Many people assume that once they find an ostomy routine that works, they can stick with it forever. But over time, bodies change, and so can your ostomy needs. A routine that worked perfectly for months or years may eventually become less reliable.
For example, someone who consistently got five days of wear time may suddenly start noticing lifting edges, minor leaks, or skin irritation, even though they have not intentionally changed their routine.
Sometimes the signs are obvious, such as frequent leaks. Other times, they are subtle, such as mild itching or even a system that suddenly feels less comfortable than it used to. Regardless of severity, these issues are not something you need to just “put up with.”
Signs Your Ostomy Routine May Need Reassessing
- Wear time becoming shorter
- Mild itching or burning under the barrier
- Occasional leaks or lifting edges
- Increased ballooning or pancaking
- More frequent skin irritation
- A pouching system that suddenly feels uncomfortable
- Changes in output consistency
- Difficulty getting a secure seal
Why Ostomy Needs Change Over Time
Your ostomy routine will likely not stay identical forever. Even small body changes can alter how your barrier fits and adheres. Several factors can affect your fit over time, including:
- Weight gain or loss
- Aging and skin changes
- Scarring
- Hernias
- Increased activity or exercise
- Pregnancy
- Changes in posture or mobility
- Medication or diet changes
Small Adjustments that Can Make a Big Difference
Sometimes only minor changes are needed to improve comfort and reliability. Helpful adjustments may include:
- Changing your appliance at a different time of day
- Using a barrier ring
- Adjusting your skin prep routine
- Warming the barrier before application
- Measuring your stoma again
- Reviewing your cutting size
- Trying a different pouch filter
- Adjusting how often you change your appliance
You don’t always need a complete routine overhaul to see improvement.
When to Ask for Help
You do not need to wait until problems become severe before seeking support. Consider reaching out to an NSWOC nurse (Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence) or your healthcare provider for assistance. Additional resources include Ostomy Canada support groups and even product specialists.
Having to change your routine after finding one that works for you can be incredibly frustrating. While difficult, try to remember that ostomy care is varied with many options and solutions, and there are supports available to help. Needing a change in your routine does not mean you are doing anything wrong.
Source
By Erika Kana, RN, Content Writer, Ostomy Canada Marketing Team.
Hello, I’m Erika. I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. I attended Mount Royal University in Calgary and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. I took my NCLEX licensing exam in December of 2022 and became a registered nurse. I’ve worked as a nurse since and specialize in emergency medicine, with experience in medical-surgical nursing. I hope one day to work in pediatrics or neonatal intensive care nursing and eventually to work as a critical care transport nurse. I have also recently transitioned into the world of health content writing. I specialize in crafting content that simplifies complex medical topics, promotes wellness, and addresses common health concerns. My goal is to empower individuals with accurate and easy-to-understand information. I am also interested in wound, ostomy and continence nursing, which, combined with my love for writing, led me to volunteer with Ostomy Canada. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, playing with my dog (my beagle puppy), backpacking, doing yoga, running, and spending time with friends and family.
Learn more at https://www.erikakana.com/.
7 Responses
Yes I have found with age I have to change 1 day less than I I usually did. Now I am 70 and have ilestomy since 33..
Is the same true for diet? Recently I have had low sodium and have had to make some diet changes. I am wondering why the change?
Hi David,
Thanks for sharing your experience. As we age, it’s actually quite common for our bodies to tolerate things differently than they did years earlier, even when we’ve had an ileostomy for decades. Changes in kidney function, hydration regulation, medications, appetite, activity level, and absorption can all affect sodium levels over time.
With an ileostomy, sodium losses can already be higher than average, so some people find they need to pay closer attention to fluids and electrolytes as they get older. Hot weather, illness, increased output, or even subtle dietary changes can make a difference, too.
It’s good that you recognized the low sodium and made adjustments. If you haven’t already, it may also be worth discussing this with your healthcare provider to rule out other contributing factors and ensure your hydration and electrolyte plan is still meeting your needs.
Take care, Erika Kana
My issue is leaking through the ‘back’ of the the pouch with the ‘new improved’ pouch. I’m new to this ostomy life. I don’t eat 3 meals a day (it’s just the way I am) so is that my problem? Too much fluid???
Thanks!
Hi Jeannie, thank you for sharing your experience. Leaking can be very frustrating, especially when you’re still adjusting to life with an ostomy. Eating patterns can sometimes affect output consistency, but leaking through the back of the pouch may also be related to the pouching system itself, fit, or the type of output you’re having.
It may help to connect with your NSWOC nurse to review your pouching system and see whether a different product or setup might work better for you. You could also contact the manufacturer directly to discuss the issues you’re experiencing with the “new improved” pouch.
You’re also welcome to post in the Ostomy Canada Facebook support group to hear from others who may have had similar experiences and can share what worked for them: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OstomyCanadaSociety
If you have additional questions or would like further support, you are also welcome to contact Ostomy Canada’s Medical & Lifestyle Advisory Committee (MLAC) team here: https://www.ostomycanada.ca/medical-lifestyle-advisory-committee-questions/
I find the new Hollister model 8331 is not as reliable as the previous, it is very difficult yo release gas as required any comments from other users of this model
Hi Glenn, thank you for sharing your experience. It can definitely be frustrating when a product that used to work well no longer feels as reliable. You may want to contact Hollister directly to discuss the issues you’re having with the 8331 model, as they may have suggestions or updated options to try. It could also help to connect with an NSWOC nurse to explore whether another product or system may work better for your needs.
You’re also welcome to post your question in the Ostomy Canada Facebook support group to hear from others who may be using the same product and experiencing similar concerns: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OstomyCanadaSociety
Lately my ostomy bag has been leaking i have tried with and without my ostomy belt. Its so frustrating sometimes i have to change it 2 times a day .Usually its around the hooks to attach my belt .