Reducing Stoma Size Suggestions

Any suggestions on reducing the size of the area?

Thanks

Tim

Hi.. welcome.. I think you are saying the stoma is prolapsed? Which means sticking out.

The question is how much does it stick out? Or is it enlarged?

A stoma will inflate and deflate and grow outwards or inwards.

It just does that. It's normal to some degree. I mean if it sticks out about an inch or two.. compared to six to eight inches, then you need to see your doctor. Pronto...

You are new to this but will get the right info from these incredibly experienced folks.

I'm trying to take a pic but having difficulty for some reason, so I'll explain it's right next to my belly button and the whole thing sticks out like a softball. If you were to look at me from the side, it would look as if there's a softball in my stomach right under my stoma, which is in great shape?

Thanks

Tim

That sounds like a parastomal hernia. It looks like a ball is underneath your skin in the area of your stoma, right? It's particularly noticeable from the side.

If I've understood correctly, you need a hernia support belt. Look at Stealth or Nu-Hope as a couple of options.

Note, if the hernia is not "reducible," in other words, if it does not go down when you lay flat, have your surgeon look at it. Most of the time, they recommend against surgery, but non-reducible hernias should be evaluated by a doctor.

Tips on Hernia Prevention with Collin | Hollister

Color me confused.

So it's not your stoma sticking out but a ball-sized shape under it?

Yes. See if you can manage a picture. That would help. Front and sideways view.

Sounds like a possible hernia. If you haven't already done so, see a doctor to make sure it is one, then go from there. In recent years, there's been a lot of research going on into hernias. It is now recommended that even with a hernia, you do core exercises, as it can help stop the hernia from getting any bigger and possibly even make it smaller. Keeping your weight in check is also important; if you are overweight, losing a few pounds can help reduce the size too.

I don't have a hernia, but my stoma sits on sort of a mound; it's not uncommon. Get your professionals to take a look for peace of mind. When you have a hole in your abdominal wall, it falls outwards. How do I know? I had a stoma on a mound, went to jpouch, stoma and mound gone, back to stoma, mound back.

As for losing abdominal weight, diet and exercise, I'm afraid.

Sounds like a hernia. If there is no pain, don't worry.

My stoma sticks out but tends to telescope throughout the day. It is better to stick out as it can cause pancaking if it telescopes back to my skin.

However, you could have a hernia. Get your consultant to check it out.

At the risk of putting you all off your tucker... here are some of my stoma pics :(

Having a urostomy means the bag collects only urine.

Pic 1 is me lying in our bed during a routine bag change about 7 years ago. My stoma is fairly normal with only a hint of developing a parastomal hernia bulge.

Pic 2 is hernia post-op early this year showing the 4 keyhole surgery access points for instruments. The bag contents are a bit bloody.

Pic 3 is a side view to better see the bulge gone.

EDIT: For some reason, my post is double-spaced :(

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I agree with Susan; it sounds like a hernia. I would discuss it with my surgeon.

Correct. I'm off my Tucker. 😋.

Geez, talk about

being "poked." You win!

Good pics, though. Alarming but accurate.

I have the same issue, and it is a hernia. The first year, year and a half, was very painful. As I have become more adjusted to it, I have learned that the pain is not as bad and that exercise does help. At first, it was too painful to exercise. But you should confirm this with your doctor. Hernias are pretty common with a colostomy bag, unfortunately.

Hi Tim

Yes, definitely a hernia. I had mine repaired with the mesh 2 months ago. So far, so good. No more issues. Contact your surgeon and look into a repair. Hope you're doing okay otherwise.

Jill

Correction. Hernias are common with stomas. Technically, a stoma is a hernia. So there is that going around.