Blister

Hi Moira Three 

I’ve had a blister type thing on my urostomy side for almost the whole time I’ve had my stomas but not had any issues with it as such. I can’t remember exactly when it appeared but it’s been there ages and never changed. My bag doesn’t seem to rub there and fits well so I’ve never done anything about it, put anything on it or tried to burst it. 

You might want to get it checked out, especially if you have a bit of bleeding and it’s sore on that side. Do you use any rings on your skin before you put the bag on? I can ask for a stoma nurse from my supply company to visit if I want to-do you have an arrangement like that with your company? You’d maybe want to get it checked out just for peace of mind, and get some advice. Hope there’s something simple you can do to make things easier.

Sarah xx

Hi  Sarah,

I've never even heard of rings to put on before the bag! All I do is ask for the bags to be cut to a certain size but even then, the size of my stoma seems to change from when it's active or not! Not drastically but just enough to cause a slight rubbing!! Getting it checked wouldn't be easy, last time I phoned the stoma clinic, I was told I'd have to be referred back through my GP! That would take ages so I've just never bothered,! What a wonderful service you have from your supply company, mine just offer dietary advice online and a great delivery service!  The blister is only tiny but I got a bit of a shock when I saw it! Maybe I'll just leave it for a few days and if it gets any worse or bleeds more, then I'll get in touch with the GP!

Thank you so much for your reply, it's really reassured me,

Moira xx

Hi Moira

I’ve used 3 different supply companies over the years, and all have offered the service of a stoma nurse to speak to/have visit. My current company offer phone calls with the nurse and also video calls, along with an annual review if I want to have that. I have zero faith in my gp after a number of issues so I don’t trust them to know what they’re doing, especially when it come to stomas!

As far as the rings go, there are many different types of soft, mouldable rings which fit round the stoma before you attach the bag. I used aloe Vera ones in the first year after my surgery when my stomas were both changing shape and my skin was tender and they helped, though I don’t use them now, Ann used a different kind with her ileostomy. 

My blister when I think about it is actually quite big! But since it doesn’t bother me I’ve never done anything about it and it’s just stayed the same all this time. Let us know how you get on with yours.

Sarah xx

Hi there Moira and Sarah

I know that now I’m on the other side but I had terrible sore skin around the base almost wound looking. 
Eakin slims we’re my savour. They’re almost like a putty washer that I shaped to fit snug before putting the bag on. I could also only wear convex bags for some reason the flat drove me crazy they made me itch like mad

Hope you’re both well 

Hi Sarah,

The blister seems to have cleared up, thank goodness, but I've always had a bit of bleeding, on that side, as if bags are rubbing, which they aren't! But I think my main problem is the hernia underneath the stoma.I just would like to talk to one of the nurses but I was discharged from stoma clinic a year ago and now, to get an appointment I have to go through GP, which is such a rigmarole! Wish my supplier had the nurse service yours do Sarah!

Thank you so much for all your advice Sarah, I'll definitely check out the different rings, maybe send for some samples too,

Moira x

Hi Ann,

There's always something with me, although maybe not doing more research into what I can and can't get would have been better than just sticking to one supplier!

Never mind, the blister has cleared and zIm feeling fine! I've just had right side hip replacement, 6 weeks on Thursday! Once I can take these darned surgical stocking off and have a proper bath, I'll be on cloud 9!

Hope you're well and having a great summer!

Moira x

Hi Moira

Congrats on your new hip. Hope you have a speedy recovery and have those stockings off asap . Too hot for those. You can buy self some lovely bath treats to relax. A candle and a bath bomb even a glass of bubbly 

Ann x

Hi Moira

Definitely get some free samples to try. I used Salts brand aloe Vera rings, and Ann used the Eakin Sims. They all serve the same kind of purpose in protecting the skin. I’m glad your blister has cleared up-my skin seemed not so good yesterday round my urostomy when I had my shower. It’s not sore, but looks a little raw in places. Usually I just use calomine lotion when that happens, and my skin heals very quickly.

Good to hear about your hip operation going well-those socks were the bane of my life after surgery and it felt wonderful to get them off finally. I’ve had to use them several times. And bliss to be able to go in the bath! I very rarely have a bath as it’s such a performance getting in and out with my hip but I do love it when I can. 

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for the advice, especially about the calamine lotion! I'm still a bit 'iffy' about using anything on my stoma, so far I've just used the stoma talc that I've got with my supplies!

6 weeks since I've been able to have a bath or shower, it's been HELL! My shower is above the bath, so I couldn't even use that! I've told everyone that I'm unavailable on Thursday, after I've BURNT these darned stockings, I'm moving into the bath!

I'm now going to look for samples of the rings, both yours and Ann's, thanks again Sarah,

Take care,

Moira x

Hi Moira

I didn’t get on with the stoma talc at all-I found it got gunky and didn’t help. I only use calomine lotion on my skin round about my stoma and for me it was the best thing to help, but I know some people swear by the talc. 

It will feel so good to get in the bath I’m sure! I sometimes try a bath without bags and it feels wonderful, but it’s always a bit of a risk-a urostomy never actually stops working though the colostomy has been quiet luckily enough when I’ve done it. What a lot we have to put up with! I’m lucky enough to have a separate shower cubicle with a waterfall shower and handheld attachment so it’s much easier for me to go in there. I would struggle with a shower above the bath. Getting rid of the stockings will feel like a new kind of freedom for you.

Sarah xx