Urgent care or emergency room?

[Sfs2016]

Hi, hoping to get some advice. The skin around my ileostomy looks like it’s growing around the stoma and the stoma looks like it’s shrinking. Obviously a problem, making it look like the stoma could go inside the skin. But beyond worrying about that, I’m worrying about whether this is an “emergency” or “urgent care” situation for insurance purposes. Opinions? Just about to call off work tomorrow and wondering where to go next. Thanks.

[To Dream a Dream]

You might want to call ahead to your GI doctor and/or ostomy nurse for direction. Keep us informed.

[ot dave]

It sounds like it might just be peristalsis. During peristalsis, your stoma will constrict and get "smaller" as the muscles contract. I don't think it's an emergency. If it's abnormal for you, then you should definitely get it checked out be your doctor, but no, I don't think it's an emergency situation. Of course, if you start having pain and are not able to have a bowel movement, then that would be cause for concern that you would want to get checked out sooner than later...
Hope that helps.

David

[Diane C]

Good advice above. I think you need specialized care. Unf, getting into a stoma clinic can take time. But make the appmt now. Agree re seeing GI doctor (or surgeon?).

My experience with Medicare/insurance and the ER has not been swell. Not always covered. I rec'd a ridiculous bill for over $400. Unf my insurance DID pay its share but I balked. I was seen for 2 minutes and told that my arm swelling up in pain after the hospital staff inserted a needle badly for a CT-scan would resolve. It did but I didn't feel this was my obligation. The tech lacked the ability to insert needles. I fought it and won.

I've always rec'd great care at Urgent Care but staff doesn't know much re ostomies. I also once needed an Xray and the office didn't have the machine. So, if feeling poorly, esp these days, I'd go to Urgent Care unless you think you need an Xray. This just could have been my insurance... and not yours.

Report back! Hope you are ok!