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what the heck is with my stoma

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Posted 9/27/2007 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
changed the bag/flange today.  it had been feeling itchy/discomfort for a couple days, but it wasn't constant so i didn't worry much.  so i pulled it all off today, and the stoma seems to be bulb-ed out a bit.  what i mean is that the base is still my usual 1-1/8", but to install the flange i had to cut it out to 1-1/4" to get it over the stoma.  it seems to me to look swollen and while i was pulling it off there was some whiteish goo that i haven't seen before.  that could be powder though i suppose.  when i eat nuts i get discomfort at the stoma area when they need to pass, somuchso that it prevents me from sleeping.  no nuts = no probs.

has anyone had any similar situations and is there anything i should do?

my plan is to change the bag in 2 days and see if there's any changes happening.  other than that, ((shrugs))  i'm all paranoid that this is a hernia or something.. >??

--matt

Posted 9/27/2007 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have an answer for you but... Mine is doing the same thing.  My stoma is a 1" but I have to cut the appliance to 1 1/8- 1 1/4 to get it to fit down over my stoma.  Its just as you said bulbed out.  I wonder if throughout the week my stoma is increasing in size and then shrinking back down....maybe the 1" is to tight when the stoma expands???? Just a thought.  Hope someone has an answer.  Mine just started doing this over the last month or so.

 

Posted 9/27/2007 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Matt,

When ever my wafer irritates my skin, my stoma swells. The other day my stoma looked HUGE because I had to wear a bag that was bothering my skin while I waited for the UPS man to arrive with my regular supplies. Your stoma is only the external portion of your small bowel. When you skin is irritated the shallow internal part and the small external part of your small intestines is affected. This happened to me just this week. Once I received my normal supplies, I took all of my appliances off and took a nice long hot shower. This gave my stoma a little releif and helped the soreness to subside a little. It usually takes 2 days for my stoma to return to normal size again.
Posted 9/27/2007 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hello

I am looking for some help/advise. My husband just had to have surgery about a month ago and is now living with a colon bag and I am full of questions. Is this a good place to ask them or is there a different place for spouses living with a bag?

Post Edited (compassion) : 9/27/2007 11:48:28 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/28/2007 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
Compassion,
Welcome to Healing Well. :-) This is a great place to get help and advice for you and your hubby. There are lots of spouses here, too, so you're in good company. Everyone here is kind, helpful, and will not make you feel embarrassed, so ask away! We're all here to help and support one another.
Cecilia
Posted 9/28/2007 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
Your stoma will bulge out like that frequently. The base size of your stoma shouldn't change though and I hate to see someone cutting their flange too big because of it. If you need to cut it bigger to get it over the bulge, I hope you're using paste or Eakin seals around the base to fill in the gap.

It puffs in and out for many reasons; normal peristalsis (the movement in the intestines which moves your food), hydration, temperature, etc. It's nothing to worry about usually unless it's getting much, much bigger and staying that way which could be a prolapse.

Compassion:

If you have any questions, please post them with a new subject. People may not see your question if you put it in another, unrelated post. There's no stupid questions, so ask away.
Posted 10/2/2007 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
changed everything today again. it's still bulbed out, although i have to say that the soreness is virtually gone. HOWEVER, the stoma is very red and feels hard, and has what looks like little pits all over it. ***, things were going so well...gotta remember to call the et nurse tomorrow :(

--matt
Posted 10/2/2007 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
Matt,

When you cut your wafer, are you cutting it too small and accidently compressing your stoma a little? That can cause problems. Other than that, I really do not know what to tell you. I really hope you find some answers that you can share with us. Please call your nurse ASAP and see if you have some type of infection.
Posted 10/2/2007 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
Matt,
When I saw my GI last week, she said that I would know if the Crohn's was acting up, because I would see pits that look like canker sores on my stoma. I really hope that's not what's going on. sad How are you feeling? Do you have any pain or fever? Please call your GI, too, and let him know what's going on, so he can see your stoma and get you started on some treatment, if necessary.
Keep us posted,
Cecilia
Posted 10/8/2007 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Matt,

We haven't heard from you all week, so I hope you're doing okay. I'm concerned that your Crohn's is acting up. I hope you've seen your doctor. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Cecilia

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