Two years ago, I had a colostomy and my stoma was formed. It was initially recessed and measured about 25mm in length. The ostomy nurse at the hospital set me up with a Hollister convex two-piece. The cut-to-fit barrier fits up to 1-1/2". Slowly, the stoma began to grow, and I learned to measure and cut to fit with every change and have had great success. No leaks, diet adjusted so output is pretty well formed and controllable, and the convexity has allowed room for the growing stoma to have no problem in emptying into the pouch.
This past year, the stoma has grown more quickly to the point I have reached the edges of the 1-1/2" cut-to-fit and have now gone to the next size Hollister convex barrier, which is 2-1/4". This may be normal or acceptable, but I'd like some feedback from experienced users on the sudden growth and at what point I should be alarmed. This first 2-1/4" barrier I have applied, I cut right at the 1-1/2" mark.
Not only has it grown in opening size but in the amount it is protruding, which is proportional. I have thought about ditching the convex barrier in favor of a flat style, but it isn't something that seems to work for my protruding stoma as the face of the bag on the flat system smashes tightly atop the stoma, and I'm hesitant to go through the whole pancaking, smearing mess that has the potential to produce.
So, what do you think? Should I feel concerned about the growth spurt?
MeetAnOstoMate is a unique community of 40,907 members, where people connect, talk openly, share laughs, make friends, and even find relationships - all with others who understand life with an ostomy.
🔒 We take privacy seriously. Profiles, photos, and many features are only visible to members.
Advertisement
Hollister
Ostomy surgery is stressful both for the patient and the caregiver, and creates a major life change for both people in a relationship.
Learn how to care for your loved one, while still taking care of yourself.
Learn how to care for your loved one, while still taking care of yourself.
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.