This topic is about a person who recently had surgery to create a stoma and is now experiencing some concerns. The stoma has developed a brown film that covers it entirely, and despite gentle washing, it won't come off. The person is understandably worried about this discoloration and the pain they are experiencing after surgery. They reached out to a stoma nurse, who suggested it might be harmless fluff, but the person is seeking more advice and insights from others who might have experienced something similar.

Here are some helpful points and advice:

1. The person had a follow-up visit with a stoma nurse and a Nurse Practitioner. They noticed that the brown film has reduced in area but has become thicker in one spot, looking like a moldy scab. Neither of the clinicians could identify it, but they suspect it might be due to trauma. They recorded its size and advised the person to monitor it closely and report any problems immediately.

2. There are planned evaluations with another stoma nurse at the VA the next day and a return visit with the Nurse Practitioner on the 4th. The person is not experiencing physical pain from the lesion itself, but they are anxious about what it might be.

3. It is important to insist on an in-person assessment. While many changes in a stoma are normal during the early healing process, it is reasonable to have a professional physically examine anything that causes concern.

4. It is helpful to speak openly with stoma nurses. Ask them what might cause such changes and what treatment or monitoring options are available. This way, you can make informed choices rather than simply accepting reassurance.

5. If there is still uncertainty, consider escalating the issue to a physician, such as a colorectal surgeon, gastroenterologist, or wound-ostomy specialist doctor, as nurses cannot provide definitive diagnoses.

6. There was a suggestion that it could be a yeast or fungal overgrowth. A doctor could take a scraping for microscopic examination. Dietary probiotics, like yogurt, might help, but only after medical confirmation.

7. Post-operative pain is expected this soon after surgery. It is important to give yourself time to heal, but keep documenting and reporting any new symptoms or changes in the stoma’s appearance.