This topic is about a woman who has been living with an ileostomy for 14 years due to severe ulcerative colitis. She recently experienced a partial blockage, which she managed at home. However, after the blockage cleared, her stoma remained swollen, painful, and sensitive. She is concerned because the swelling has not subsided as quickly as it has in the past. She is seeking advice on how long it might take for the swelling to go down and how to manage it.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Patience and Healing Time
- One person shared that they experienced similar severe swelling due to an internal injury, not a blockage. It took about two weeks for the swelling to resolve on its own. They were prepared to wait up to six weeks before seeking medical help if it hadn't improved.

2. Avoid Further Irritation
- To prevent further irritation, they stopped using stoma plugs, which could stick to any blood or damaged tissue and cause more trauma.

3. Topical Treatments
- Bonjella, an oral ulcer gel, was considered for soothing the stoma but was not used due to the potential for stinging. Instead, they allowed natural healing without topical medication.

4. Comfort Measures and Hydration
- Suggestions included drinking hot liquids like tea, using a heating pad on the abdomen, and trying grape juice for hydration and gentle stimulation of output.

5. When to Seek Medical Attention
- It is important to seek medical help immediately if the output stops completely, vomiting begins, or the pain becomes unmanageable. Hospital assessment and relief, such as fluids and pain or nausea control, may be necessary.