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Is it normal for Stoma to be sore?

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Posted 2/19/2013 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all, I had an ileostomy in Dec 2012. It's going on 8 weeks post surgery and the area around my stoma still gets pretty sore. It's like a burning/numb feeling and I've been checking for leaks but my skin looks pretty good. I just wanted to ask if this is normal and also how long it usually takes for the stoma to feel normal? I'm guessing its always going to be a little irritated from the flange sticking to your skin 24/7. Speaking of, it always feels better when I put a new one on and the soreness comes on after a few days. I've been getting 5 to 7 days wear time. Any advice would be helpfully. Thanks, Mossmi33

Post Edited (Mossmi33) : 2/18/2013 8:17:20 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/19/2013 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Are you talking about skin sore or more inside around the stoma?
I would get an achey feeling around the stoma (not the skin) if was tired, stressed, underslept, etc.
Posted 2/19/2013 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your response. The soreness is the stoma itself and the skin directly around the stoma where the incision was made. I also have a large incision up my abdomen from an emergency procedure to remove part of my colon. I am thinking the area is probably still recovering from trauma from the surgery but I just wanted to make sure I'm not overlooking anything. My surgical doc does not seem concerned and I no longer see a stoma nurse. I'm hoping to have reversal in April.
Posted 2/20/2013 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
I had a large abdominal incision. It is about 12 inches and it took me a good 8 weeks to feel "good". I only had a small part of my colon removed but my stoma hurt the entire time along with the incision around it. To me, I was told it was normal. By the time the majority of my pain from incisions and other complication went away I was being prepped for my reversal. I hope everything works out and you get it done soon!
Also, my stoma nurse quit coming after two weeks but I still called her with questions so maybe you could call your nurse. I had a daily nurse but she didn't do anything with my stoma, she was watching my BP, weight and blood clots.
Posted 2/20/2013 11:07 AM (GMT 0)
Mossmi,
it could be that because you have the large incision, the healing time is longer than it is with lapro. If your doctor isn't worried than I would just wait it out. It could also somehow be from general tension, which you might be carrying in your ab muscles (which are also traumatized from having been cut).
I had lapro, and I only remember feeling like my stoma area would "complain" to me when I wasn't feeling 100% fit.
You must be looking forward to the reversal - all this will be over before you have time to get used to it.
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