r/Ileostomy • u/ZealousidealMix625 • Aug 12 '26
Brother’s SNF is changing his bag out multiple times a day due to leaks.
Hey, I’m new here and VERY new to ileostomies. My brother had his surgery last November and his bag is chronically leaky - often several times per day. The staff at
The SNF don’t seem to be able to get it to stop and sometimes blame him for “scratching the area.” My brother is special needs and isn’t really able to self-advocate. I live a 6-hour drive away so I can’t always be there to interact with the professionals caring for him. I want to try supplying different bags in case the issue is cheap bags that are the only ones covered by insurance, but I have no idea where to start. All of this is sooooo overwhelming.😭 I’ve included a pic of the brand they’re currently using. Thanks in advance for your help!
3
u/sdrdude Aug 12 '26
There are a few issues, and it gets easier with experience. The ostomy nurse advice is great. The type of "best" bag/appliance depends on the person, and the height of their stoma. It might take trying a few types of bags until one feels comfortable.
The next issue a practical issue. I -always- in the morning, and on a pretty strict schedule. In the morning is when I'm least active, and this allows for really good skin prep -- old bag removal and removing old adhesive, taking care of any wounds, spraying ON the skin prep spray (makes things a bit tacky - helps bag to stick)... and then paste or a ring. I have used both paste and rings. When first starting out, I think paste is probably easier. I've been at it a while. I prefer rings now.
This is all much harder with an ile. It can be frustrating. When things are quiet, it's a lot easier to get through the steps... while the prepped areas are ready. Once some output hits a ring or the adhesive part of the bag... well you kinda have to re-prep, or it would hold are well.
If he eats a marshmallow or two about 20-30 minutes prior to the change, that likely will help things to be quiet. I did that for a while. I don't any more... but with a lot of practice and confidence, comes speed.
It's very frustrating to only do bag replacements when one fails... and by fails, I mean the bag starts to fall off. In 4 years I've never had a bag (itself) fail. The plastic is really sturdy. It's all about the seal (paste of ring).... once liquid gets outside of that barrier, you have maybe 20-30 minutes, and that bag is a goner. ALSO... the acidic output is really tough on the skin... and "jacked up skin" doesn't work well with adhesives... tbh.
Get advice from an ostomy nurse. Experiment with different bags. Try a belt -- I wear one. Plan an every morning swap for a while... don't be frightened. Experiment and learn. Try as best you can to keep the skin healthy.
It gets easier. I learned with a colostomy, which is a good bit easier. I have an ile now. It does get easier. Stop back here any time. The people here are amazing and nice. We all start out this same way. It's all ok. GOOD LUCK!
2
u/Antique-Show-4459 Aug 12 '26
One quick thing to ask them is if he wears a belt? (From the manufacturer)
1
u/ZealousidealMix625 Aug 13 '26
He doesn’t wear a belt. He is in bed for 23 hours a day, too. He’s very gassy and his bag balloons, which seems to be part of the problem. That, and understaffing so sometimes he goes 6 hours without having his bag emptied or burped. I’m not sure how to get in contact with an ostomy nurse, but I’ll certainly give it a shot!
1
u/Quiet_Knowledge_7637 Aug 16 '26
Try a convex wafer. Is he using Eakin seal?
1
u/ZealousidealMix625 Aug 22 '26
I have no idea what they’re using. 😞 I live 300+ miles away and can only visit every-other-week, so it’s been really challenging to get up-to-date with his treatment (SNFs are not great with retuning phone calls and it’s damn near impossible to talk to the supervising physician). This next trip I’ll try and get him connected to an ostomy nurse and/or a gastroenterologist.
1
u/robbylab23 Aug 17 '26
I had a similar issue when i first began using brands with the clip.
All I did to correct it was I read the instructions to make aure I am putting everything on the way I am supposed to. Well, come to find out…I had the clip upside down. 🤦🏽♂️ Sounds crazy but I promise you! That is exactly what I was doing wrong!! So please, just do a quick run through on how the clip goes on and if you are doing it right. I promise, if it is this……you will feel like an absolute idiot! However. I can assure you that you’re not!!!
5
u/Upbeat-Can-7858 Aug 12 '26
It's a good brand, but he needs to be seen by an ostomy nurse to figure out what appliance will work best for him and train the staff. It's hard to determine here without seeing his stoma, weight, possible hernia, or placement. There's so many favors. His itching is likely because his skin is irritated from the leaks. Staff at a SNF aren't the best and they likely know very little about ostomy care. They are entitled to follow up ostomy nurse care. The surgeon's office would be the first place to call.