Recessed colostomy and diet concerns - seeking tips and advice

Hi, I had my transverse colostomy surgery 3 weeks ago following complications and sepsis from an initial bowel resection for a cancer diagnosis. I've noticed that my stoma is retracted as the skin around it has dipped instead of remaining curved like the other side of my abdomen. I find it more difficult to position my bag correctly because of this (I use a Salts convex) and wondered if anyone had tips. I also wondered about the low-fiber bland diet. I am a vegan used to a high-fiber diet, full of pulses and greens, and I'm worried about lack of nutrients on the low-fiber diet. I'll be having chemo once I've recovered from the 2 surgeries and want to be as strong as possible.

Hi Kazz

Do you use a seal between the bag and your skin? Coincidentally, I use salt seals and they work well. You are only a few weeks in at this stage, so slowly introduce the food you like little by little, don't overdo it, and you should be fine. I'm a vegetarian and eat lots of greens and anything else. It's only too much lettuce that goes through me like a rocket.

Axl

Thanks for the reply. I'm not using a seal at the moment and I'm not having any issues with leaking. I found the seal difficult to manipulate and my stomach nurse suggested I go without. My stoma is changing size weekly so I'm still dealing with resizing the openings regularly.

Hopefully I'll be able to eat more normally soon.

Thanks

Kaz

Kazzkit,

Hi there. Is your stoma flat and retracted? Does it sit below the skin surface?

Hi there,

I does stick out a bit, it's just that the area around it dips in so I have to stretch the skin flat to attach my bag and it is very fiddly to do for a newbie. My stomach is shrinking daily it seems as well so I've no idea what it will be like in another 3 weeks!

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I am glad it sticks out and isn't retracted. I am sorry though you're having issues so soon. I am not sure if you have seen it or tried it, but there are Coloplast paste strips that you can use. It helps create a flat surface. It's not gooey like the other pastes and there is no drying or settling time. It already is and you can mold it how you need it, rolling it, flattening it, etc. Just trying to help or give ideas.

Thanks so much. My stoma nurse gave me some Hollister convex rings in case the skin dips further. I'm learning every day!

Hi. I have an ileostomy and my stoma retracts at times too. I agree that a seal would be helpful and I use an Eakin Seal that I mold around the stoma. I also use a belt with my pouch and tighten it a little to help push out the stoma. I would also recommend seeing a stoma nurse that can look at your stoma and give you proper advice.

Best of luck.

Connie