I’ve been using the eakin freeseal® versa (product code 839027) and it’s truly been a game-changer for my stoma care.
Why the extended range works for me
The Versa has an overall diameter of 48mm and an inner diameter of 18mm, which allows me to shape it perfectly to my stoma and body. What’s great about this size is its flexibility – I can easily mould it to fit snugly around my stoma, especially with the scars I have. It fills those uneven areas effectively, creating a reliable seal and stopping leaks before they start.
Easy application, perfect fit
One of the things I love most is how easy the eakin freeseal® is to apply. It adapts so well to my body shape, even as it changes throughout the day, and gives me a secure, comfortable fit that I can trust. No matter how active or relaxed my day is, I don’t have to worry about leaks or discomfort.
Confidence that moves with you
Whether I’m out walking, spending time with friends, or just taking a moment to relax, the eakin freeseal® versa moves with me. It gives me the confidence to focus on what really matters—living life to the fullest, without worry or hesitation.
Men’s Health Awareness Month is personal for me. For many of us, it’s about the real, everyday battles we face with our health—challenges that often stay hidden because we feel we should “tough it out” in silence. One of these battles, for me and countless other men, is living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and adapting to life with a stoma.
This month, I want to share my story, not just to open up about the challenges I’ve faced, but to help break down some of the stigma around these health issues. My hope is that more men can find the support and strength they need to live openly and confidently, without feeling alone or misunderstood.
Living with IBD: my journey so far
IBD is a condition that impacts thousands of men, yet it’s not talked about enough. For those who aren’t familiar, IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – conditions that lead to chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. The symptoms are far from glamorous: severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and more. IBD is a relentless disease, often striking without warning and affecting every part of daily life, from work to relationships.
For years, I struggled with the idea of talking openly about my experience with IBD. Like many men, I was hesitant to discuss a health issue that felt deeply personal, uncomfortable, and, frankly, embarrassing. Our culture tends to push men toward silence, especially when it comes to “invisible” health issues. I felt like I should handle it on my own, to not be a burden or show weakness. But I’ve learned that keeping these experiences bottled up only makes the journey harder and it’s something that too many men go through alone.
Adapting to life with a stoma
For me, and for some people with severe cases of IBD, there comes a point where a stoma becomes necessary. It can be a life-saving procedure, but it’s also one that fundamentally changes how you see yourself and live each day.
Adjusting to life with a stoma hasn’t been easy, but it has been empowering in ways I never expected. There are physical challenges and times of frustration, but there’s also a sense of reclaiming my life from a disease that has controlled me for so long. Yes, it’s an adjustment, and it comes with its own mental and emotional struggles, especially when it comes to body image and confidence. But what I’ve found is that openness and support have been key to accepting my new normal and moving forward.
Why awareness matters
Men’s Health Awareness Month gives me a chance to share my story in the hope that it might reach others who are struggling, feeling isolated, or unsure of where to turn. IBD and living with a stoma aren’t commonly discussed, but that doesn’t mean they should be hidden. Raising awareness matters because it helps men like us:
Recognise the signs and get help early: I ignored my symptoms for too long, and that’s something I hope to change for others. Early diagnosis can be life-changing, and taking symptoms seriously could help avoid or delay severe interventions.
Feel supported in our experiences: speaking up about IBD or living with a stoma shouldn’t be taboo. Sharing our stories can be incredible, allowing us to connect with others who truly understand.
Find a community: finding others who’ve walked this path has been essential for me. The support I’ve received from the IBD and ostomy communities has been invaluable, and it reminds me that I’m not alone in this journey.
Building a healthier future, together
Men’s Health Awareness Month is a reminder that we’re all in this together. If you’re struggling with IBD or adjusting to life with a stoma, I want you to know that support is out there and reaching out can make all the difference. Living with these health challenges doesn’t have to mean hiding them. By speaking up, seeking help, and connecting with each other, we can create a world where men feel empowered to face their health battles head-on, with dignity and support.
For any man out there fighting a similar battle: you’re not alone. Let’s stand together, break the silence, and move toward a healthier future, where we can live openly, confidently, and fully.
Caring for a loved one with a stoma although rewarding, will no doubt lead to some stressful times, and it is vital that you care for yourself too. If you are physically and emotionally healthy, it will help both you and the person you are caring for.
If you feel you are struggling to cope, some of these self-care tips may be useful:
Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids.
Exercise regularly by taking short walks.
Try to get a good night’s sleep – avoiding caffeine, limiting screen time, having a warm bath before bed could help.
Don’t try to fit too much into your day, and schedule in some relaxation such as reading, watching a favourite TV programme or listening to music.
It’s good to talk, so why not call a friend or family member for a chat.
Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help.
You should also remember that you are not alone if you are feeling worried or overwhelmed. Talking to your loved one’s stoma care nurse could be a useful first step to finding practical solutions. Connecting with people in a similar situation by joining a support group or seeking online advice and tips could also be helpful.
To support you as much as possible we have created a leaflet dedicated to carers, for friends and family caring for ostomates. It aims to help you to understand what happens during and after stoma surgery and give practical tips on how you can help your loved one. You can download it here.
Caring for someone having a stoma can be challenging sometimes. There are few things you need to watch out for to ensure you have a good stoma care routine for the person you are caring for. Here is few tips that could help you manage this situation.
The skin around the stoma is called peristomal skin and it is important to keep it dry and healthy. A leaking pouch will lead to output coming into contact with the skin, making it sore, uncomfortable and even damaged over time.
Managing the peristomal skin is probably the most important thing:
Make sure the skin is clean and dry around the stoma using warm water with dry wipes every time you change the pouch.
Always apply the pouching system to dry skin, free from oily creams.
Remove the baseplate gently, from top to bottom, when changing the pouch. You can use adhesive remover to help you remove the pouch gently.
Keep an eye on the peristomal skin – it should look the same as the rest of your loved one’s skin. If you notice anything unusual or they complain about itching or soreness, seek advice from their stoma care nurse.
Care for the skin from the inside out by making sure your loved one is eating a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet incorporating vital vitamins and minerals. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can also prevent skin from drying out.
What to do to avoid leakages:
Make sure your loved one’s baseplate fits snugly around the stoma – neither too loose nor too tight. Measure the stoma regularly especially over the first 3 months as the stoma will shrink slightly over this period. The stoma nurse will show you how to customise the pouch to the perfect size. A measuring guide is provided in our pouch boxes to help with measuring and adjusting the cutting of the baseplate. Pre-cut products are also available when stoma has settled in size.
To ensure good adhesion, gently run a finger around the baseplate edges and where it meets the stoma. It can also help to place your hands or your loved one’s hands over the baseplate for a few moments to create a good bond between skin and baseplate.
Empty the pouch regularly – a full pouch can pull on the baseplate and allow output to seep beneath it.
To support you as much as possible we have created a leaflet dedicated to carers, for friends and family caring for ostomates. It aims to help you to understand what happens during and after stoma surgery and give practical tips on how you can help your loved one. You can download it here.
If you have any concerns about stoma care routine always speak to your loved one’s stoma care nurse or our care team are available to help.
Related blogs
Caring for someone with cognitive impairment
Being a carer and remembering to care for ourselves too
When you are caring for someone who has both a stoma and cognitive impairment, you will play a major role when it comes to maintaining their stoma routine. This can seem challenging, but with the right guidance you’ll find a way that works for you both.
Preparation is key, so before you change their pouch, wash your hands with warm soapy water and make sure all the items you need are close at hand. If your loved one can help, get them to wear gloves in case they come into contact with any output and avoid any mess.
These practical tips should also make a pouch change much easier:
If your loved one is able to help during pouch changes, help them by giving short and clear instructions, repeated several times.
Devising a step-by-step written or visual guide might help.
Before each step, explain what you are about to do.
Develop your routine together and get your loved one involved by asking them to pass or hold items.
Carry out your pouching routine in the same place each time where possible.
If your loved one is restless during pouch changes, encourage them to perform another task such as brushing their hair, to distract them.
If it helps, stand in front of a mirror, so your loved one can see what you’re doing.
To stop your loved one accidentally removing their pouch, try tucking their top into their underwear for extra security.
If you notice your loved one touching their pouch it might mean that it is full and needs to be drained or changed.
If your loved one wakes in the night, the chances are that their pouch needs to be emptied, so always check to avoid accidents.
To support you as much as possible we have created a leaflet dedicated to carers, for friends and family caring for ostomates. It aims to help you to understand what happens during and after stoma surgery and give practical tips on how you can help your loved one. You can download it here.
If you have any concerns about your stoma care routine always speak to your loved one’s stoma care nurse or our care team are available to help.
Embracing the winter often requires ostomates in colder climates to navigate unique challenges, particularly when facing the daunting task of snow shoveling. Beyond the usual precautions, those with stomas need to be especially mindful of the impact strenuous activities can have on their abdominal muscles and stoma.
Ostomates must exercise caution when engaging in snow-clearing activities like shoveling. Given the surgery incisions, ostomates face an elevated risk of strained abdominal muscle injuries and should take diligent measures to safeguard against potential harm to the stoma.
Before doing any shoveling (or any other kind of strenuous activity), please make sure that you’ve discussed it with your Stoma Care Nurse, particularly if your stoma is quite new and may not be fully healed yet. Doing any kind of heavy lifting too soon can cause a hernia to develop; it is better to prevent a hernia than to have to manage it afterwards.
If you do decide to undertake some snow shoveling, it is extremely important to use the safest method and technique. Opt for pushing a shovel full of snow over lifting and throwing it, as this places less strain on your back and abdomen (and therefore, your stoma site). Begin from one side, plowing through to the other, and discharge the snow off the side of your driveway or walkway instead of attempting to throw it aside. It is also useful to hold the shovel handle to the side of your body, opposite your stoma, as you push it along. This positioning is safer, especially in the event of encountering uneven surfaces on the driveway or sidewalk, as it prevents the handle from driving into your abdomen or, more critically, your stoma.
Ensuring proper hydration is crucial before, during, and after engaging in snow shoveling. Ostomates who go into shoveling unprepared can experience overstrain and insufficient hydration, resulting in potential muscle strains. Approach snow shoveling with mindfulness and prioritize maintaining hydration levels to mitigate the risk of physical strain.
It is also important to take your time, particularly if your stoma surgery was quite recent. Take it slow and be sure to rest between each shovel pass. If you find yourself getting tired, take some time to go inside and rest before tackling some more of the job.
As the winter season unfolds, ostomates can confidently approach snow shoveling armed with the insights shared here. Remember, taking the necessary precautions today ensures a winter season filled not only with the beauty of snow but also with the assurance of a healthy stoma.
Related blog
How the winter season affects your stoma output
Recommended product
eakin freeseal®
Stay connected
Join for free monthly tips and advice to help you live life with your stoma as easily, happily and as fully as possible.
As the temperature drops, some ostomates may find themselves dealing with unexpected changes in their stoma experience. This blog post aims to shed light on these winter-specific concerns and offer practical solutions.
In the frosty embrace of winter, ostomates may notice a shift in the temperature of their stoma output. As the cold weather sets in, the output may become cooler, presenting a new sensation and potential discomfort. This is particularly true for urostomates, who might find themselves facing the unexpected chill of cold urine against their skin.
To help tackle and alleviate this concern, it may be worth exploring the option of pouch covers. These covers act as a protective barrier from the pouch to your skin, insulating against the cold and providing a layer of warmth that can be especially beneficial during colder weather.
While the delivery of stoma supplies is typically reliable, there’s always a possibility that adverse weather conditions, such as ice and snow, could disrupt the timely arrival of your stoma products.
While uncommon, disruptions in the delivery of stoma supplies due to adverse weather conditions can pose challenges for ostomates. In certain situations, weather-related issues may not only delay deliveries, but might also prevent you from being able to personally pick-up your stoma supplies, if this is applicable to you. As a precautionary measure, it could be beneficial to maintain a surplus of your stoma products, ensuring that you have an ample supply in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Having a surplus means keeping an extra stock of stoma products beyond immediate needs, acting as a safety net during unexpected circumstances. Some ostomates often find it beneficial to maintain at least one unopened delivery before placing a new order. This ensures that even in the face of unforeseen events, they have a sufficient level of stoma supplies to sustain them until normal delivery services resume. This can help to provide peace of mind, especially during the winter months when adverse weather is more likely to occur.
It may also be helpful to stay informed about weather forecasts and potential delivery delays during winter season. By being proactive and planning ahead, you can mitigate the impact of unforeseen circumstances and help to reduce stress.
Winter’s cold air, indoor heating, reduced humidity, and the biting wind can all contribute to stripping moisture from the skin – a familiar problem for anyone experiencing dry hands, dry faces, and chapped lips. Despite your stoma and peristomal skin being shielded from direct exposure to the harsh weather conditions, you may still notice heightened dryness or skin irritation. Dry skin around the stoma can lead to flaking and irritation, potentially posing challenges in comfort and adhesion. Here are some practical tips to consider:
Protective Wipes or Sprays
After washing and drying the peristomal skin, consider using protective wipes or sprays, like eakin protectTM barrier film, before applying your stoma pouch, to help protect the skin and reduce any irritation. Our eakin protectTM barrier film will provide a complete skin protection while enhancing pouch-to-skin adhesion so you feel more comfortable.
Explore pouch options
With a multitude of flange options available on varying stoma pouches, consider eakin dot® pouches – it provides you with all the benefits of Skinsmart™ technology to ensure your pouch stays on securely for longer even under challenging conditions. Plus it’s a skin friendly adhesive that keeps peristomal skin healthy. Be sure to always consult your Stoma Care Nurse beforehand.
Moisturisers
When dealing with drier skin, the instinct is often to apply more moisturiser all over. However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that regular moisturisers can compromise the adhesive quality of a stoma bag, since the adhesive may break down upon contact with the moisturiser, impacting its ability to adhere to the skin. To prevent this issue, refrain from applying moisturizer in the stoma bag area and stick to specialised stoma products, unless otherwise advised by medical professionals.
As winter draws in, it brings with it some potential challenges for ostomates, with the dry and harsh conditions. By adapting these suggestions to your stoma care needs, you can navigate the winter challenges and ensure optimal care for your stoma and peristomal skin during the colder months.
1. eakin dot® user evaluations, Data on File, 2019 ; 2.T.G. Eakin Laboratory Testing Summary report, skinsmart hydrocolloid 2020 (Data on file)
As a general guideline ostomates should store their supplies at a consistent temperature throughout the year to prevent potential issues with product performance. It may become apparent, when the weather undergoes changes or gets colder, that this can cause issues to your stoma products.
A recommended practice is to store supplies in a designated space, such as a cupboard in the bedroom, away from direct sunlight and moisture sources. It’s advised to do regular checks on your supplies, especially during the process of ordering new items, to ensure the stoma products are still in good condition and are still good to use.
In the colder temperatures, you might notice that the adhesion on your stoma pouch becomes more rigid and could benefit from some warming before application. Consider placing it beneath your arm or in the palm of your hands prior to changing the pouch, and you’ll discover that your body heat aids in enhancing the adhesive’s stickiness and allows for a more secure fit to your stoma. If you use seals warm between your hands before applying to bring to your body temperature for a secure fit.
Try to store your stoma supplies indoors during the winter rather than in an outdoor shed or garage, as the cold temperatures might affect them. If you choose to keep them in your house, ensure they are not placed near a boiler or radiator, as excessive heat could potentially compromise the quality of the products (for instance, the adhesive on the flange) leading to issues with the fit of your stoma pouch and the effectiveness of your stoma care routine.
Join for free monthly tips and advice to help you live life with your stoma as easily, happily and as fully as possible.
We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We'd also like to set optional analytics and marketing cookies to help us improve the site and deliver relevant content. You can manage your preferences in the cookies settings.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website and help us share relevant product adverts to you. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Please review our Cookie Policy for full details on which cookies we use.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
__cfduid
1 month
The cookie is used by cdn services like CloudFare to identify individual clients behind a shared IP address and apply security settings on a per-client basis. It does not correspond to any user ID in the web application and does not store any personally identifiable information.
_wpfuuid
11 years
This cookie is used by the WPForms WordPress plugin. The cookie is used to allows the paid version of the plugin to connect entries by the same user and is used for some additional features like the Form Abandonment addon.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement
1 year
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
1 year
This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
1 year
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
1 year
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
icwp-app-flash
past
Cookie generated by our website management tool, iControlWP. icwp-app-flash is used to store a temporary wp admin message
icwp-wpsf-notbot
10 minutes
This cookie is placed by WordPress to detect bots.
pouch_page_journey
session
This cookie enables us to remember your selections as you search our ostomy pouches based on ostomy type.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Cookie
Duration
Description
_wpfuuid
11 years
This cookie is used by the WPForms WordPress plugin. The cookie is used to allows the paid version of the plugin to connect entries by the same user and is used for some additional features like the Form Abandonment addon.
test_cookie
15 minutes
This cookie is set by doubleclick.net. The purpose of the cookie is to determine if the user's browser supports cookies.
viewed_cookie_policy
1 year
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
wordpress_country
2 months
This cookie allows us to remember which country you selected so that we only show products that are available in your country.
wordpress_survery_timer
7 days
This cookie is used when we place a user feedback on the site so that it only shows up after a specified amount of time.
YSC
session
This cookies is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Cookie
Duration
Description
_fbp
We use Facebook ads from time to time to help direct users to pages of interest on our website. Facebook may use cookies or web beacons to collect or receive information from our website. We use that information to compile reports and help us target our advertising more effectively.
fr
3 months
The cookie is set by Facebook to show relevant advertisments to the users and measure and improve the advertisements. The cookie also tracks the behavior of the user across the web on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin.
IDE
1 year 24 days
Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
RUL
1 year
Used by DoubleClick to determine whether website advertisement has been properly displayed - This is done to make their marketing efforts more efficient.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Cookie
Duration
Description
_ga
2 years
This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_143265736_1
1 minute
This cookie is used by Google Analytics to help us analyse traffic to our site.
_gid
1 day
This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE
5 months 27 days
This cookie is set by Youtube. Used to track the information of the embedded YouTube videos on a website.
vuid
2 years
This domain of this cookie is owned by Vimeo. This cookie is used by vimeo to collect tracking information. It sets a unique ID to embed videos to the website.
This cookie keeps track of sessions. This is used to determine if HubSpot should increment the session number and timestamps in the __hstc cookie. It contains the domain, viewCount (increments each pageView in a session), and session start timestamp.
__hssrc
Session
Whenever HubSpot changes the session cookie, this cookie is also set to determine if the visitor has restarted their browser. If this cookie does not exist when HubSpot manages cookies, it is considered a new session. It contains the value "1" when present. It expires at the end of the session.
__hstc
6 months
The main cookie for tracking visitors. It contains the domain, hubspotutk, initial timestamp (first visit), last timestamp (last visit), current timestamp (this visit), and session number (increments for each subsequent session).
hubspotutk
6 months
This cookie keeps track of a visitor's identity. It is passed to HubSpot on form submission and used when deduplicating contacts. It contains an opaque GUID to represent the current visitor.
US 
