Why Is My Stoma Hurting?

Replies
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891
kittybou
Apr 02, 2024 7:45 pm

My stoma hurts!

Output is good, no screaming runs, skin around the stoma looks good, got prescribed a steroid cream. Had a colostomy. Dr. wants me to put the steroid cream on the stoma

2 x a day. I use a 1-piece pouch. What in the round world could be making it hurt? Walking my 60 lb puppy? He does pull. This started last week.

Haven't eaten any spicy food. I don't drink the tap water here, but I have been using the tap water to rinse the bag. Dr. didn't know either. Why is my stoma hurting???

TerryLT
Apr 02, 2024 7:59 pm
Very helpful

That is a bit of a head-scratcher. The stoma itself doesn't have any nerve endings, so the pain is coming from somewhere else. Is it possible you are cutting your wafer too small and 'strangling' your stoma? Does your stoma look healthy? I'm not sure that putting steroid cream directly on a stoma is a good idea, and I'd think about getting a second opinion. Do you have an ostomy nurse? They are very often more experienced than the doctors.

Terry

Posted by: lovely

I just finished reading the Ostomy Tips Book under COLLECTIONS at the top of the page. I did not realize how much information was there. It covers a lot

of things that people have questions about. Hope this may answer some things for people. Best wishes and stay safe

Morning glory
Apr 02, 2024 8:08 pm

I haven't a clue. Contact your stoma nurse. Is the doctor that said to put steroid cream your surgeon? I wouldn't put it on your stoma. Get another opinion.

kittybou
Apr 02, 2024 9:27 pm

You are a stoma angel!!!

I went to my stash, got out a bag with no convex to it and a huge hole. No pain. Ta da!

Back to happy happy!!!

Thank you! 😀

FYI, no stoma nurses out here, the surgeon who did the surgery just left the hospital where my surgery was done.

AlexT
Apr 03, 2024 4:26 am

When I tried a convex wafer/bag, I literally had a bruise around my stoma and it would get really sore. Went back to a flat wafer/bag, never an issue since.

 

My Ostomy Journey: LeeAnne | Hollister

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kittybou
Apr 03, 2024 9:31 am

The convex ring did that to me. Scared me to death. I wonder why the rep I spoke with didn't know to tell me to change to a flat one?

 

AlexT
Apr 03, 2024 2:51 pm
Very helpful

99.9% of most reps, doctors, and nurses that deal with anything ostomy do not actually have one. So little tips, tricks, and info like that don't even cross their mind. I've learned a lot more about stomas from YouTube videos from people that have them and on here than from any medical professional. Sure, I learned the basics from them, but all the little stuff that makes having one easier came from nobody that is in the ostomy business.

TerryLT
Apr 03, 2024 8:48 pm
Very helpful

Oh, I am so glad this worked out for you! Yes, convex flanges aren't for everyone.

Terry

Beachboy
Apr 04, 2024 3:28 am
Very helpful

I had troubles when I used to cut the wafer hole close to stoma size. Stinging, irritated peristomal skin, and just plain uncomfortable.

Then I discovered... moldable barrier rings. Now I cut a large hole in the wafer. Then mold a ring around my stoma. Easy peasy.

No more stinging or irritation. And no leaks.

I prefer Coloplast Brava rings. They stretch without tearing.

kittybou
Apr 04, 2024 10:03 am

For a non-convex bag?

TerryLT
Apr 04, 2024 7:59 pm
Very helpful

Yes, you can use the barrier rings with any kind of flange. It allows you to cut the hole bigger without risking skin irritation from your output to your peristomal skin. The barrier creates a seal around the base of your stoma. I use the Salts brand and they are my favorite, thinner than most others. It creates such a good seal that it gives me extra days between changes.

Terry

kittybou
Apr 04, 2024 9:19 pm

😸😻Thank you!!!

Kimmy050263
Apr 07, 2024 10:43 pm
Very helpful

I have times that my stoma hurts! I am still a newbie, only 3 months in, so not sure I have a suggestion, just that I can relate! Changed the bag today and she was looking really red and inflamed!

kittybou
Apr 07, 2024 11:17 pm

I had to switch from convex to a flat bag. No more pain, and my stoma looks good. Leaks though, lol, always something going on.

Kimmy050263
Apr 08, 2024 10:19 pm
Very helpful

Do you use the wafers before you adhere the bag? I had leaks in the beginning, but we are doing better. Also, the silicone barrier rings are very helpful.

kittybou
Apr 08, 2024 10:32 pm

Thank you, Ms. Kimmy!

I will see what the new company sends!