I have a colostomy, about 1" opening, and for 8 years I had no problem with my pouches. Then for 3 or 4 months I can't seem to have a bag on for more than a day, and there is leakage. What is deep convexity and should I have different kind of pouches that have a deep convexity? Would that help? Thank you.
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- Fri, 1/25/13 - 1:46pm
- 7 Comments
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I have a colostomy, about 1" opening, and for 8 years I had no problem with my pouches. Then for 3 or 4 months I can't seem to have a bag on for more than a day, and there is leakage. What is deep convexity and should I have different kind of pouches that have a deep convexity? Would that help? Thank you.
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Have you lost or gained weight recently? Has your stoma size or shape changed? How about the stool itself- has that changed consistency? Convexity is meant for those who have an uneven pouching surface- like if there are creases and your stoma sits in a divot or valley. Convexity- either light or regular may be enough if you're used to wearing the flat pouches. Sometimes a barrier ring helps to level out the pouching surface and buy more wear time. Deep convexity is a pouch that has more convexity- think dome shaped on the back. For my patients who have deep creases, yes, deep convexity has often been helpful when they have soft bellies. I often recommend to use a belt if you're using convexity...
Reply to this comment »Good luck.
From anonymous:
Reply to this comment »A convex wafer isnt flat. It's got like a little cone shape to it. The eakin seals also add convexity which helps prevent leakage.
From Anonymous:
Reply to this comment »I have the convex wafer and have tried the flat ones. I go through my wafers daily!! Right now I'm wearing a bag that was donated to me because I can't keep up with my shipment of bags. I've tried everything to prevent this but I can't find the problem, only that my stoma is extra warm and breaks down the seal faster. I'm sorry I'm not more help. Hopefully someone will have sound answers.
From Anonymous:
Reply to this comment »Have you seen an ostomy nurse (WOCN) at your local hospital or outpatient wound clinic? That would be your best place to start.
See your ET or Ostomy nurse nearest you! They can help you.
Reply to this comment »Be sure your peristomal skin is dry when you apply wafer. You could try a skinprep like Marathon from Medline to improve sticking of the wafer. Sometimes trying a pediatric wafer and pouch works as it is very flexible, especially if you are a petite or very thin person. Call your ostomy supply company and talk to their stoma nurse- Coloplast, Hollister, all the ostomy companies have specialists to help and they can send you samples. Don't give up!
Reply to this comment »The patient should establish whether s/he has gained weight and how much. If there was any weight gain the patient should establish whether there is a skin crease in the vicinity of the stoma. This may have altered the stoma mouth and peristomal area, i.e, retraction or skin folds. The patient may need some stoma paste to increase adhesion of the pouch.
If any of above mentioned is not the reason, I suggest light convexity and added support with a stoma belt as it might be enough convexity to prevent faecal leakage. Be sure to ascertain that the peristomal skin is healthy and intact. This can be achieved with protective skin barrier spray or wipes. Non sting if there is any skin peeling or excoriation present..
One kind of convexity should be sufficient.
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