My Stoma is Swollen and Looks Like a Mushroom!

Fanny (my stoma) has been bothering me so I took off my wafer and it is super swollen, so that it looks like a mushroom! It is still red, not purple, but it seems like the wafer has been too tight. I’ve not had this happen before and I’ve had my colostomy for almost 2 years. Does anyone know what has happened and how to get it to become normal size again so I can put on a new wafer? 

Hi aprilirpa,

You've come to the right place, and I'm sure you'll get plenty of support from our large community here.

It sounds like your stoma might be reacting to the tightness of the wafer. This can sometimes cause swelling. A good first step is to ensure that your wafer is cut to the right size, allowing your stoma to move without restriction. You might want to try a stoma measuring guide to get the perfect fit. In the meantime, keeping the area clean and dry can help reduce swelling. If it doesn't improve or you're worried, it's always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider.

Remember, there are thousands of members here. You can use the search feature to find others nearby or those who are around your age. It might be comforting to chat with someone who understands what you're going through.

Mine goes from mushrooms to prunes. I have seen on here a little sugar will shrink it down. Mine shrinks down in the shower or when I wipe it with TP. Try OstoAI and see what comes up.

Me too!

It's been well documented here that stomas do increase and decrease in size. Mine kind of breathes—think Darth Vader breathing.

For me, mine goes from a quarter size to golf ball size in no time flat (meaning quickly).

I tried sugar; it didn't work.

I heard your sugar intake will affect stoma size—to me, the jury is still out on this. Pre-diabetic.

Now prolapsed about 1.5 inches out and 1.5 inches round, it does shrink at times to allow wafer placement. I just have to wait for it.

It does shrink back to a quarter, sometimes a dime diameter. Whoa! Scary.

It has a mind of its own these days. It was not like this in 8 years; recently, it's coming out of its shell. Damn turtle head syndrome. 😆

Red, bright red in color means good stoma. Liquidy, shiny too. Moist. 👍

Question: Do you happen to have something that got stuck or is stuck and is hard to get out?

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

I’m not sure how to tell? I do have output but it’s pretty gassy. It’s also sore around the base.

If I eat too many nuts... mushroom stoma time.  Usually lasts 2 to 3 days, then stoma returns to its normal voluptuous self. 

Never have blockage or pain. It seems to just be a reaction to the nuts.  

Forgot to add, I have a colostomy.

I've never experienced what you are going through so I can't contribute a solution for you.  However, I note that some are still using the wafers where you need to cut the size of your stoma before using.  I used to do it that way but then started using the Convatec Natura Moldable wafers.  What a huge difference in the condition of the skin and stoma!   Instead of cutting the wafer to size one just first removes the small clear plastic cover on the back to expose the wafer.  You might at the same time create a tab on each of the adhesive covers but do not expose the adhesive just yet.  Turn the wafer over to the top and gently with fingers stretch the wafer to a tiny bit larger than your stoma size and then place the entire wafer over your stoma.  Then use the tab you created and remove the cover of the adhesive on top and bottom and place on your skin.  No more leakage of liquid contents on to your skin between wafer and stoma because once your body warms up the wafer the wafer snugs up to the base of your stoma similar to a turtleneck sweater.  It may take several tries before you feel comfortable, but it certainly is well worth it to protect your skin and stoma.

The only problem I have with Convatec is their fairly new pouch.  I used to use the clear on one side with back white plastic pouch.  Was perfect for one wanting to keep it on while in the shower.  Then they came out with a tan cloth-like pouch.  When one showers one cannot completely dry off the cloth-like back.  Ended up with flame red skin on the exposed part of skin below the adhesive.  It had stayed damp even after drying it off and really irritated the skin to the point I had to use Desitin diaper cream on it to heal it.  Convatec was notified of the problem but so far haven't gone back to the plastic backing. 

Sugar on your prolapsed stoma will shrink it. Being a topical application, it will not alter your blood sugar. After the prolapse shrinks, rinse off with water. Sounds like yours has gotten worse? Strain, lifting can do it. Does it pop out when leaning over? Laying on your back can help. Try pulling your lower abdomen up to your chest with muscles and breathe. Repeat often, in all positions. Good luck.

Partial obstruction? Try different nuts. I found oily ones clump in my stoma and are harder to expel. I discovered pistachios and even peanuts will pass. Chew them well!

April. Sounds like a prolapse. My "Little Buddy" does that too. Not much you can do. Some exercises can help. I suggest visiting with an Ostomy/Wound nurse for solid advice.

Funny you mentioned peanuts and pistachios.  I can eat those with no problem.

Almonds and cashews are what give me grief.  My colostomy stoma swells up for days.

I now eat 5 almonds or 5 cashews, well chewed, once a week.  No more handfuls watching TV.

I thought popcorn caused me trouble too.  But my wife dumps chocolate covered almonds in the tub at the movies.  Now I get my own small popcorn... no butter.

Oh dear, not good. I have lived with a stoma and a large hernia underneath for over two years. I use Adapt rings to lift it up a little, and as the last person says, also cut it a fraction larger with the Adapt rings. I use the large half rings on top, Brava elastic tape XL by Coloplast. They stop any waste from escaping. Very good, all the best. Sounds too tight, tba124.

No, it did not shrink it. Got it all glossy and shiny. Thinking it had a date. But no, it did not shrink it at all.

Hello, I see from your reply to the swollen stoma post that you wear the Convatec Moldable wafers. I wear those too and am so happy I tried them.They have saved me from much leakage and irritation. I wear the Convatec 404032 pouch which works great for me. I was thinking there was only a couple that worked with the moldable wafers so I don't understand what pouch you wear that you are having so much trouble with. The one I use is all plastic so it is very easy to dry off from showering. 

What's a ring closer?

Sounds similar to the issue I am currently having with my son. His stoma retracts to skin level, or below skin level, during the night and about half of the day. Then in the afternoon it prolapses, sometimes with swelling. It goes back in very easily after I massage it, but then it pops right back out. The prolapsing then retracting causes his output to pool in the opening resulting in itching, skin irritation, mild bleeding around his stoma and pouching problems. This started after surgery for one of his many bowel obstructions. Glad to see mamatembo's reply. We normally use the Coloplast moldable ring, but I'm going to give the Convatec Natura Moldable wafer a try. Also, does anyone if it is recommended to use a belt or binder to keep a stoma from prolapsing?

Hi there, so my stoma does the same thing: it prolapses, then goes skin level, then goes normal. It constantly changes all day. Another ring you can try is the Hollister CeraRing.

I have used a flange belt to keep it close to the skin and prevent leaks. Then a wrap to support the back I wear sideways.

Always good to have some support. Yes, it helps down the line. I would suggest both. But it's how I roll now for 8 years. 👍

When I have changed my appliance, the bulge isn't that much larger than the other side of the stomach. It kind of trims the lines of the bulge, holding it back.

This, of course, works for me.