This topic is about a person who noticed their stoma had flattened after returning home from a hospital stay. They were concerned because this was a new experience for them and wondered if it might be related to the medications they received while hospitalized. They reached out to their ostomy nurse for advice and shared their experience with others.

Here are some helpful insights and advice from the discussion:

1. After consulting with the ostomy nurse, it was explained that a brief inversion of the stoma before a gas bubble releases is common, especially if there is a parastomal hernia.

2. The nurse also mentioned that medications for gall-bladder pain and anti-bloating can slow down or alter the digestive process, which might temporarily change the stoma's height.

3. Once the gas subsided, the stoma began to rise again, although it hadn't yet returned to its usual height.

4. If the stoma remains inverted, switching to a different type of barrier, such as a convex base, might help it protrude enough for a secure seal. The person also considered using stoma powder or skin-prep products, which they hadn't tried before.

5. By the next day, the stoma was almost back to normal. The person believed that the combination of hospital stay, new medications, and limited food intake caused the temporary change.

6. It's normal for a stoma to vary in appearance, shifting from flat to protruding depending on body position and gas activity. This variability can be perfectly normal.

7. If a stoma remains flat or inverted, using a convex base or wafer can help it protrude, making it easier to manage and ensuring a secure seal.

8. Temporary changes in the stoma's appearance after surgery, medication changes, or hernia repair can often resolve on their own. Patience is key, as things may improve with time.