Stoma Flush with Skin - 9 Weeks Post-Op and Panicking

I am 9 weeks post-op, and this morning I woke up with my stoma flush to my skin. I'm panicking as I haven't had many issues with my stoma thus far. I did do a fair amount of walking yesterday. The output is the same and no pain. I do have a call into stoma care, but they usually take a day or two to get back to me.

Your stoma will fluctuate in how far it sticks out constantly.

Morning Denise, is it 🤗.

9 weeks is still a trial and error time. A learning curve.

What you will find, as I have, is that little button of a stoma takes on all kinds of sizes. It's not dead, so it's always going to be growing and shrinking.

Mine too came so close to the skin I thought it would fall inside my stomach there. Real scary, requiring a trip to the E.R.

But fear not, as others will chime in saying the same thing.

It's not unusual for this to happen.

But do watch how flush it becomes—so close to the skin.

It's a living organ that plays hide and seek. Humor it.

Had mine since 2016, so it's just my 2 cents worth.

You will be fine. We here can ease your mind. Welcome aboard. Have some fun. Post whatever questions or concerns you have.

Stay frosty up there, hon. 🌹

- Warrior.

 

 

 

Going on 11+ months myself and things are pretty much all healed up and functional... knock on wood... The most important advice I can give is to keep the skin around the stoma clean and healthy. In this process of alcohol and cotton pad cleansing and as much fresh air as I dare to give this skin, I have discovered that I can push the stoma flat when I was using wound care solution... {Hollister Restore - Wound Cleanser}... and squares of toilet paper. I prefer the stoma flattened when applying a new appliance system... Somewhere here it was suggested to keep a Solo Cup handy for unexpected discharge while running commando: catch-cleanup-continue air until ready... In time, you will find the fear and mystique will dissipate the more you explore your new miracle of medicine...

Mine at the top, or the most it sticks out, is just barely above my skin. And I am having really bad leaks. What can I do?

Tips on Hernia Prevention with Collin | Hollister

If it starts staying flushed most of the time, you might need a convex bag. Mine went flat after hernia surgery, but every now and again, it sticks out. The convex bag keeps it protruding. I use a hard convex for mine.