Stoma Output Getting Stuck: Seeking Advice and Support

Hi everyone. I'm at about week 8. I have a permanent transverse loop colostomy. I'm having a problem with output getting stuck in the well of the convex flange. My stoma only sits about 0.5 inches above my skin. Sometimes it swells larger. I have inconsistent output. Sometimes it's like a soft Tootsie Roll and is mostly small pieces. Sometimes it is like pudding and is usually a large quantity. In either case, it drops into the well and gets stuck. I use lubricant on the bag and a few drops on the appliance. I've taken to irrigation, which helps, but in either case, output stays stuck at the base of the stoma. Even though I use a Hollister barrier ring, I don't want to disturb that too much, so I don't force anything underneath.

I know there isn't much I can do mechanically. I think I just wanted to vent and see if anyone else has this issue and how you cope. Thanks!

Been there, seen that.

Nothing to do about it. Clean it up before it blocks your output.

Talk with your surgeon or doctor about revision surgery. A stoma should stick out at least 3/4 of an inch at its lowest shape. Too long is far better than too short.

Stomas move quite a bit. They get longer and shorter. They swell up, then deflate. Just the way it is.

Provided there is not a physical problem, a surgeon can pull out the stoma so it's longer.

In the meantime, look up convex wafer. This type of wafer will push the skin around your stoma down, so your stoma will sit above skin level.

Also, consider wearing an ostomy support belt to hold the wafer firmly against your body.

Good luck.

Beachboy has some good advice. I think he is right that your stoma should stick out more at its lowest point. I have been worried about mine for a while now, as sometimes it goes flat to my skin when I am changing the wafer, and that makes it hard to get the wafer on correctly. But then when I get the wafer on, it tends to pop out some. I don't know. I just know that .5 is not very much, and maybe you do need a revision. Heck, maybe I do too.

Hi there, I've had this problem myself. Don't think there's any perfect fix, but a few things to check. Is your convex wafer the right size? The first one I had was too large and wasn't pressing close enough to the stoma to help it project. As you're already lubing the bag, are you putting fingers into the bag and making sure the lube is fully spread (new bag 😀)? Have you tried keeping a bit of air in the bag to help your output drop? I put a sticker over the filter, then open the drain at the bottom of the bag and draw in some air. I can then gently squeeze the bag to release some of this until I get optimum fill. The trade-off is that I need to burp the bag more frequently, but it's not so much of a problem. Tight clothing or belts can cause problems, as can sitting for extended periods without moving. As your ostomy is fairly new, you may take time to learn its patterns. You can't really change it, but you will have an idea of what to expect. Regarding revision surgery, I wouldn't consider going for it unless you are experiencing skin problems or other issues.

My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister

Hi, thanks for the response. I am doing all you suggested! I agree that I'm still such a newbie. I'm still just adding foods back into my diet. So it is a lot of hurry up and wait.

I should have mentioned earlier:

This is as much a consistency issue as anything else. Your output is sticky and wet, so it sticks to whatever it contacts. I've recently been having the same problem. It isn't pancaking (pushing under the flange), but it sits around the stoma and only falls when the area is full.

Drink more fluids. You may also find that it improves as you are able to add back more fiber. I've heard it said that too much sugar will do this too. See what helps you. Everyone is different.

Definitely talk with your surgeon about revision as BB recommended. But that won't happen right away, so these coping suggestions may help you cope.

Hi, thanks. You actually described it more accurately. And I do have a huge sweet tooth, and I am under-hydrated. Not changing the former but working on the latter.

The idea of revision scares me. I had a tough go with this surgery, and I don't tolerate the suture material. But if it is medically necessary... I'm seeing my WOC this week, so I'll double-check that I'm using an appropriate wafer.

I had similar problems during the first few months. I found what works best for me is a Hollister convex wafer with a light bead of stoma paste. Hopefully, you are continuing to measure your stoma to ensure that you have the correct size opening. My stoma nurse suggested a hole size that I found gave me issues, and I went with one size smaller, which has helped. In addition, I use a Nu-comfort ostomy belt, which I find is much more supportive around the wafer than the conventional belt and can be ordered from your supplier and is covered by insurance. https://nuhopelabs.com/products/nu-comfort-belt

Good luck, it gets easier with time and practice. You got this! I know the link preview says not Medicare or insurance, but that is only if you purchase from the manufacturer direct. All the major medical supply houses have this. Sorry for any confusion.

Hi, yes, I am measuring. I'm actually between sizes, so I make a custom cut. I'm using the Hollister barrier ring. It seems to be doing well. I get it butted right up to my stoma. I have some wounds from busted stitches in my midline incision that are still healing, so I can't wear a belt yet. Your choice looks interesting.

I would say, more water. I know on days when I'm not good, as in, not drinking at least 64 ounces, my output is more "pasty." I have a colostomy also, and it took about 8 weeks for everything to settle down so that I could have a better handle on things. I had issues in the beginning because of swelling and the location close to my belly button, where the bottom of my wafer was not sticking to my skin and causing issues. I found that just using half of a barrier ring along the bottom was the trick. Then, just as a precaution, I use a very thin strip of paste around the rest, and I have had no issues.

Also, keep in mind that when it is warmer, as it has been here in PA, you need to drink more, and if you are outside or working, you need more fluids. You really don't realize that you are not drinking enough until you actually do. I have a few different water bottles that help me keep track of how much I'm drinking.

I'm on Original Medicare, Part A, B, D, and a Medigap G plan. Last year, I ordered a couple of Nu-Hope belts from my ostomy supplier. This is the same supplier I used when I was still working and had company-provided PPO medical insurance, and they fully covered Nu-Hope belts. I had ordered 5 of them, no problem.

So, my Medicare saga: At first, belts were approved according to my ostomy supplier. A couple of months went by... no belts. I called my supplier. They said, "The order is with Nu-Hope, call them." I called Nu-Hope; they had no record of my belt order. I called the ostomy supplier back. They said, "Oh, we're waiting for Medicare to approve the belts, and we need a new prescription from your doctor." I reminded them: You said the belts were approved. They said, "Yes, but we never received approval from Medicare and never received your new prescription." HUH? What the hell? They never told me when I ordered the belts that I needed a new prescription.

I called Medicare. They said they don't cover belts. Meanwhile, 4 months had gone by. I was... unamused. I have a parastomal hernia... need the damn belts.

I found a supplier online who would sell me the belts without a prescription or insurance. So I ordered 4 belts. Paid about $55 each. Delivered in 5 days. A lot to pay out of pocket, but I needed them today... not possibly next year... if ever.

I liked your post. It was very helpful. I had an ileostomy due to rectorectal intussusception in July 2019 and a revision in June 2025 for a bowel loop beneath the fascia. My new stoma is only 1/4 inch above my skin. It is hard to get a good seal.

Nu Hope belts are really good. I use them. I'm surprised that my ostomy nurse wasn't familiar with them.

I have the same problem. Not much stoma, convex bag, and my output gets stuck in the convex part. I just do my best to keep it cleaned out. I get a lot of pancaking too. Bags just seem to want to suck up to the stoma. I take a stool softener every day. When the output gets too thick, that is when it tends to not fall into the bag. Obviously, I use more bags than others normally would. But I am doing my best to deal with it.

Hi - I have a permanent colostomy. The best thing for me is to make sure there is some air in the bag so the bag doesn't suck up against the stoma. I still have to check often and adjust the air in the bag. Sometimes there is too much, especially if you have gas. This way, the output hopefully falls to the bottom.

My output is all over the place, from loose to rarely firm, and there is no rhyme or reason.

Chevichump has a good reply. A convex wafer is good and will push the skin down around your stoma. And tight clothing on your bag can be a problem too.

I hope you can have some relief.