Has Anyone Experienced Their Stoma Increasing in Size?

I am about 3 months post temporary ileostomy placement. When my stoma size leveled out, it was on the smaller side, just barely above skin level, so I was instructed to use convex appliances. Over the past 2 or 3 weeks, I have noticed my stoma has increased in size by quite a bit.  It also sticks out more than usual. I emailed my surgeon who said as long as it doesn't change color, or cause pain it is likely okay and "may" be due to my parastomal hernia getting slightly worse. He wants me to have a followup with an ostomy nurse but am in limbo with my referral.  Anyone had this issue?

Are you sure it is permanent? It may not stay that size if you stop using the convex barrier. Stop using the convex barrier , if you haven't already, and see what happens to the stoma. The convex barrier will cause the stoma to change.

I actually did try a flat barrier the first day I noticed it and my stoma flattened back out and I had to change it after one day because it leaked under the barrier.

Well, just speaking about it morphing from small to large... and back again... it acts like it's breathing to me.

Removing the bag allows it to do so. Nah... that can't be... just saying it might be possible.

Organs do that. Not sure it's due to a hernia. Can't help there. A stoma nurse can advise, but I think the thing is just exercising. Somewhat normal activity.

I kinda wonder sometimes if it is a partial blockage but it hasn't gone back down this time.

The funny thing is that I have been more active than usual the past few weeks. I am hoping that isn't the issue. I am student teaching until December and can't miss days. 

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Hello rebrur2.
What you are describing sounds very familiar to me. However, it has not caused me any problems and in fact has resolved one issue that I had with a blockage just inside the stoma. When it 'prolapsed', this blockage/hernia moved to the outside rather than the inside, which was a definite advantage. Mine does retreat when I wash it with a flannel and soap in the bath, but it  resumes the protruded  position once I get out and become active again. I think your surgeon is probably right with his/her advice.
Best wishes

Bill 

Hi.

Re: leaks? Do you wear a flange belt? Or extender strips?

Re: blockage...partial? You would have some pain. You do not.

Re: 3 mo. post-op? That's awesome... being so active...you still need to be careful though. A good year or so is the consensus here. Avoid bending and picking up things now. Walking is possibly the best exercise for you.

Re: how big that sucker gets? Yeah, I was concerned too about how large my stoma expanded.

Twice at bag changes... but it did recede. Just took time for it to deflate. I also placed an ice cube on it. For me, that helped reduce its size.

Sometimes water does that...being poured on it.

Other times a hair dryer on low does the trick.

If that stoma becomes prolapsed, then you've got to worry.

I do know sugar intake will affect stoma size. That was a trial and error since I was wolfing down marshmallows to slow down output.

Lessons will be learned. Take notes.

This is what I suspected would happen. After wearing a convex wafer, my stoma became fatter and protruded higher. I, like you, reverted back to a flat barrier thinking I no longer needed the convexity. Just like in your case, it reverted back to its pre-convex shape. I went back to convex because it works for me and the larger stoma does not cause problems.

Hello r

Three months isn't really all that long after all; the priority is to check in with the stoma nurse first. Stomas mostly move around quite a bit, but if there is no discomfort, it doesn't sound like you have a problem. Just do whatever you need to stop the leaks: barrier ring, flange extenders, and an elastic belt.