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Living with an ostomy doesn’t have to mean living with daily discomfort or uncertainty. While adjusting to life with a stoma can come with its share of challenges, many of the most common issues, such as leaks, skin irritation, and appliance fit, can be resolved with the right strategies and support.

At Fortis Medical Products, we understand how important it is for ostomy users to feel secure, confident, and comfortable every day. Let’s take a closer look at how to troubleshoot some of the most frequent ostomy problems and how the right tools and habits can make a big difference.

1. Leaks

Leaks are among the most common and stressful issues for ostomy users. They can be caused by poor barrier adhesion, moisture, uneven skin surfaces, or changes in stoma shape.

Solutions:

• Perfect the fit: Ensure your barrier opening closely matches the size and shape of your stoma. A gap, even a small one, can lead to leaks.
  
• Prep the skin properly: Thoroughly clean and dry the area around the stoma before applying any products. Oils or moisture can weaken adhesion.
  
• Use accessories strategically: Barrier rings and seals can smooth out uneven skin, creating a better surface for your appliance.
  
• Try convex products: If your stoma is recessed or flush with the skin, a convex barrier may help improve the seal and reduce the risk of leakage.
  

2. Skin Irritation

Skin irritation around the stoma is often a result of leakage, frequent appliance changes, or reactions to adhesives.

Solutions:

• Use skin barrier wipes or sprays: These form a protective layer between your skin and the adhesive, helping reduce friction and inflammation.
  
• Address leaks promptly: Even minor seepage can irritate if left unaddressed. Inspect your skin regularly and replace barriers as needed.
  
• Choose gentle removal techniques: Use adhesive removers to prevent skin damage during pouch changes, especially if your skin is already sensitive.
  

3. Ballooning and Odor

Gas buildup in the pouch, known as ballooning, not only causes discomfort but can also lead to unwanted odor or leaks.

Solutions:

• Opt for pouches with filters: Many modern pouches include charcoal filters that allow gas to escape while containing odor.
  
• Adjust your diet: Foods such as beans, cabbage, and carbonated drinks can increase gas production. Track your intake to identify any triggers.
  

4. Poor Fit or Pouch Discomfort

Discomfort from an ill-fitting pouch or barrier can impact mobility, confidence, and even sleep.

Solutions:

• Explore different styles: One-piece, two-piece, and low-profile options are available. What works for one person may not work for another, so don’t be afraid to try alternatives.
  
• Consult with a professional: A certified ostomy nurse can provide personalized advice based on your body shape and stoma type.
  

Partnering With You for Better Ostomy Care

At Fortis Medical Products, we’re here to support your everyday ostomy care with high-quality products designed for real-life comfort and reliability. Whether you’re navigating your first few weeks or are years into your journey, we’re proud to be part of your care team.

Visit our website to explore our full range of ostomy supplies and accessories, and contact our team to find the confidence that comes with the right support!

Living with an ostomy doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or quality of life. Many individuals find that with the right routine, they’re able to return to daily activities with renewed confidence. The key? Establishing a personalized ostomy care routine that minimizes complications, supports healthy skin, and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

At Fortis Medical Products, we believe every person’s needs are unique. That’s why we’re committed to providing reliable, skin-friendly products and practical guidance to help you stay comfortable and protected every day.

Step 1: Choose the Right Time and Setting

Consistency is crucial in ostomy care. Aim to care for your stoma at the same time each day, ideally when your stoma is least active (such as first thing in the morning). Set up a clean, well-lit, and private space where you can comfortably complete your routine without distractions or stress.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

Having all of your materials ready before you begin can streamline your routine and reduce risk of contamination or delays. Your daily kit may include:

• Warm water and soft cloths (avoid soaps with oils or fragrances)
  
• A mirror (to see the stoma more easily)
  
• Your pouching system (flange, bag, or one-piece unit)
  
• Entrust™ Stoma Paste or barrier rings to fill skin creases
  
• Scissors (if using cut-to-fit flanges)
  
• Disposal bag for used supplies
  
• Skin barrier wipes or sprays (optional)
  

Step 3: Gently Clean and Dry the Area

Carefully remove your current pouch and clean the skin around the stoma with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid scrubbing. Pat the area dry thoroughly, as moisture can interfere with your pouch’s adhesion and lead to irritation.

Step 4: Apply Skin Protection and Secure a Leak-Free Seal

If your skin is uneven or has folds, applying a small amount of Stoma Paste can help create a smooth, secure surface for your pouching system. It acts as both a sealant and a skin protectant, helping to prevent leakage and irritation.

Once applied, press your pouch into place firmly, smoothing out air bubbles to ensure a tight seal. If you’re using barrier rings or additional accessories, apply those as needed based on your stoma type and skin condition.

Step 5: Check Your Skin Regularly

A key part of any ostomy routine is skin monitoring. Look for signs of redness, breakdown, or sensitivity around the stoma. If issues arise, consult your care team or explore alternative products that may better suit your skin.

Make It Your Own

No two routines are exactly alike. Some people prefer to prep their supplies the night before, while others adjust their approach depending on activity levels or travel. The goal is comfort, confidence, and consistency, and Fortis Medical Products is here to support you every step of the way.

Ready to improve your routine? Discover ostomy care products designed with your comfort and protection in mind. For more information, contact us at Fortis Medical Products today.

Adjusting to life with an ostomy can be daunting, but having the right supplies can make the transition smoother and more comfortable. Whether you’ve undergone a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy, understanding the essential components of ostomy care is crucial. Fortis Medical Products offers a range of high-quality ostomy supplies designed to meet your needs.​

Essential Ostomy Supplies

1. Ostomy Pouches

Ostomy pouches collect waste from the stoma. They come in two main types:​

• One-Piece Systems: The pouch and skin barrier are combined, making application straightforward.
  
• Two-Piece Systems: The pouch and barrier are separate, allowing for pouch changes without removing the barrier.​
  

Fortis Medical Products provides both options, ensuring you find the system that best fits your lifestyle.​

2. Skin Barriers (Wafers)

Skin barriers protect the skin around the stoma and provide a secure base for the pouch. They come in various sizes and can be pre-cut or cut-to-fit. Fortis’s skin barriers are designed for comfort and durability, ensuring a snug fit to prevent leaks.​

3. Stoma Paste

Stoma paste fills in gaps between the stoma and the skin barrier, ensuring a tight seal and preventing leaks. Fortis’s Entrust Stoma Paste is thick yet pliable, making it easy to apply around the stoma. It’s formulated with pectin to handle both high liquid and thick outputs. The paste is less sticky to the touch but adheres well to the skin, reducing mess during application. For those with sensitive skin, the No Sting formula offers added comfort. 

4. Adhesive Removers

Removing pouches and barriers can sometimes irritate the skin. Adhesive removers, available in wipes or sprays, help gently detach these components without causing discomfort. Fortis offers skin-friendly adhesive removers to ensure a painless removal process.​

5. Skin Barrier Rings

These rings provide an additional layer of protection around the stoma, helping to prevent leaks and skin irritation. Fortis’s skin barrier rings are moldable, allowing for a customized fit that accommodates individual stoma shapes and sizes.​

6. Ostomy Belts

Ostomy belts offer extra support, keeping the pouch securely in place during daily activities. They are especially beneficial for active individuals or those seeking added confidence in their pouch’s stability.​

7. Pouch Deodorants

To manage and neutralize odors, pouch deodorants can be added directly into the pouch. Fortis provides deodorant solutions that help maintain discretion and freshness throughout the day.​

8. Cleaning Supplies

Maintaining hygiene around the stoma is vital. Fortis offers gentle cleansing wipes and sprays designed specifically for ostomy care, ensuring the skin remains clean and healthy.​

Building Your Ostomy Care Routine

Establishing a consistent care routine is key to preventing complications and ensuring comfort. Here’s a basic checklist to get you started:​

• Empty or change your pouch as needed, typically when it’s one-third full.
  
• Inspect the skin around the stoma for signs of irritation or redness.
  
• Clean the stoma and surrounding skin with gentle wipes or sprays.
  
• Apply stoma paste or barrier rings to ensure a secure seal.
  
• Replace the skin barrier and pouch as recommended, usually every 3-5 days.
  

Why Choose Fortis Medical Products?

Fortis Medical Products is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable ostomy supplies that prioritize patient comfort and confidence. Fortis ensures that individuals with ostomies have access to solutions that make daily life more manageable.​

For more information or to explore Fortis’s range of ostomy products, visit our website and contact us today!

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about prevention, early detection, and life after treatment. For many colorectal cancer survivors, that journey includes adapting to an ostomy. At Fortis Medical Products, we’re dedicated to helping patients navigate that path with dignity, security, and support—starting with high-quality ostomy care solutions like our trusted ostomy skin barriers.

What Fortis Medical Products Offers

Fortis Medical Products provides a full range of ostomy care solutions designed to meet the needs of people living with a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy. Our products are created with one goal in mind: to help patients regain their independence, confidence, and comfort after surgery.

A key component of that support is our line of ostomy skin barriers—essential tools that help protect the skin, secure the pouching system, and improve overall wear time.

The Importance of Ostomy Skin Barriers

The skin around the stoma is delicate and prone to irritation, especially when exposed to moisture or frequent appliance changes. Our Entrust Skin Barrier Rings are designed to provide a reliable seal that protects the skin from output while promoting healthy skin and secure wear.

Features of Fortis Skin Barriers:

• Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Designed to reduce irritation and protect the peristomal skin, even with frequent use.
• Flexible and Comfortable: Our skin barriers conform to the body’s contours, allowing for comfortable movement throughout the day.
• Reliable Adhesion: Strong, long-lasting adhesive helps reduce leaks and improve confidence in daily activities.
• Customizable Options: Available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit individual needs and stoma types.

When paired with our other trusted ostomy accessories—like Entrust Stoma Paste—patients can create a secure and comfortable pouching system that supports both their physical and emotional well-being.

Making a Difference During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer can change a person’s life, but it doesn’t have to take away their sense of normalcy. Fortis Medical Products is proud to support survivors and ostomy patients with products that make a real difference. This March, as we raise awareness about colorectal cancer, we also honor those living with the lasting impacts of this disease.

By offering reliable, skin-friendly, and comfortable ostomy solutions, we help patients focus less on their appliance—and more on living life to the fullest.

Moving Forward with Fortis

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that strength, resilience, and quality of life are possible after cancer. At Fortis Medical Products, we’re here to walk that path with you—one barrier, one pouch, one day at a time.

February often comes with a barrage of pink hearts and romantic messages, but let’s not forget the most important love of all: self-love. This is especially true for individuals living with a stoma, who may face unique challenges in embracing their bodies and feeling confident.

Living with a stoma is an adjustment, and it’s natural to experience ups and downs emotionally. But remember, your stoma is a part of you, a symbol of strength and resilience. This Valentine’s Day, let’s redefine self-love and practice self-care that goes beyond chocolates and roses.

1. Reframe your narrative: Words have power. Instead of focusing on limitations, reframe your thinking. Your stoma allows you to live a full and active life. It’s a testament to your body’s incredible ability to heal and adapt.

2. Embrace your unique beauty: Every body is beautiful, and yours is no exception. Scars, stoma, and all, you are worthy of love and appreciation. Look in the mirror and find things you love about yourself, beyond the physical.

3. Connect with the community: You’re not alone! Join online forums, support groups, or connect with other ostomates on social media. Sharing experiences and building meaningful connections can be incredibly empowering.

4. Prioritize physical well-being: Self-care starts with taking care of your physical health. Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and engage in activities you enjoy, whether it’s swimming, dancing, or simply taking a walk in nature. Feeling good physically translates to feeling good emotionally.

5. Find joy in the little things: Celebrate your victories, big and small. Did you successfully change your appliance without any leaks? Did you wear that outfit you felt unsure about and rock it? Celebrate these moments – they deserve recognition!

6. Pamper yourself: Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. Take a relaxing bath, get a massage, or indulge in a hobby you love. Remember, you deserve to feel pampered and appreciated.

7. Be kind to yourself: We all have good days and bad days. When negativity creeps in, practice self-compassion. Talk to yourself with the same kindness you would offer a loved one.

8. Celebrate your strength: Living with a stoma requires immense strength and courage. Acknowledge your journey and give yourself credit for how far you’ve come. You are amazing!

This Valentine’s Day, remember that self-love is the foundation for everything else. By prioritizing your well-being, embracing your unique journey, and celebrating your strength, you can cultivate a deep sense of love and acceptance for yourself, stoma and all.

Here at Fortis Medical Products, we believe in empowering individuals with stomas to live life to the fullest. We offer a wide range of high-quality ostomy products designed for comfort, discretion, and confidence. Visit our website to explore our products and find resources to support your self-care journey.

Happy Valentine’s Day to YOU!

Living with an ostomy can seem daunting at first, especially with the myths and misconceptions surrounding it. However, the reality is far more positive than many people realize. With the right mindset, support, and high-quality products like those offered by Fortis Medical Products, individuals with an ostomy can live active, fulfilling lives. Let’s break down some common myths and shine a light on the truth.

Myth 1: An Ostomy Limits Your Lifestyle

One of the biggest misconceptions is that having an ostomy will prevent you from enjoying the activities you love. The truth? People with ostomies climb mountains, swim, travel, and lead active lives. With proper ostomy supplies, like the durable and comfortable solutions from Fortis Medical Products, you can confidently pursue your hobbies and passions. Modern ostomy products are designed to fit securely and discreetly, ensuring comfort and reliability no matter your activity level.

Myth 2: Ostomy Supplies Are Bulky and Uncomfortable

Gone are the days of cumbersome and uncomfortable ostomy products. Advances in technology have made modern systems lightweight, discreet, and tailored to individual needs. At Fortis Medical Products, we understand the importance of comfort and security. Our high-quality products, including Entrust Stoma Paste, ensure a perfect seal and reduce skin irritation, giving you the freedom to focus on what matters most—living your life.

Myth 3: Ostomies Make You Self-Conscious

Another common concern is that having an ostomy will make it impossible to feel confident in social or professional settings. In reality, today’s ostomy products are designed to be virtually invisible under clothing. Fortis Medical Products prioritizes discretion and comfort, helping you feel confident and secure. Whether you’re at work, at the gym, or out with friends, no one needs to know you have an ostomy unless you choose to share.

Myth 4: An Ostomy Will Control Your Life

An ostomy is not an end—it’s a beginning. For many, it represents freedom from pain and illness, offering a chance to regain control over their lives. With the right products and a positive outlook, you can embrace this new chapter with confidence. Fortis Medical Products is committed to supporting you on this journey with top-of-the-line supplies that provide peace of mind and ease of use.

Living Your Best Life with Fortis Medical Products

Living with an ostomy is a transition, but it doesn’t have to be limiting. By debunking these myths and relying on trusted products from Fortis Medical Products, you can enjoy a vibrant and active life. Remember, your ostomy is just one part of your story—not the whole narrative. Let Fortis help you write a chapter filled with confidence, comfort, and positivity.

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how to improve your quality of life while living with an ostomy. Setting resolutions that prioritize comfort, confidence, and health can help you step into 2025 feeling empowered and ready to embrace every opportunity. At Fortis Medical Products, we’re here to support you with reliable solutions like Entrust Stoma Paste to make these resolutions a reality.

Here are some ostomy-friendly resolutions to set yourself up for success in 2025:

1. Commit to Routine Ostomy Care

Consistency is key to managing your ostomy comfortably. Establishing a solid care routine will minimize discomfort, reduce leaks, and give you peace of mind. Try setting reminders for:

• Regular pouch changes to maintain hygiene.
• Inspecting your stoma and surrounding skin for any irritation.
• Using quality products like Entrust Stoma Paste to ensure a snug and secure fit, reducing leaks and protecting sensitive skin.

Small changes to your daily care routine can make a big difference over time.

2. Focus on Balanced Nutrition

Nutrition plays a significant role in how you feel with an ostomy. Make a resolution to:

• Incorporate foods that support your digestion while avoiding triggers.
• Stay hydrated to keep your body functioning at its best.
• Experiment with new recipes tailored to your dietary needs.

A food diary can help track what works best for your body and keep you energized for the year ahead.

3. Stay Active and Boost Confidence

Physical activity is a great way to improve your overall health, mood, and self-confidence. Whether it’s walking, swimming, yoga, or a new fitness class, make movement a regular part of your week. Wear an ostomy support belt or pouch cover to feel more secure during activities.

Exercise doesn’t just benefit your body—it also empowers you to feel strong and capable.

4. Prioritize Self-Care and Mental Health

Living with an ostomy can come with challenges, so prioritizing self-care is essential.

• Join an online or in-person ostomy support group to connect with others who understand your journey.
• Practice mindfulness, meditation, or journaling to reduce stress.
• Treat yourself to products that improve your comfort and confidence designed for worry-free wear.

Caring for your emotional well-being is just as important as physical care.

5. Try New Things and Embrace Positivity

Let 2025 be the year you step out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s traveling, trying a new hobby, or setting personal goals, don’t let your ostomy hold you back. With the right mindset and trusted products, you can embrace life to the fullest.

Start 2025 with Confidence

At Fortis Medical Products, we understand the importance of reliable, effective ostomy care. Our Entrust Stoma Paste helps you achieve a secure, leak-free fit so you can tackle your resolutions without worry.

Here’s to a confident, healthy, and fulfilling 2025! Make it your best year yet—one resolution at a time.