!

Thanks for the videos and articles... they're most helpful. 👍👍👏👏

So happy I stumbled on your site !!! I thought I was the only Vegan going against Dr's orders by eating Veggies & fruits! While I was a good cook prior to my 24 operations, it wasn't until I totally committed my entire lifestyle to it, picking up such a new way of thinking that the natural way of cooking healthy seemed to just flow and influence everything with heightened compassion and mindfulness

I use Welland Brand Wipes skin protector, before applying the flange and sealing ring. They have been the best out of three brands I have used. Only one thing with this brand is you also have to use their remover as well ,because another brand remover may not get the flange off without uncomfortable stretching the skin. I haven't had a single blow out of the sealing ring since I have been using these...Not sure what is meant by pancaking, but I have situations where the bag sticks flat down on the stoma like it had a vacuum underneath it. I clear it by pinching the bag just above the flange, so I get hold of the inner lining. Then I crack open the top of the seal to let air in and pull the bag up, thus improving flow ...I apply the sealing ring to the flange first , not directly to the skin. When I stretch the sealing ring to connect it to the flange hole I put a slight cone shape to it. When it touches the flange (wafer) only the edge of the cone touches first, allowing a little bit of shifting before it sticks right down.

love it!! thanks

great video,helped me figure out what some of my problems might be .thank you.

Thank you so much for the information!!!'

Thank you sir for sharing this, I `m Russian and I start using stoma just a two month ago, so your video is a very helpful tool to hear

All good points made in this video. I'd add to prevent leaks good skin prep (including shaving for hairy guys), being careful limited creases when applying the wafer barrier, taking a moment press down on wafer around the stoma once applied to ensure a good seal but before bag is applied then using a heating pad or blow dryers to warm the area around the barrier seal. Because my stoma is almost flush with my skin a ring barrier is also a necessity. Think also important advice have all the supplies needed to change a bag with you at all times.

I definitely like your videos the best of all the ones I've seen. I just wish that I'd been watching them a month ago when I had my emergency surgery. Instead I avoided anything having to do with my stoma and didn't protest with the hospital ostomy nurses would change mine so fast that I had no idea how they were doing it. And at that point didn't care as I was in so much shock as well as having an 8 staple vertical incision to protect. For new patients demand to be taught how to be self sufficient NOT reliant.

Thank you for making this video I am going to tell my mom about this

Thank you very much for your very helpful advice

I use to leak daily, and I switched to convex, still had leaks then I decided well I'll try a thicker barrier strip and magic! The only time I have problems now is when my skin is unhealthy under my wafer and I usually can feel a leak before it happens. Also now that I'm healed it changes a lot of that! I have a perfect little stoma and it sticks out slightly! Sometimes playing with products helps a ton!

I've already had to change my pouch twice this week, and had a minor blockage yesterday from an almond and coconut granola bar, #ICouldntHelpMyself... But compared to my life during the first 2 years of having an ostomy this was a walk in the park.

Thanks!

Thank you for your very informative video. I am about 2 months out from surgery and your videos have helped provide me with many useful tips that have eased my adjustment to a new lifestyle and better health!

Okay so I'm literally only like 16 and my actual bag (not the wafer) came off while sleeping. I've changed my bags by themselves for like almost 4weeks now and everything was done right . I have the 2 piece Hollister bag and I even smoothed the wafer and the bag together until it clicked. And I can't get over the fact that it went all over the place and I'm extremely upset ,and on Tuesday I had to change my bag at school because my stoma was burning and itchy and the only thing I tried different that day was ostomy deodorant. My week hasn't been the greatest and I lost so much confidence ....

Thanks so much for this Video :) Hello from Ecuador :)

Thank you

Very helpful

Ahhh... ballooning!! I get this quite often. I call it having a Hindenburg moment. I’m always surprised if I wake up and Kermit’s bag is almost bursting, that I am not floating somewhere just below the ceiling. I used to get a lot of problems with leaks but moving over to convex bags sorted the problem for me and it rarely happens now. As for rings, they are a complete disaster! They just caused more leaks, not less! I never could get on with them.

Putting the wafer on correctly is the first step in preventing leaks. One "tool" I find very useful when putting on the wafer is a hair dryer. Besides drying the skin I use it to warm up the barrier ring and adhesive on the wafer so it conforms to my shape and the heat makes it very sticky. Another thing I find helpful is when I'm ready to apply the wafer I wrap a folded piece of toilet paper around the stoma (held in place with a little tape) to act as a guide for centering the wafer around the stoma without needing to bend way over to see what l'm doing. This stops the skin from being folded or stretched and preventing a good fit.

Choose your appliance wisely. Leaks are almost always caused by user error. I personally haven’t had a leak in about 5 years. Good Luck

What I did used water proof tape from Walmart Nexcare just cover all around your bag hopefully this will help someone.👍🏼

Mine usually leaks on the nights I try and "make it" one more day without changing.

My ostomy is only 3 weeks old. I'm having a terrible time with leaking. My skin is a mess. Your suggestion about applying standing up might be my problem. Thanks for the tips.

I found that using a hairdryer set on cool, helps get rid of any excess stomahesive powder before applying the protective powder.

Pressure buildup in the appliance can be largely eliminated by using an appliance that has a charcoal filter. The gas is allowed to escape and the charcoal minimizes any smell.These are particularly useful at night. I have used them on occasion because although they serve a purpose, they do have a couple of drawbacks.

Thank you for the tips. I've had my ileostomy for about 8 years and had to learn how to change the wafer and bags on my own. At the beginning it was a challenge because I didn't even know this existed, but I've learned to cope living with it. Leaks are going to happen but learning how to stop them is sometimes impossible. Food also plays an important role when you have an ileostomy unfortunately. Keep up the good work and hope you are doing ok.

My stoma was placed about an inch from my belly button & I have two creases on each side of stoma because the way my belly is formed.Very akward spot.I was having leaks all the time causing skin to be very irritated as well.I found out for my situation I had to use a deep convex one piece pouch.I cut the hole to proper size and use stoma paste with the alcohol & apply it to the barrier.The paste burns for a bit but it probably also helps with healing irritation.The wax rings do not work for my situation for some reason.Make sure to clean skin with mild soap & gauze with warm water.If my skin is irritated around the stoma,I do the powder then barrier wipe blot 3 times,not to much powder.And if skin is not irritated make sure to use the barrier wipe anyway.Barrier wipes help with adhesion & skin protection.Stand up when finally applying pouch and press & hold for about 5 minutes making sure everything is nice & flat.Then put your pouch belt on for at least three hours.Try not to sit down for about 30 minutes so everything can adhere.If my skin is irritated,I usually try to change it every two days to speed up the skin healing process.Hopefully this helps with anybody going through the same situation.Good luck & God bless.

Some additional tips can be found in the comments section of his closely related video entitlled "Ostomy wafer not sticking? Here are a few tips." - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lEIcbajxDbY.html

I use a heating pad to help seal my osteomy then as I’m lying down I take off the heating pad and let it cool off for about 20 min. Works great. My problem is my belly button. That’s were I always leak from. A nurse told me they have stuff to put in my belly button , it does help!!

Hi first of all I would like to thank you for taking the time to do these videos, I learned so much from you . I’m 6 months in ileostomy for me her name is Stella we made friends very quickly, but my problem is my skin is so so sensitive so I switched to a closed pouch system and liners and that has helped but I still leak a lot at night I’m inverted so I have to use the convex flange, I was trained by my wonderful nurse with Hollister but I’m thinking of changing to coloplast. What do you think?

My 90+ yo mom had a colostomy 4 months ago. She's doing great although she does struggle with pancaking, and ballooning.

I bough a carbou ostomy bags last week on Amazon, after having a horrible month trying to keep the coloplast bags with out leeking and been so desperate because I work in a restaurant I found out that Amazon sell differen brands. THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING PURCHASE NO LEEKINGS AFTER BEEN CHANGING 3 or 4 times a day with the Coloplast ones. The reviews on Amazon are AMAZING

I have heard of using a maternity belt with a built in pouch inside that you can put your bag/pouch in.

What I found is that to avoid leaks, you have to change your bag once every 24 hours and avoid letting it get full at night. and if its full, dont roll onto your back laying flat. the weight of the bag will pull the glue from your stomach

thanks for a clear explanation of leaks. However, it didn't cover the reason I get leaks. I've had an ostomy for forty five years and for most of that time I could wear my appliance for 7 or more days. When I first had my surgery the enterstomatherpist pointed out that I had one small area that was somewhat indented and suggested that I put extra stomahesive in that area and that worked really well. Over the years, I gained weight and then I started to leak in that area and even when I tried to patch it up with more stomahesive, it seems that that little area is melting. If anyone has a solution for this I will be eternally grateful. Thanks!

Thanks. Could you tell me how long I have to leave the bag on.

I only use a little barrier wipe around the stoma. No rings or powders or anything else. I use a deodorizing oil in the bag and it also stops pancaking.

Just had my first blow out two months after surgery. That brought me here.

Update - I am now waiting for my 3rd parastomal hernia repair (the last one was an epic fail because I developed a massive infected haematoma in my abdomen post-operatively, and the mesh didn’t attach - I was showing 3 signs of sepsis and they told my hubby if they hadn’t got my temperature down I’d have died...) - I have no idea when this operation will take place because here in the UK all elective surgery has been put on hold due to Covid. As happened before when my hernia got progressively worse, I am finding that I have to change the bag more often. When everything is going OK, I change it twice a week but it’s now becoming every other day on a more frequent basis. Eventually, if this isn’t dealt with, I could be changing it several times a day. Every single time I remove the bag, there is a bit of a leak under the flange and I’m getting more skin irritation. I have lost a great deal of weight over the past few years and there is quite a lot of loose flesh on my abdomen, making the area very unstable. I have been referred to a specialist colorectal surgeon who specialises in complex repairs and reconstructions, and he recommends a tummy tuck to tighten everything up (will I actually get a flat stomach after all these years - and free on the NHS?!! Lol!) The leak doesn’t penetrate beyond the edge of the flange because I always feel it and deal with it before it gets to that stage, but I always wear flange extenders just in case. As time goes on, I am becoming more aware of Kermit (my stoma) than usual. When things are going OK, I can forget all about him between visits to the loo. I have no idea when this problem is going to be fixed. I have used convex bags since the early days - not that Kermit is flush or retracted, but it was the only thing that fixed the continuous disastrous leaks - something to do with my shape, I suppose. I am finding that emptying the bag more frequently does help, but when I wake up in the morning the bag is always very full, and often quite ballooning too, and a couple of weeks ago I did have a blow-out but it didn’t make a mess because the flange extenders contained it - the flange had lifted up and poo was escaping and it was a huge mess to clear up when I got the bag off! Kermit’s sixth birthday will be at the end of this March. I’m pretty used to dealing with everything and haven’t needed to see the stoma nurse for ages. I use quite a lot of stoma powder because there is always skin irritation immediately around Kermit because of these leaks. I puff it on and brush it off with a dry wipe, and then dab with a barrier wipe, and repeat the process till I’ve built up a crust, and this really helps things heal up. I simply can’t get on with rings in any shape or form - they make the problem disastrously worse!

Skin Tac is the game changer.

so embarrassing to have leaks I tape around my bag, plus on the opening part I use a clip lo seal it better several times they had come undone

Great videos. I'm on my 2nd time with a temp ostomy and have had some issues with leaks shortly after applying new appliance (within 2 hours I'm leaking.) Typically it's out of the bottom toward the right side. I've measured, I have an eakins ring on the wafer to help seal especially since my output is very runny, but it still finds a way. I've had to call my ostomy nurse a couple times to come out and help. Its extremely frustrating when you go through all the prep just to have it leak so quickly

Not to mention, small bags with high output.

at 4:00, you talk about overfilled pouches tugging at the seal. I use barrier extender (the translucent, skin-looking material), or any tape-like material that is easy on the skin. I take a small section and tape the top of the bag, just above the vent opening, to my abdominal skin. So, now an overfilled pouch tugs at the 'tape' and not the seal. TRY IT! But be careful with what you use on your skin. >:D

Leaks, leaks! Ive had three in two days! I don’t know if I’ve had a bad batch of pouches or it’s my arthritic hands and I’m not putting them on properly. But it’s probably me as even over a year since I’ve had ileostomy I just can’t get to grips with it. I empty every time I go in loo, even at night as it’s constantly on my mind so I wake every couple of hours. I only get ballooning if I eat veggies, which I love. I’ve stopped eating after 3pm so I don’t get much output at night but on saying that it makes it more liquid and gas which escapes. I’ll work it out one day. Thanks for your video, it’s very helpful. 🇬🇧

My ileostomy is in a location where I've had previous ostomies so the skin does have an uneven part leading to leakage recent weeks. I use a barrier ring and take my time to drag my fingers around to be sure the barrier ring is firmly on the wafer. Once i apply it to my skin (especially the uneven area), i try to apply even pressure around to be sure it holding. As said before, something is still leaking in that area. I'd like some help bc i'm going through my supplies fast.

I have a leak starting in the same place from the wafer each time. Looking at the area from my side looking down it is on the left upper side. I have tried all kind of barriers. Paste around the wafer opening, strips, Hollister Barrier rings, and making a powder crust around stoma base. I use barrier curved strips. Paste around the wafer does not work. Adept made a horrible gummy paste on my skin that was difficult to remove. I never get no more than 3 days. I have not use one, but I read the Eskin ring is very good.. My stoma is 1 1/4 I measure it frequently. I have precut wafers from Hollister. No mater what I do, a leak starts on that upper left side. I put HY tape over the barrier discs. My stoma is a little raised and round. I use a two piece system with a high out put bag. Any suggestions? TY

Every time I put one on it leaks they got to find something better than what they got now it's crazy how you it does it every time everyday and how do you keep the bottom of your bag from unsticking and then leaking

I like your videos. I have problems with leakage every so often, not as bad now but my problem is that I have an ileo, it is bigger now than when I had surgery 16 years ago, but it shrinks to its original size occasionally and pancakes which is a disaster. I haven't found any product that helps with this. I have to wear convexity due to the stoma shrinking and have developed a pressure ulcer right where the stoma opening points downward. Usually this will go away if I switch to a normal flat wafer for a little while. I wish I could use a flat wafer all the time but if my stool is thick (which causes my stoma to retract) it goes underneath everything, even barrier rings. Do you know of anything that can help?

When the pancrease is partly damaged this allows an oily substance to get into the stool.This oily substance will very quickly get through your appliance as a leak.This was prescribed by my doctor and I have not had a leak since.I used to have to change my appliance almost daily.

I really like a vented bag. Not sure when that technology came out? Vents don't balloon unless the vent fails

I had a Stoma hernia and the Doctor changed the position of the stoma . It is not flat and no matter what i use paste or rings leaking is a real problem any suggestions . I use a Convatec two piece

Hello , can you please tell what is the gel you use in pouches to make the stool hard...

Do you think that climbing stairs or getting down from an un easy step of the car cause debonding - gap creation and hence leakage?

"A messy, wet, warm mess." What really wakes you is rolling over on it after it has cooled off! The belt suggestion was great! I saw it and said, this is going to suck because it looks so uncomfortable. I don't even know I have it on. I feel SO much more secure with it. It holds the bag on snug and stops the wear and tear on the wafer. I always got leaks from the top of the wafer in that thin plastic that holds the firm plastic connection ring to the wafer itself. I use Hollister stuff because that's all I know from leaving the hospital but the belt is made by Adapt (which I see is Hollister). The ref # is 7299 and the upc is10075 11478. It hooks into 2 of the 3 tabs on the side of the bag's connection ring and goes around your back and is adjustable. It's working great for me. Thanks for the tip, Eric.

OldGasMan My biggest problem is what you called "Ballooning". But its way too often. I can go into the rest room several times during mealtime and shortly after just to 'burp the bag' even though there is not much in the bag except air. Have suggestions on how to chang this problem? I've already thought of cutting back on cheese and peanut butter and such, but maybe you have others you can add.

Is there any paste that does not have the alcohol in it. My skin is very sensitive and the regular paste really burns my skin often?

Hi, how to prevent leakage during exercise, like bending my belly?

Can't think of anything worse than setting several alarms every night and getting up. Bad enough hearing the standard morning one haha!

My stoma is very close to the crease where my leg bends at the hip . And it is absolutely impossible to get more the 36 hours out of a bag . I've had one fail after 18 minutes before. And when I say we have tried everything we have.

I wonder if you could help us my mom has an uroostomy like 18 years ago and since the she has been using Hollister 3764 skin barriers, but suddenlly the brand discontinued that model and I havent found the rigth one for my mom, because we havent recived any propper advisory about a new skin barrier model, the "new ones" that want to sell are not strong enought or the tape adesive area its not big enough so constantly my mom has leaks or when the prior model use to dure like a week the new ones barely stays fit a day or even worst a simple night, so any advisory we will appreciatte it thank you in advance

Okay for me iam 63 years old and iam concern about my bag filling water only I mean blows up fully whit regular water? Is this normal? Or is ther something wrong whit me?

I was shopping when my pouch fell off! I get through a minimum of a dozen pouches a day! I check it between hourly and a couple of hours. on the rare days when it adheres. I've tried rings flanges, flat and convex pouches, nothing has helped. I have a parastomal hernia which doesn't help.

What about doing an article on high output fiscals that are retracted, and using barrier rings and convex base plates (wafer) output can go from thick to liquid no pattern, often suffer from leakages, raw damaged skin that noting will stick too very painful, tried everything, barrier rings soak up output and swells and the hole in the ring closes nobody deals with having a fiscals, have my colon but use ostomy products

Liquid output coming what should I do there is any tablets to prevent liquid leaking please reply me

Blizzard, eh? I can tell you're also a Canuck! Good job. I would like to share this on the Calgary Ostomy Society website I maintain.

Why do the filters not work to realease the gas I've use 2 or 3 different ones and the filters don't work

I'm almost 3 months out of surgery for my ileostomy and I've been struggling with alternating prolapses and retractions, especially at night. My stoma doesn't retract all the time (it's generally "normal" during the day, but then loses its shape and firmness, becomes "mushy" and retracts or prolapses out of the blue.... This happens as often as every day or once a week) but it does so sporadically, which then causes leaks (usually when I'm asleep). Would a convex flange work best in this case? My concern is if using a convex flange would cause more prolapses, since I am prone to those too,and if it would help when the stoma randomly retracts? Can these be used on a stoma that doesn't stay retracted? My doctor wasn't any help with this, so any advice anyone has would be very helpful!

My leaks come as a result of a dip on the right side of my stoma, about the size of dime. While I apply a piece of the seal in the dip, it doesn’t always work. That’s where my problem lies. The output finds its way into my skin (no outside leak) irritating it and causing burning. When this occurs, I require a change every 2 days. When it works it’s wonderful as I can get 3 days before changing. I seem to get a run of good luck, but it doesn’t last. I use only half of a Salts mouldable seal to create a full seal as I find the full seal is too thick. I have no clue if my explanation is clear or not, but I sure hope you may have a solution for me. ET nurses have unfortunately not been unable to find the magic for me. Almost forgot - the fact that I have a hernia on the left side probably doesn’t help matters. Thank you ☺️

Does anyone know of a product or products that would help prevent someone with Alzheimer's from picking at or removing their bag? Help!

My stoma is very close to my belly button, which causes leaks in the belly button since the skin is not flat. I've tried covering my belly button opening with tegaderm and the barrier strips. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Any tips on how to make my bell button hole a flat surface?

What is pouch ballooning how do I see it

i have an illostmy my stoma output is so low on my skin keeps leaking eny ideas

Very very useful information.this query is on behalf of my husband.in your video I noticed that once you remove the layer from the wafer you directly put it on the stoma whereas I have been asked to put brava paste round the cutting and the place it on the stoma.is it correct.

I think it's been almost 3 weeks if not already 3½ since I last changed my appliance because this time it's just really holding on tight... Is leaving it on that long at all dangerous?

Eric, my pouch leaks where you drain, Why? I make sure I dry all moisture in out before I roll up.

I have an inny stoma and I leak all the time I have tried everything I am new to this mine was just don't on November 10th 2016

I have leaks coming through the inside ring part why does this happen

Flush or Retracted Stoma Leaks - Minute 2:07

I always put the wafer on standing up

Kindly confirm that after surgery of ilostomy it will perfect or not

Do you have a brand of gel product you like?

Thank you for information. Bi keep having burning. I guess it’s leaking. I have already changed today n been very careful n now burning. 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻