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New to ostomy life (esophagectomy): need tips

Posted by lisa2274 @lisa2274, Aug 28 8:33am

Hello, my mom had an esophejectomy, she has 2 ostomy bags now, one on her neck and one on her stomach. Everything we've used leaks, any help?
The stomach bag is only bcuz her gastric tube came out. The surgeon is hoping the whole will close on its own, but the stomach acid still leaks out and is breaking down the skin. We're going back in 3 weeks for a check up, and the surgeon may put in a new tube if this doesn't work.

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piki | @piki | Aug 28 9:20am

I have no advice to give but do pass on my caring concern to your mother.

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kenc | @kenc | Aug 29 11:37am

Perhaps contact the ostomy mfr. Many offer technical assistance and sample products for situations similar to yours

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xxxlt | @xxxlt | Aug 29 11:41am

I use convetec two piece Natura system, I dd a Eakin Cohesive Seal to the skin flange then attache over my stoma followed by the pouch. With a medical glove on I warm up the palm of my hand and apply a small amount of pressure to the pouch and seal, I do this 3 or 4 times, just takes a minute and assures a good seal to your skin, in over a year I have never had a leak. Hope that helps. T.

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susan_f | @susanbfoster | Sep 1 5:03pm

I would suggest contacting the surgeon and getting a referral to WOCN (ostomy nurse) for both the wound healing and the ostomy appliance issues.

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atraveler | @atraveler | Sep 4 12:39pm

Trying to use an ostomy appliance when there is no stoma is very challenging. Is the appliance being applied to a flat area of her stomach? If there are valleys are crevices you will need to create a flat area using a barrier protective sheet such as the ConvaTec Stomahesive skin barrier. Another option is to use a barrier ring. Coloplast, Convatec, and Hollister all sell skin barriers and barrier rings. Once you have a flat surface apply her barrier/wafer/flange on top. You can also try using barrier extenders to extend wear time. You can contact ConvaTec, Coloplast and/or Hollister to get free samples of these products to try. Finally do use an ostomy belt to hold the appliance to your skin. Again all three mfr sell ostomy belts for their appliances. You will have to experiment to see what works.

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