Concerns about stoma after surgery - need advice!

So in my hospital room, my mom and I were changing my ostomy bag and saw some things that I find a little concerning. Now remember, I am 9 days post-revision surgery. On both the right side and the left side, the stoma isn't connected to the skin. The stoma is also fairly hard to the touch. Around the opening of the stoma itself, it is significantly darker than the rest of the stoma. We're still waiting on the surgeon to come around for discharge and now we're waiting for him to come see the stoma itself.

The skin on the top and bottom of the stoma is well attached to the stoma and there is no "well." However, on the right and left sides (with the left being the worse), there doesn't seem to be much in the way of stitches and instead there is a "well" of sorts between the abdominal skin and the stoma itself. When we changed my bag, we discovered a lot of "goop" in that area. Any thoughts?

Hi inspired2013,

You've come to the right place for support. This community is full of people who understand what you're going through and are always ready to help.

Regarding your concerns, it's not uncommon to notice some changes in the stoma area after surgery. The hardness and color differences can sometimes be part of the healing process, but it's good that you're waiting for the surgeon to take a look. The "well" you mentioned might be due to swelling or how the stoma is settling post-surgery. The "goop" could be mucus, which is also normal, but it's always best to get it checked out to be sure. Keep an eye on any changes and don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team if anything feels off.

Joining this website was one of the best decisions I've made. The support and advice I've received here have truly changed my life. I hope you find it as helpful as I have.

Yeah, I would be concerned enough to ask the surgeon about that too. It sounds like there might be some extra stitches required. Ask if the sutures were done by a first-year med student. On second thought, don't. Hope you get to go home soon.

Laurie

Hi Inspired,

Yes, the "not connected to the skin" thing is cause for alarm... not that I'm trying to alarm you. It's called mucocutaneous separation and needs to be addressed before it gets serious. The darkness, if red, is normal. If the darkness is a different color than red... that's not normal and is telling you there's a problem. As for hardness... I can't say. When I got mine, I couldn't bring myself to even look at it... never mind touch it, for quite some time... so I can't say. In regards to waiting to talk to your surgeon... don't! Get the ostomy nurse or any wound care specialist to have a look. Surgeons, for some reason, are always eager to operate and very slow with any post-op care. Might have something to do with what pays the mortgage on their third house in Belize or their 40-foot yacht... but I'm not sure. Get that shit looked at ASAP. Remember... in a hospital, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. If you're the quiet type, you need to get loud.

Regards,

Bob

As Bob said, ask for the wound/ostomy nurse to assess your stoma without the pouch in place!

Hi Inspired,

It's been a few days now since your post... have you had a chance to talk to your surgeon?

Regards,

Bob

How to Manage Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Really glad to have an ostomy nurse on this site! Your expertise will be so helpful to a lot of us.  

Laurie

I'll second that!    

;0)

Bob

I was reviewing your post again. How is it going? By "significantly darker" on the edges of the stoma, what do you mean? Is it dark red, dusky red, maroon, tan, gray, black...? Is it moist or dry? Is it still firm?

Thanks, Bob and Laurie.

Good advice!