Colostomy Concerns: Increased Bleeding And Using Olive Oil

Question

I have a colostomy after having an illeostomy for 3 1/2 yrs. Hernia repaired and reversal and moved to other side and now a colostomy. My stoma tends to bleed much more than when I had an illeostomy. Is this normal for most colostomates? Also, I've heard of people putting olive oil in their bags to help with waste moving to bottom of bag easier, does this really work? I wasn't expecting to have so much of a difference from my illeostomy to a colostomy.

TerryLT · Accepted Answer

Hi Jalrein,  I've had both, only in reverse order from you.  I started with a colostomy, and now have an ileo.  I've found little difference really except for having to empty more often.  Any stoma will bleed pretty easily as the skin of either the small or large intestine is very tender and sensitive, as it's really not meant to be outside the body.  I have not found that one bleeds more than another, but that's just me.  A little bleeding isn't something to worry about and it always stops quickly.  Olive oil is a good natural lubricant that you can use to move output along in your pouch, instead of buying ostomy lubricants made for that purpose.
Terry

Justbreathe · Accepted Answer

I have an ileostomy and I dispense a small amount of baby oil at least 2 different times a day.  Works well for me - sort of like a Teflon coated pouch&hellip;moves things down and out.

jalrein · Answer

Thank you Terry

AlexT · Answer

Is your stoma bleeding on the outside somewhere or from the inside? If it&rsquo;s inside, I&rsquo;d get it looked at asap. If you knocked it on something or your wafer is too tight and rubbing on it, a little blood on the outside is no big deal. A little stoma powder will usually stop the bleeding right away.

Colostomy Concerns: Increased Bleeding and Using Olive Oil

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister