Struggling with Stoma Issues Post-Surgery

So, one week and a day post-surgery, and my stoma is still quite convex but now just bigger. So no more stenosis, but still the problem with the convexity. The fact that it's bigger means that I have scrambled to find some product in all my stashes that will work. Right now, I'm using a flat (as in not convex) Sensuro Mío bag. I have one of those left now. I may have one of the 2-piece bags that are uncomfortable. The Convatec people are sending me a new bag that will be bigger, but in the meantime, I'm imagining that taping a plastic bag to my side is my next step. Oh, and the Convatec person sent me a video about layering powder and skin protectant as a solution - I found out that it only creates something that the bags refuse to stick to. Maybe I can still create that layer but just on the skin around the stoma.

To say that I'm discouraged is putting it mildly. I imagine my appointment for the follow-up next Friday will be something along the lines of expecting it to be an external stoma was a dream because I'm so obese, which makes me want to stop eating altogether. The anger and self-hate are so real and so deep it shocks even me. Any suggestions beyond eat less and move more?

Please work with your doctor and don't give up. I don't know if your abdominal area just needs to strengthen or if things really didn't turn out better. Give your body grace and don't hate it or yourself.

I had my ileostomy surgery almost a year ago. I use a product called TenS Aces, which is a skin barrier, and it has really helped my flange stick to my skin more than any other product I've tried to use. I buy it from Amazon or eBay; same price. I also use the skin barrier ring, which helps with the leakage, and I also put skin paste on the flange. After I have everything on me, I use the adhesive strips to make sure that I don't get any leaks through the flange. Just some ideas for you to try, and good luck to you.

I'm so sorry. It doesn't make sense to me that they didn't pull it out more, but I honestly don't know that much about it. Maybe it's harder than I think.

I know you've really been struggling, but don't turn that anger and frustration inward. This is not your fault. If you're just venting, that's fine. But if not, go beat up a pillow or something until you feel better.

You deserve to have a stoma that is workable.

I guess I could go back to using the oval rings that I used to use before I found the convex. I used to attach it to the bag and then put the whole thing on; maybe I could try putting it on around my stoma first and then putting the bag on it. Though I probably don't have an oval ring big enough for this new stoma, so I guess I'll just wait for it to shrink.

My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister

Thank you for the encouragement. I feel a little better after a nap. I did send a picture to the person who will be doing my review at the follow-up and was present at my surgery, asking if this is what they were hoping to end up creating for me. It's just frustrating trying to find bags that work.

May I suggest you speak with the manufacturers at Coloplast - because - to my knowledge they are the only manufacturer on the market that has zinc as a component within the chemical mix of their base plate .................. and it took speaking to a head research chemist at another manufacturer to find this out -

You may find that may help you ........... cutting the base plate in an oval and testing the peel-off backing to get it exactly right ........................ This should give you some healing and protection.

Another option you may find helpful .......

Dansacc actually makes a bag with an oval back plate and thus it is a naturally kinder fit for those with oval stomas - also helps with skin folds if this is an additional consideration for you.

Do check out both these elements for I feel they would help.

Best wishes

J

I'm so sorry this didn't turn out the way you were hoping, but don't give up. For one thing, as you said, it will shrink in time. You may need to use different products, or you may be able to stay with things the way they are, but you need to give yourself time. As for it still being convex, well, you really need to discuss this with your surgeon. Don't settle for something that just isn't working for you. As for weight loss, other than eat less and move more, there are now drugs that help with weight loss. Have you considered that? They do seem to be very effective for many people. Contrave is one, I think, but the drug goes under a few names.

Terry

Hey there,

Right now your stoma is still very swollen. It takes about 6 weeks for the swelling to go down, and your shape will change. Take it easy in the meantime, and try to relax while you heal. Question: did they ever talk to you about moving the stoma to a better location?

DeWilde

Let us know how you get on - I was not specific as regards the zinc content - but suffice it to say, so far as my sensitive, extremely vulnerable skin was/is concerned, the zinc element helps tolerance and actively aids healing .....

As for the oval wafers of Dansac ..... the ease of use is only experienced when trying the product.

Do make the effort to go the extra direct mile - and as far as the Nordic manufacturers are concerned, you will need to get a move on, for a lot of companies shut down, as it were, for their summer breaks, so do not delay your research - and actually access their research chemists - for this is the direct route if you have a particular allergy, insensitivity, etc. ... the sooner a solution is 'tried,' the sooner reparative cellular activity can begin and put you back on the road.

We need to be self-responsible - there are solutions out there - but it takes time and perseverance to access these sometimes - and no third party is as devoted to our own health recipes as we can be - no matter how professional or kind such folk may be.

BW

and good luck

Jayne

Eat smaller meals more often. You can eat 5 or 6 times a day instead of eating 3 big meals. It will help your stoma and your situation, as well as your weight. Don't stop eating; that will be detrimental to your health.