Change of stoma size

thanks I have a  permanent colostomy done 6 months ago no lymph node invasion but tumour was through  the vaginal wall with a fistula permanent colostomy so  they could cut a bigger margin round it.. Think still a learning curve with bag fingers crossed 

I'm so glad you posted this as mine's just gone into hiding as well. I'm 7 week's post op and had the same panic moment as you! I went to change bag this morning and my stoma which WAS shaped like a proud spout (surgeon thinks that's best shape) has transformed into an egg yolk shape! I tried to ring my stoma nurse but message went to answer machine, I  know someone will eventually get back to me sometime today but my panic was immediate!  Finding  your letter reassured me and let me know it's not a freak happeng, I hope my - normal service is soon resumed!  Roughly how long did it take with you for your Stoma to return to it's usual shape?

Thanks to everybody who contribute to this forum, it's such a help for a newbie like me who's floundering quite a bit at the moment!

Avril 

Avril

Many of the supply companies have in-house stoma nurses suggest you phone your supplier and see if they have a nurse you could speak to.

If your stoma remains inverted you may have start using convex bags, ask your stoma nurse when you speak to her.

Do you know that Trio ostomycare seals can be used for either flat or proud stoma by applying on either side they will send you samples to fit your stoma,unlike other makes they are Silicon.

Hope this helps and you get your problem sorted out very quickly.

Ian

Ian thank you so much for replying so quickly.  I did eventually get a reply ( 13.05 ) from a stoma nurse, she rang me after picking up my 9a.m. message. I explained what's happened, she's told me not to worry ( to late ) that it can happen but she advised me to pop down to see her at the hospital by 3.30 where can check it out, in case I'll need a different type of bag!  I'll let you know what the outcome is later, it may help somebody else as well! 

  I'll check out that Trio Ostemycare seal it, it sounds good, I'll do as you suggest.....get some SAMPLES! 

Thanks once again

Avril

Hi Ian,

I went to see Stoma nurse yesterday in local hospital. She said all was OK and that this change of shape and size can occasionally happen, apparently she said it was probably due to peristalsis, the natural muscular movements of the intestine!!!  In fact she made me feel a bit foolish for bothering her! Why don't they advise you of this when or before you leave hospital?  She said it could return to it's original shape any time!  At the moment to me it looks even smaller, I'm concerned it'll become inverted but I don't feel that I can ring them again!  I'll just keep an eye on it and if it gets even smaller I'll go to my Dr's surgery.  

Thanks for your help.

Avril.

Hi Avril

You will get to know your stoma and it's behaviour well over the next few weeks. My stoma after 6 months still changes size and sometimes when changing bag tries to hide which is not helpful!

You should never feel that you're bothering the stoma nurses they are there to help. It's just what is obvious to them because it's their job isn't to us. I've had many a tearful conversation with them in the early days because it's scary if you don't know what is normal.

So good luck on your journey we're all here to help.

Best Wishes 

Amanda 

Hi Amanda 

I agree with you entirely 'it's scary if you don't know what is normal' right now I haven't got a clue & I feel like I'm treading water!

The fact you've stated that shape & size changing has been happening to you for over 6 months makes me wonder  if I should be having my bags pre- cut by my suppliers -- which is what my S. Nurse recommended? 

In the words of the song from Oliver Twists sung by Fagin  "I Think I'd better think it out again"!!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to email me, I relay appreciate it.

Best regards

Avril

Mine changed a lot in the first few months and can still do so.   I do not get my bags pre cut for that reason.

Amanda is right to say that you should feel free to ask your nurses questions as it is all very strange and outside our experience.   I am never sure if I need to speak to GP or Stoma nurse about different problems.

Ast

Hi Ast

I also cut my own bags for that reason and think if you're able to its better to do s. My view is that the stoma nurses are specialists and therefore can provide more advice than a GP about stoma and bowel problem.

There's plenty of advice and support  on this forum for all of us and it is great that we use it.

Keep positive and strong my fellow poo corner friends 

Amanda

Hi there

I cut my own bags since my stoma is large and oval. It swells up and often causes pain if i have not put the bag on properly. The sticky bit should not touch the stoma. My stoma bag has to be cut passed the 90 line wide on the sideswidd height is about 70.  Sometimed because a hernia appeared because of setting the stoma i continualy have an ach when i walk too much. Resting and calming my stomach helps.  My daughter changes my bag because i cant when after chemo treatment or radiotherely i do have a serge which fills the bag.  My problem is i get very constipated and use red berry fruit in my diet to erradicate my bowels when i have not passed for 4 days.  I think the leakage is when i dont put my bag on properly if i have no cchoice but to do it myself.  I cant see to aim the bag righ on target.  The side that brings the sluff pulls in and with it goes the bag if i am not careful.  I hope this can be reversed. But i think since the surhgeons cant remove my tumour i am stuck with it.  

I hope my reply has been useful. The stoma nurse gave me some stoma protectors a thin circle to put around the stoma before the bag goes on.