This topic is about someone who has had an ileostomy for three years without any problems. Recently, they noticed three dark red lines at the base of their stoma while emptying their pouch. These lines look like blood vessels and are located opposite the opening where waste exits. The person is concerned that the hole in their appliance might be too tight and is looking for reassurance before reaching out to their former stoma nurse.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Appliance hole or belt pressure:
- The hole in a Hollister 2-piece wafer might press against the stoma, leaving dark red lines. Adjusting the cut size or changing the wafer could help.
- A Nu-Hope hernia support belt might push the stoma downward, increasing pressure from the wafer. Switching to a thinner Hollister belt helped one person with a similar issue.

2. Likely harmless “veins” or healing marks:
- The lines might just be blood vessels that are more visible if the wafer is tight or if the stoma swells.
- Similar marks can appear if the wafer edge briefly cuts the stoma. These usually fade as the stoma heals, leaving a thin scar-like line.

3. Warning signs to watch for:
- Be concerned if the stoma turns black, stops producing output, or becomes painful.

4. Contact professionals:
- Ostomy supply companies, like Hollister and Nu-Hope, have stoma nurses available by phone. It’s a good idea to consult them or your personal stoma nurse for reassurance.

5. General reassurance:
- If the stoma’s color and function are normal and there is no pain, the situation is probably not urgent. However, getting professional confirmation is still a wise choice.