I have had my ileostomy since 1991 when I was 19. I am now 42 and have started having open wounds develop on the skin immediately surrounding the stoma starting about a year ago. I have never had this occur in all these years. These wounds are not being caused by any excoriation issues, changes in skin care products, my hygiene routine, etc. or anything else I can possibly think of. I am a registered nurse and have very good hygiene and take excellent care of my stoma and use well-fitting appliances. I do know how to properly care for the wounds when they occur, and can get them to completely heal in about a week or so. The problem is they keep reoccurring. I have been to my GI specialist and my GI surgeon. Neither one of them has an explanation of why these spontaneous and painful wounds keep happening to me. The surgeon will not do anything about them unless they become infected, and so far that has not happened. This is just very frustrating and embarrassing because, as you can imagine, my appliance will start leaking at any given time because I cannot get an adequate seal of my appliance when the wound is present. All of my bloodwork has come back normal. However, I have not had any x-rays, scans, or MRI's done. Has anyone else ever experienced these kinds of issues or complications or have any suggestions or ideas on how to stop these wounds from repeating?
Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 33,633 members. Get inside and you will see.
It's not all about ostomy. Everything is being discussed.
Many come here for advice or to give advice 🗣, others have found good friends 🤗, and there are also those who have found love 💓. Most of all, people are honest and truly care.
Privacy is very important - the website has many features that are only visible to members.
Create an account and you will be amazed.
Advertisement
Hollister
We sat down with two influential people in the ostomy community, to find out how they cope during challenging times.
Read what they had to say.
Read what they had to say.
Advertisement
Hollister
Your stoma care nurse can be a valuable resource when you need help.
Learn about the common issues and symptoms that warrant a call for assistance.
Learn about the common issues and symptoms that warrant a call for assistance.