Stoma Seems Darker Red

My last post got me answers. Dark lines are blood vessels that will come and go. However, I think my stoma is darker red in color. It's still very warm, and my output is the same as always. Does anyone have a darker-colored stoma, ileostomy, that works the same as always? I've always been told that a darker color is bad! But, I'm having no issues with my output or the shine or being very warm to the touch. Help?

Hello jalrein.

Darker than what? Darker than it used to be or darker than you think it should be?
Who told you that a darker colour is bad? and what do they mean by 'darker' in this context?
From the other things you have told us, it would seem that your stoma is working well and the darkness should not be an issue to be worried about. However, as with all things to do with stomas. If it concerns you, then have it looked at by a stoma nurse and they can give you first-hand reassurances, or refer you on to a specialist. 
Another approach might be to post a picture on here showing the colour of your stoma and we can all pitch in to make comparisons.
Best wishes

Bill 

Hi there,

It's kind of a loaded question as there are many more questions to follow. One of the major ones you have answered is that there has been zero output effect with your stoma. The next question is, is it just darker red than normal, and by how much? Do you have a foul odor coming from it? Does it have dark maroon, black, or purple spots, or is it changing to that color in any spot or way?

But I will say this: you know your stoma and body better than anyone else. If you are having changes and concerns, you have the right to get it checked out, even if it just ends up giving you peace of mind. However, I would say do not go to an ostomy nurse; go to your surgeon for real answers.

Hi J,

You've been told a dark stoma is bad because if your stoma darkens over time it may be a sign of necrosis. Necrosis means your bowel is dying, and is indicated by it turning a dark red, then purplish, and finally a black color. Conversely, if your stoma gets pale and lighter, it means a reduction in blood flow. To put it bluntly, if your bowel is dying, you're really in trouble, so it's a serious matter.

What I would do, assuming it hasn't changed dramatically in color so far, would be to photograph your stoma at each barrier change in the same location with the same lighting and the same camera and at the same time of day... over the next couple of changes. If you see it continually darkening, then run, don't walk, to your gastroenterologist and let them know. If you can't get an appointment with your doctor for some time, then go to the ER and don't take no for an answer.

Most likely what you're seeing is just some minor vascular changes in your stoma, as blood flow changes dramatically during the day. I know when I wake up early to change my barrier, my stoma is a bit paler than normal and then as my bowels wake up, it turns a deeper red as it's getting ready for action. But relying on our memory from day to day isn't a great way to document things... so take some pics. You also might want to have something in your pics as a reference color so your doctor isn't relying on the color accuracy of your camera. Find something that's a similar red color, it doesn't have to be exact, like a Hollister box or something similarly red that you can bring with you when you see your doctor so he can believe what he sees in your pics.

If you don't have a camera, then gather up some things in your house that are various shades of red and pick the one that's the closest to what color your stoma is when you're changing your barrier (or when you see it being a darker red)... and bring that to your doctor when you go. They just don't like to rely on a patient's memory for such things, and if your luck is like mine, your stoma won't be cooperating that day and look totally different. So no need to panic, but don't procrastinate if your stoma is getting darker.

;O)

Bob gave you the best answer. Keep an eye on it, but they do vary in color.

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister