This topic is about a person who, six months after having a transverse loop colostomy due to cancer, has noticed a bluish bruised ring around the skin near their stoma. The stoma itself looks healthy and red. They also feel very tired after changing their ostomy appliance and are curious if these experiences are common.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Convex pressure can cause discoloration or bruising of the skin around the stoma.
- Many people have experienced purple, blue, or "black-and-blue" rings when using convex wafers or pouches. Switching to a flat wafer often resolved the bruising.
- Wearing a support belt can also add pressure and cause similar effects.

2. Check the size of the wafer hole.
- If the hole is cut too tightly, it can restrict the stoma's natural movement and lead to bruising. It's common to cut the wafer opening larger than the stoma and use a moldable or standard barrier ring to fill the gap.

3. Techniques for using barrier rings.
- Place a moldable barrier ring directly against the stoma before applying the wafer. This helps cushion the skin and prevent trauma.
- Some people enlarge only the lower part of the opening to relieve pressure, especially where bending compresses the abdomen.
- "Crusting," which involves alternating layers of stoma powder and no-sting barrier spray, can protect already irritated skin during each change.

4. Appliance change schedule and method.
- A typical routine involves changing the wafer every 7 days and the bags 2–3 times per week. Taking your time with removal and application can reduce skin stress.
- Enjoying a warm, soap-free shower without the appliance can help the skin recover and ease fatigue.

5. Normal persistent discoloration.
- Some long-term users have had a dull reddish or bruise-like ring for years without complications, and stoma nurses have not expressed concerns.

6. Fatigue after changing.
- Feeling exhausted after changing the appliance is common, especially in the early months following surgery. Many people have experienced this and consider it normal.