Why does my stomach shrink below my skin barrier?
Knuclehead
Mar 24, 2025 12:44 am
warrior
Mar 24, 2025 12:52 am
Maybe you scared it? ☺️. Just kidding.
They do shrink. I call it breathing. But if it recedes that far in, you might be in trouble.
You may need a better flange or wafer. What are you using now?
How old is the stoma?
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eefyjig
Mar 24, 2025 1:00 am
Warrior is right; they move a lot. If yours dips below skin level, a convex wafer can help pull it out a little.
Knuclehead
Mar 24, 2025 1:05 am
Reply to warrior
Hollister, this has just stated, going on 6 months post-surgery.
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IGGIE
Mar 24, 2025 1:19 am
Reply to Knuclehead
Talk to your stoma nurse, but I would get a convex wafer if I were you.
IGGIE
warrior
Mar 24, 2025 1:24 am
Reply to Knuclehead
Ok, not a fan of that brand.
Do you have a part number? Some means of a description?
I will look it up, but it should identify itself on the box it came in. Let us know. Thanks.
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Knuclehead
Mar 24, 2025 1:33 am
Yes. It's a 11203. I have one convex wafer; however, I do not know that #
SusanT
Mar 24, 2025 2:22 am
Mine retracts to skin level at times. It didn't do it at first (or at least we didn't know it). It started around 3 or 4 months post-surgery for me.
Beachboy
Mar 24, 2025 2:31 pm
Hello,
A convex wafer would help... but can have its own problems. Constantly pushing the area around your stoma downward can cause soreness. And you might still experience leaks.
The addition of a support belt would help maintain downward pressure to prevent leaks. But it can cause uncomfortable soreness.
Revision surgery can pull out a retracted stoma. You would need a consultation with a gastro surgeon to explore if this would work for your situation.
SusanT
Mar 24, 2025 9:36 pm
Reply to Knuclehead
I switched to a convex wafer and got a hernia support belt. I've been able to manage mine better than most people. At least so far, my system works, and I get 7 days of wear.
That said, I still expect to get revision surgery at some point. I'm still dealing with some surgical complications that have to take precedence for now.
infinitycastle52777
Mar 25, 2025 2:53 pm
Stomas change size and shape after surgery, but 9 months out is a long while to still be shrinking. If it's going below your skin level, that might be something you want to talk to your doctor about. If you have a hard time getting a wafer on or keeping a wafer on, then you might need to have your stoma medically pulled out some.