Coping With A Stoma And Cancer: Seeking Advice

Question

I am really struggling with my stoma; unfortunately, it is not working as I would like it, and I am unsure how to cope with it and if this is normal. I am mentally struggling and just wondered how other people cope.

IGGIE · Answer

G-Day Linda,
First, slow down and explain what kind of stoma you have. Linda, you probably had to have a stoma to keep you alive, and we have all been there. It takes a little time to be able to cope with a stoma, but we have all done it, and so will you if you take time to make it work.
Ask as many questions as you need answers for, and let us help you master this.
Regards, IGGIE

SusanT · Answer

As others have said, let us know what kind of stoma (colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy are the most common) and what problems you are having.
From your profile, you say you fear leaving the house, so I'm guessing you have leaks. Describe your stoma: does it stick out at least 2 cm? What kind of system are you using? Do you have skin folds or scars that interfere with the wafer? Describe the leaks too. When do they occur? How often? Is it always in the same place?
The more we know, the better advice we can give.

Beachboy · Answer

Hello,
As others have asked, what type of ostomy do you have? It does take time to discover the ostomy supplies that work best for you. Everyone is different. What works for me might not work for someone else who has the same ostomy type as I do.
All ostomy supply manufacturers offer free samples. Hollister, Coloplast, and ConvaTec are a few companies. There are many more. Search on the internet for ostomy supplies. Call them. They also have ostomy nurses on staff to provide guidance.
Cancer is a tough road. I was diagnosed with stage 4 thyroid cancer, which spread to both lungs, in 1983 at age 25. I had my thyroid removed, multiple radiation treatments, lung surgery, more surgeries, and chemotherapy. I took a beating. Through it all, and now... I have a positive attitude.
There are things we can control and those we cannot. It takes time to learn how to care for an ostomy. This you can control. For cancer treatment, we must rely on doctors and faith.
The skin around your stoma must be clean and dry. Do not use soap containing dyes, lotions, or fragrance. These chemicals will interfere with wafer (flange) adhesion. I use Cetaphil soap.
Your stoma should protrude above the skin line. If it sticks out too little, you will have problems. There are wafers called convex that will push the skin down around your stoma, so the stoma won't leak onto your skin.
Ask your medical team about support belts. Belts are made specifically for ostomy patients. The bag goes through a hole in the belt. The belt presses against the wafer, holding it firm against your body. This provides stability to your stoma seal and could help prevent parastomal hernia. I use Nu-Hope belts. There are many other brands. Ostomy belts can be found on Amazon and through an internet search.
Good luck

IGGIE · Answer

G-Day Linda,
Do you have a stoma nurse? If not, find one and have a good talk with her.
IGGIE

ron in mich · Answer

Hi LP, welcome to the site. You've been through major surgery. Not only does your body need time to heal, but also mentally. We go through stages while recovering: anger, sadness, "why me?" So give yourself time, and if needed, talk to a counselor. Good luck.

Coping with a Stoma and Cancer: Seeking Advice

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