Ostomy problems - Burning, irritation, and blockage - Need help!

December 2018, I had an emergency ostomy operation. I was in a medically induced coma from December 2017 to January 2019. I now wear an ostomy pouch. Almost every day, I suffer from one problem or another. The main one being burning of my stoma, which I understand comes from the food I eat, yet I am told I can eat anything I want. The burning has caused my stoma to become red and irritated. I am unable to wear anything that is tight against my stoma because it causes more pain. Last night, I was in severe pain and I don't understand why. There was a lot of colored water output from my stoma. I can only guess I was blocked. Need help!!!

Hi punkygipe,

Welcome to this site, where you'll find lots of helpful folks who have experienced all kinds of ostomy issues. You'll also find lots of opinions on many subjects and lots of humor and good will.

When I had issues of red, irritated skin around the stoma from output leakage, I found a wound gel called Anacept made by Anacapa Technologies. It is clear, odorless, and greaseless. After showering, I would apply a small amount on the irritated skin, rub it gently into the skin, and allow a few moments before wiping it dry. Then I apply the skin barrier wipe to protect the skin before applying my Mio Sen Sura. What kind of ostomy you have will determine which products work best for you and how your stoma is situated will determine what you actually need. Most use a ring/seal under their appliance to help avoid leaks, but for me, I have found that less is more and if I apply the Mio properly, a seal is just an extra piece of equipment that I have not needed. The best way to heal irritated skin is to keep it clean, even if that means changing more often until the skin heals.

A blockage is a horse of a different color. Severe pain is a good indicator that something is wrong. If you think you may be blocked, a warm beverage and moving around will sometimes help. So will simple soft massage. If the pain is severe and you are having no output, you should be seeking medical assistance. The color of the output is usually related to your intake, food, or beverage. You'll be amazed at the rainbow of colors that your body will produce LOL! However, a blockage is nothing to ignore, so be aware of your intake and the best way I know to avoid blockages is to chew chew chew everything that you eat. I am able to eat everything and anything I want, even popcorn and nuts, but many have a tougher time. It all has to do with adhesions, scar tissue, and strictures, and chewing. Only you know exactly what is happening, so you must always be aware. Be sensible and you will be able to enjoy your food choices and you will also learn what to avoid and what to use to assist with particular situations such as gas and gas preventatives like Bean-O.

I'm sure you'll receive suggestions from others here as the day goes by. Good luck.

Peace

Dadnabbit

Hello punkygipe.

Thanks for your post and I am sorry to here that you are having so many problems. Usually the sensations of burning and the soreness are on the skin surrounding the stoma rather than on (or in) the stoma and are often caused by the output making contact with this area. Therefore, 'prevention is preferable to cure' and if you can find a way ( to suit you) that prevents the output from coming into contact with the skin, then things will probably get better. Manufacturers will be only too happy to send you all sorts of sample products for you to try to resolve these issues so, I would urge you to contact them and simply ask for samples. 

If the pain and burning sensations are on or in the stoma, then I would suggest that you contact the medics to ascertain what is going on. Blockages are one answer but there are many more that it could be , which may only be diagnosed by a proper investigation. 

On a personal level, my preventative measures involve daily changes, skin barrier sprays, bespoke baseplates (to fit more closely arond the stoma), and occasionally I use 'Newskin' to protect small areas of soreness from spreading.

There have been a few posts on this sort of problem in the past , which can be found in 'COLLECTIONS'  at the top of the page. ( then try under 'ostomy tips')

Best wishes

Bill

Nice meeting you, Punky. Sorry you had such experiences and, hopefully, we can get you going in a better direction. Like Bill, I thought burning, etc. was experienced on the skin surrounding the stoma.
Keep reading. I think help is on the way.
Respectfully,
Mike

Hi Punky,

Wow, being in an induced coma for 13 months? That is amazing what your body has been through. You received some excellent advice in the posts above with preventative care and skin care, but you seem to be having a little more going on here as well and the advice to seek professional care should be taken immediately. Don't let it go if the normal things to help pass a blockage are not working.
Good luck and please keep us posted.
Wishing you well,

Puppyluv

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Have you tried a barrier ring? If not, please try it.... I can't go without one due to burning as well....

Remember when changing, be gentle when removing wafers and bags. Clean the area really well with warm soapy water, dry it very well. Use a hairdryer if needed to make sure it is completely dry. The heat from the dryer will also help seal everything better. When you put your ring on, get it as close and flat around the stoma as possible and make sure it is secure all around the base of the stoma. Then apply the wafer and bag. Hope it helps, you got this.