This topic is about concerns regarding stoma retraction three weeks after a colostomy surgery. The person involved noticed changes in their stoma after a shopping trip and sought advice when they couldn't reach their stoma nurse immediately. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

- If you feel anxious, experience pain or bleeding, or cannot reach your nurse, it's best to visit the Emergency Department. It's always better to be safe and reassured than to wait too long.

- It's common for stomas to change shape and size, especially in the early weeks after surgery or with weight changes. They might protrude or retract, and this can be normal.

- Ensure that your stoma is still passing stool or gas. This is a key sign that it is functioning properly.

- To help reduce leaks when a stoma sits flush or retracts:
1. Consider using a convex skin wafer or plate. Many find that convexity helps keep the stoma protruded and prevents leaks.
2. For mild retraction, some prefer adding an Eakins Seal under the wafer for a small amount of convex pressure instead of a full convex system.
3. Keep spare convex products handy for days when the stoma is lower than usual.

- Some product suggestions include:
1. Coloplast SenSura shallow convex wafer, product #15537, which is designed for ileostomies but can be useful for colostomies too.
2. ConvaTec offers an irrigation-based system that can be worn for up to 8 hours without a pouch, which might be helpful for those who like to dress up.

- A general routine to prevent leakage shared by several members includes:
1. Clean the skin thoroughly, avoiding any conditioner residue.
2. Lie down to apply the wafer for an even seal.
3. Use stoma powder followed by a skin-barrier wipe (crusting technique) two or three times.
4. Apply a ring of stoma paste around the wafer opening and press and hold for 30 minutes before bending to ensure full adhesion.

- Expect the stoma to reduce in diameter over the first three months. One member noted their stoma shrank from 40 mm to 25 mm. Regularly re-measure and order appropriately sized products or request samples.

- If you're in the Melbourne area, the Colostomy Association of Victoria can provide product samples and in-person support. Don't hesitate to reach out to them for assistance.