I have a new loop ilesostomy and am coming to terms with my stoma bag.
My stoma is 28mm round, but there is a 9mm “extra bit” of stoma at the bottom which I believe is the distal stoma.
Is it ok to cut the stoma bag opening to a 28mm circle and cover the extra bit of stoma, or do I have to make it a shape to include the distal stoma? Obviously nothing is going to stick to the distal stoma – but its flat to the surrounding skin so I can cover it or leave it bare.
Thanks
I’m a loop ileostomy and I’m not round. Mines lopsided I suppose is a good description the template is cut for the whole site
I had issues in the beginning as I was very sore around my stoma the skin was burned and I asked for them to check it they gave me eakin slims to protect the skin , it’s a stretchy washer type of product so I can get a snug fit around the edge. This helped protect the skin so I don’t have to worry too much if my bag isn’t a perfect fit it can be a little bigger. My nurses cut my template a eight weeks and I haven’t changed it. I cut them myself as I’ve had some bad cuts in the past.
I was advised to check a good fit by removing the plate cover and before you stick the bag place the plastic cover over the stoma and look in the mirror to see if the stoma fits well. I check every now and then. I have all of my stoma free from the sticky part that’s the way they did it.
I would definitely check in with your nurses if you have a poor fit as it can be uncomfortable having the sensitive skin sore.
It all seemed a faff in the beginning but honestly I forget it’s there most of the time I’m enjoying life to the full making the most of the good weather
Any issues pop them up, the support here’s amazing I’ve had so many tips.
PS The stoma support group here is really good you can get lots of tips from past posts
Ann
