Weight Gain and Its Impact on My Urostomy Fit

Sunken Stoma)) I've had my urostomy for my urine for about 19 years now, and I'm also spina bifida and confined to a wheelchair, so I gain weight very easily. The consultant said when I had it done that if I gain weight, it can cause little problems with the stoma, i.e., the crease has become wider in the skin. What I mean by that is the belly fat makes you have more creases where it's situated, which means the flange doesn't fit right against the skin, so it is more prone to leakages. I do use a Convatec paste, which helps to prevent sores and ulcers and also fills in any creases, but also my stoma has sunken. You can see it, but it should be showing more, so it doesn't actually fit through the hole in the flange now. It doesn't cause me any pain or discomfort; I just hoped it wasn't something to worry about. Hope this makes sense.

I have that trouble too. More or less since I got the bag. The stoma is right in the crease. I had a terrible time getting it to stick at first. I have to use stick strips and bags with a kind of indented flange with 2 tabs at either side for a belt to go around my waist. That's the only way I can get it to stick properly.

Thanks, John. I was just a little worried about the stoma being sunken. It still works fine; I pass urine properly. I was just a little worried in case it causes problems to the stoma because some of the belly fat hides it.

My stoma has never worked properly. I have a loop colostomy, so my bowel is still connected to my bottom. They said I would poo the odd time after I had my op, but they didn't say I would still be going 3 times a day as well as in the bag!!!

Mine's been fine for years; it's just due to weight gain that the flange doesn't fit properly against the skin. The only option I have is to lose weight. I know this; it's just very difficult when you're not mobile like me, being in a wheelchair.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Hey Lou, I have put on weight, but I use a one-piece Sensura which is supposed to help with creases. My product number is 15537. It's more oval, the flange with little creases, kind of, and shallow convex, so it pushes the stoma out more. I got bad back pain from my last operation, can't get it fixed, so I have put on an extra 5 kg, but yeah, the Sensura range with Coloplast has been awesome. Also, it is pre-cut. Try to get a few samples and no pesky bloody paste. xx Mooza

Hey Jon, that's weird, isn't it? Chat to you soon, Mare. Lou always tries new products to see what's best for you. Ring the companies; mine is perfect for me. Best wishes, darlz xx

Hi Lou—I posted a blog about sunken stoma too, as I am also having that problem. I think I changed my flange about 4 times in one week due to leakages. Not sure if I should get it checked because when I decide to call the surgeon, my stoma seems to pop out again. I take stool softeners daily—someone suggested that maybe I am dehydrated (which actually could be as I am not a big water drinker)—so I am still having this problem. And I too have gained weight and now finding that my flange is not staying on as long as it used to. I was able to get a week out of one flange—now lucky to get 3-4 days.

Hey horsegurl, ask the doc about adhesive powder; it helps with the weeping and soreness. And yes, you need to drink lots of water; it does help. Hope this helps you. Take care. xx