Problematic Stomas
Most people are able to live life with a stoma as they did before their surgery. But sometimes problems do arise which can cause concern. Below are some of the most common stoma problems and some hints and tips to help you overcome them.
Ballooning is where gas collects inside the bag causing it to inflate.
Changes of bowel function resulting in diarrhoea or constipation are common in the normal population - for a colostomate there is no difference, these alterations in bowel function can still occur.
What causes stoma granulomas and how they can be treated
Odour could mean leakage or the filter may have come into contact with the contents of the bag making the deodoriser ineffective.
This is when the output collects around the stoma and can squeeze between the flange and the skin instead of going into your bag. One of the reasons this happens is because there isn't enough air in the bag and so the output can not tmove down the bag.
A hernia is a weakness in the wall of the abdomen that allows the contents to bulge out forming a lump or swelling. If the weakness occurs where the stoma is attached to the muscle wall causing a swelling around the stoma, this is called a Parastomal Hernia.
A prolapse is not uncommon and can be found alone or in association with a parastomal hernia.
Many people with a stoma experience discharge from the back passage despite the fact that they have a colostomy.
There are many reasons why the skin may become sore, so it is important to know what may be the cause and to know that you can do something to reduce the problem.
