New ileostomy questions

[dgg]

Hello. Just had surgery for an ileostomy to divert waste to help with a perinatal fistula and I have some questions that I hope I can get help with. It's been one day since surgery so I know a lot will change but I'm a little nervous. My new stoma really sticks out from my skin a lot, about 2 inches. I know it is swollen but it just really seems to be protruding a lot. Did this happen to anyone else? I also am still on liquids but started having some output in my bag. I am having discomfort in my intestines and lots of tummy grumbling which I normally don't have. Anyone know why this is?
Overall I'm just nervous and hoping it will all settle down and fell better soon. Any positive advice will be most helpful. Thanks so much!

 

[Snap]

:rosette2: Hello dgg! My volcanic stoma did the same thing--stuck out quite a bit then shrunk over time. Perhaps the grumbly discomfort is due to the "re-routing" and waking up from anesthesia. Try not to worry too much---it's really hard, though. Sorry about the fistula, hope things heal quickly. Get as much rest as you can. Soon you won't give it another thought!
:cheerleader:

 

[Ginger is her name]

Your stoma will change within the first few weeks after surgery. Everyone is different! Ginger, my stoma , stocks out a little, and she's ovular in shape... I don't remember a lot of belly grumbles after the surgery... I was on a liquid diet for about 2 weeks. Give it time... You will feel better and better everyday! Take care!

 

[annawato]

Yes its early days and far better to have a sticcky outty than a sticky inny. At least you won't have as many problems with output leaking onto the skin. Your stoma will change shape over the next few weeks - its prob a bit swollen post surgery. Tummy grumblings are just everything waking up. Don't worry too much yet but if you are, run it by your stoma nurse or surgeon. Best of luck with everything and don't hesitate to ask anything else.

 

[2thFairy]

In the beginning, I also thought my stoma hung out too far, but it is indeed the perfect amount. Here's a picture of mine from a year ago and it has shrunk down in circumference, but is still the same length. You can see how it hangs over the flange. This is a good thing. Having it hang over like this prevents a ton of skin issues since the output will drop right down into the bag and I'll also never need to use a convex wafer, which makes my choice of bag a bit easier.

 

[Dukeis]

2thFairy I want a stoma like yours. If I have to have mine revised I think I'll show my doctor this picture and tell him that is how I want it.

 

[guest78]

hey!
I am nearly 4 weeks on from my ileostomy surgery.
When I first saw mine it was quite small and flat, but it honestly changes a lot. I can even watch it shrink in and push out as my bowel is working. very odd!
but try not to worry, mine is still changing shape 4 weeks on.
so please try not to worry
if you have any more questions please ask, i have just gone through it all and only a few weeks ahead!
one thing i will say is when people say take it slow and easy please do. i have been really shocked at the toll it has taken on my body and how tired and worn down i have been. i definitely tried to do too much which is a bad move.
TLC is in order.
xxx

 

[annawato]

Yes, if there is ever a time you deserve TLC its now.
2thy your stoma is fabulous! So pretty, . Def the size and shape to aim for!

 

[Jaano711]

To be sure, the one thing about stomas is they keep changing, shrinking, growing, popping out. In the early days Miss Piggy was very inverted and tricky. Now she has popped out and I am seriously thinking of trying some non convex appliances or at least taking the eakin seal away as it is starting to feel like the convexity is a bit deep. Ps Miss Piggy will be 1 in August.