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Reposition the stoma?

Mon, October 03, 2011 6:04 AM

I just had my colon removed Sept 22nd and am having a terrible time getting the skin barrier to stay sealed. The opening to my stoma points down and the skin beneath the stoma dips down creating a valley. This valley is not adhering to the skin barrier which is causing leakage.

I have a great ostomy nurse that I'll keep working with to find tricks to getting the barrier to seal but was wondering if anyone has heard of having the stoma surgically adjusted so it stands up better.

Thank you.

christip727
Joined Oct 1, 2011

Tue, October 11, 2011 1:15 AM

Reply posted for christip727.

I had the exact same problem with my second stoma--is it a loop or an end? It honestly depends on how long you have to have the stoma. For me, I always had a tiny leakage but getting the stoma repositioned was not an option, because I was getting a j-pouch eventually. I know mine was always filling up fast, so I was never really comfortable with it no matter what, but it got easier. I learned to sleep flat on my back, or towards the opposite way that it tends to leak. We used an eakin and pushing part of it inside the bag sometimes helped. There was a great ostomy nurse at the hospital who could always get it. Try and find one solution that works and stick with it. It will get better!

hey2308
Joined Jul 23, 2008

Mon, October 03, 2011 5:42 PM

Reply posted for christip727.

Our CORS have done relocation but it's usually as a last resort- meaning it's been 3 months or longer and quality of life is very poor. If you have a good ostomy nurse it is prob just a matter of time before she/he finds the right combination of products to get a good seal. I am sure she is trying a convex flange- if you havent tried a Marlen convex pouch those work well with difficult stoma's. Also make sure you are wearing a belt :)

wildcat
Joined Jul 6, 2009

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