I've had a permanent ileostomy for 15 years, with few problems. This year I've developed a very uncomfortable issue with my missing rectum. I hope someone can give me some information that will make it more comfortable. For no reason, the skin around the rectum has developed a swelling, which is painful to sit on, although I use a donut pillow. I saw a colorectal doctor (not the surgeon who retired 2 years ago) who says there's nothing to do except for ice or sitz baths. If anyone else has had this problem, please let me know if you have any other solutions. Thank you all for being there and helping those of us when we need it.
An additional note: I saw my family doctor this week, and mentioned my issue to her. She always has an answer for every problem, even though she doesn't have an ileostomy! She said that she also has this problem when she eats acidic food! She plants tomatoes in the summer, and said that the fresher the tomato, the worse the swelling! She said any acidic food (she included blueberries, citrus, and pasta sauce) will make your rectum swell. So I should keep track of what I eat when I have the swelling. I hope this helps others!
