Stoma Flattening and Skin Issues with Long-term Ileostomy

I need some help. I've had my ileostomy for over 30 years. Now for some unknown reason, the stoma seems to be flattening out and goes under the bag and then my skin gets so torn up and I have to change more often, which doesn't help my skin either. Should I contact a surgeon and see if he is willing to pull that small intestine out a little? I've been dealing with this problem for almost 6 months now. Anybody have any suggestions? Look forward to anyone that can help.



Peaches

Sounds like you may need a stoma revision Peaches. I've had my ileostomy for 33 years and have had 2 revisions. I would consult a surgeon if I were you.

Thank you. I think I will. Peaches

For short-term relief before getting to surgery, ask your stoma nurse for the pre-bag adhesive rings. Far more importantly, ask her for the pre-bag paste powder (I couldn't tell you the names of them, but if you fill her in, she'll know which ones). I had the same problem recently, very acidic and relentless output. Almost in tears, it's awful! You poor thing! Powder-paste (not too thick or spread out! It's fine if it touches your stoma, so you'll have a really effective and healing shield) - adhesive ring, then bag! Leave them on for 2-3 days the first two times; it'll be back to normal in no time, and pain relief instantly! Hope you're okay :( xxNoodlepip :)

Hey Peaches, yes, please see your stoma therapy nurse ASAP. Anyone who has experience is okay. Also, there are Eakin seals you can use; they have different widths. Great, I know a few numbers for codes I have used: Eaken 839005, 839002. Some are thicker than others; some from other companies you can actually shape yourself to fit the stoma. Also, I can't use a flat pouch anymore; my stoma shape changed after having it moved a couple of times, and it kept leaking, and it's hell, so I do understand. It's a right pain in the arse (lingo, sorry). I use a shallow base plate so it pushes the stoma out so it can't flatten out. Also, there is a DEEP base plate, but my skin ripped—no good for me. But the Coloplast Sensura shallow base 15537, that's for a 25cm stoma. Coloplast should pay me, lol, sorry. Oh, stoma powder is terrific, 25510. Cheers, Mooza. Please go get help. xxxxxxxx

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

Sorry about my spelling as well. Please get it checked out. There are many products. I'm from Australia, so I'm giving information on what we actually get from our associations. Eckons seals, I think Hollister have them, and some new companies here as well. Good luck. Please, all these answers are great, but to see a stomal therapist might give you something wonderful, a new xxxx mooza. Make life more bearable.

Hi Peaches, I agree with pjt; it sounds like you do need to consult your surgeon and see if he can sort this problem out. There's nothing worse than having the skin burnt so badly from leakage from a stoma. Ouch, I've had that happen to me. Don't hesitate to ask; you may be suffering for nothing if something can be done about it. Take care, ambies.