Stoma Retraction - How to Properly Attach a Bag?

What is it called when your stoma goes flat against your skin, and how do you get a bag on properly when it does that? Mine has done it a couple of times, and it puts it in a perfect position to go under the ring and make a leak. Is there a name for this? I think there is; I just don't know what it is. Fortunately, the majority of the time, mine sticks out enough for me to have confidence that the bag is going to stick on right and be sealed well. But a few times lately, like when I shower with the bag off so I can get my skin good and clean, I have had the experience where my stoma, hmm... retracts? Is that what it is called? Instead of sticking out about half an inch, it goes flat so it is even with my skin. Or just about even.

Lee

Lee, it sounds like the heat of the shower makes it retract - mine, too, but only briefly until it cools down. If yours is the same as this, then put your ring and bag on as usual and your stoma will eventually fill up the space. Do you use a convex bag? That will help your stoma to protrude.

Mine does it too randomly all throughout the day and will also go under the wafer when I sleep as well, and I don't sleep flat. 🤷 No idea why. I've tried to see if there was a pattern or reason for mine, but there isn't. She does it when she feels like it. She is very stubborn and temperamental. lol

Just natural. Stomas react to heat, cold, moisture, activity, inactivity.

Mine normally sticks out 2+ inches. But when I lay down or relax on the couch, it only sticks out 1/2 an inch.

Sometimes it swells to double its girth with little blood veins visible, usually when I'm physically active or wearing a hernia support belt.

Try using a convex wafer. It will push your tummy skin downward around your stoma, exposing more stoma length.

Lol, mine goes well below that and then some. And for no reason, seriously, does it whenever she feels like it. I have watched it closely to try and figure out if there was a pattern or reason. Like if I ate something or drank something different, or a certain time or position of sitting, or how my legs are when I sit, etc. But no, just beats to her own drum. I myself can't wear convex where this stoma is; a bag can't adhere around it due to the location. Along with the fact I can only wear one brand (allergic to every other brand) and they don't offer a softer plate for my position of stoma site.

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

Yep. The little beasts have a mind of their own. No rhyme or reason.

Hello Beth,

May one enquire which single brand does not give you an allergic reaction?

[I am not a premium member - or I would privately message you - but I believe as you are a Premium Member you will be able to email what brand if you so wish - TY.]

BW

Jayne