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stoma swelling

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Posted 10/18/2006 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
I am writing to you with a question from my daughter.  She is 32, has Crohn's, and had ileostomy surgery a year ago.  Her question is:  Does anyone else ever have the problem of their stoma swelling?  Do you think that this is something that she might need to see her doctor to look at?  Sorry for so many questions, but up until recently, things have been very good for her since the surgery.  She does not appear to be ill like she did before the surgery.  Thank you for having this site and all of the help you have given us over the past few years.  Smiles and hugs, hollys mom
Posted 10/18/2006 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi hollys mom,

The size of my stoma varies, on some days it seems to have shrunk and others it looks substantially bigger than what I'm used to. This isnt unusual for me. I am used to the size appearing different. To be on the safe side though, if it is worrying your daughter, I suggest she gets it checked out by her doc. Hopefully everything will be fine.

Smiley
Posted 10/19/2006 9:46 AM (GMT 0)

The stoma size will enlarge a bit when it is working, retract when it is calm - all normal.  If it 'outgrows' her normal flange size, it's definitely time to check with her surgeon or GI doc.  At 6 months post op my stoma needed to be dilated.  Not a big deal, but worried me at the time.

If she is still concerned, if there is any soreness or bleeding, if it swells and doesn't return to normal size fairly quickly, if there is a noticeable change in color, then by all means get it checked for prolapse or some other issue.  

Good Luck ... let us know ... :-)

Posted 10/23/2006 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Just want to thank you for your help.  Feel well!  Holly's Mom

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