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Stoma Hangs Out Really Far

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Posted 11/16/2011 6:13 PM (GMT 0)

I have had an ileostomy since June, 2011. I had to have a surgery to fix a prolapsed stoma on July 4th, 2011, so I now have a second stoma. For the first couple of months, the new stoma didn't stick out very far (only 1/4 of an inch or so). Gradually though, my stoma started to hang out farther, especially after I've been walking for long distances. The bottom hole now hangs down to the bottom edge of the bag's wafer. However, the stoma retracts at night because I sleep on my back. I don't think it has prolapsed again, but I'm worried that the stitches may be loosening since it gradually gets worse over time. A nurse told me that gravity can sometimes cause the stoma to hang out more, and that I shouldn't worry as long as there's no pain and the output is normal. I'm in no pain (except for some irritation around the edge of the stoma), and my output seems normal. Does anyone else have a similar issue?

Posted 11/16/2011 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
oh yeah. My colostomy did the same thing. hung out as far as 12 inches. the only reason it didn't go further is because the bottom of the pouch prevented it.

I had a couple of surgeries for it and it helped only to come back later. lost most of my large intestine because the "corrective surgeries". Medical people don't seem to get that this can be traumatic for people and thus don't offer any real solutions. My method was to change the pouch early in the morning as soon as I got up because that was when it had the least amount of prolapsing. Over time it became a real issue for me.

I wouldn't worry about the stitching. At this point your abdominal wall has healed to the stoma and doesn't rely much on the stitching really. The prolapsing works like a sock rolling out from the inside.

Prolapsing is more common than you would think.
Posted 11/16/2011 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your reply, torranceboy. I don't think my stoma is prolapsing because it isn't exactly "rolling out from the inside" like a sock. It seems as if my entire intestine is pushing outward around the bottom hole of my loop ileostomy stoma. I can also feel the sensation of pressure, not pain, around the stoma opening since so much is hanging out.
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