questions? help please

My boyfriend got his colostomy in May. His stoma has since completely retracted and the size has changed dramatically. We had been told it would shrink but honestly had no idea what to expect. It is now very small, and almost looks likes it's on its way to closing itself. Is this possible? He's had bad pains a few times in the past usually while his stoma is active. He explains it as severe burning, almost to the point he is unable to take it. We went to the E.R. for the pain once but they told him the pain was normal and that the stoma cannot close itself. Is this true? The doctor did not seem like he knew much about ostomies. He's having the same burning pain again all day today and is worried his stoma is closing and this is the reason for his pain. I'm really hoping it will stop on his own and is just from something he ate, but any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated. We don't have a stoma nurse and can't get into his primary until next week, hoping we don't have to end up in the E.R. again. Thank you

Rachel
There is often confusion about colostomy and ileostomy. Does he still have his colon or was it removed? Is there open skin around the stoma? If so, is that where the pain is?

Dan

You could request that they be treated with silver nitrate. That'll 'burn' away the bumps and allow the skin to heal. Make sure his appliance fits well and borders the stoma snugly without cutting anything off. Then see about getting some Brava barrier strips and Eakin seals. They'll protect the open sores and relieve some of the pain. Part of the healing process is learning to handle those small issues on your own. If the open wounds get too deep, like thumb-depth, then you'll have to go to the doctor. I had some sores like that with my last stoma and was able to handle it with a wet-dry dressing combined with a space in the wafer snipped out to monitor and change the tiny dressing, but I'm also experienced. If you're not sure, always check with the doctor.