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40,898 members
Mar 13, 2025

Is My Stoma Shrinking? Seeking Advice on Recent Changes

Topic Explanation
The forum discussion revolves around a user experiencing issues with their stoma after a period of hospitalization and chemotherapy. The user noticed that their stoma, which had healed during their hospital stay, began to show signs of excoriation and stinging pain after returning home and resuming chemotherapy. They suspect that their stoma may have shrunk, leading to leakage and skin irritation. The user is also concerned about the impact of their diet, which has been limited to sour foods due to nausea from chemotherapy. They are seeking advice on managing these changes and whether their stoma needs to be resized or if other interventions are necessary.

Advice and Insights
1. Consultation with Healthcare Professionals:
- Contact a stoma nurse to assess the situation and possibly push for surgical intervention if necessary.
- Surgery for stoma relocation or reversal is typically delayed until chemotherapy is completed.

2. Use of Convex Wafers:
- Consider using a convex wafer to help push out the stoma and prevent leakage.
- Measure the stoma carefully and create a new template to ensure a proper fit.

3. Skin Protection:
- Use skin protector sheets or liquid skin protectants like Marathon or 3M Advanced Skin Protectant to create a protective barrier over the skin.
- These products differ from skin barrier wipes and can help the appliance adhere better while protecting the skin.

4. Appliance Fitting:
- Ensure the wafer is cut to the exact shape and size of the stoma to prevent gaps that can lead to leaks and skin irritation.

5. Diet Considerations:
- While not directly addressed in the replies, the user should consider discussing dietary concerns with a healthcare provider to ensure nutritional needs are met while managing nausea and food tolerances.
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