Stoma bleeding

[steiconi]

My stoma has felt tight and sore when irrigating for the past few days, and I've noticed reddish discharge; today, I realized it's blood.

I assume it's a small scratch inside the stoma.

What should I do about it?

[To Dream a Dream]

Have you let your GI doctor/ostomy nurse know? It would be a good idea. Bleeding can be caused by any number of things. (I once had a bloody stoma from taking MegaRed omega supplements.) It's best to have it checked out by a medical professional.

[steiconi]

Thanks. I'll have to find an ostomy nurse, haven't needed one since I moved.
I'm really trying to stay away from potential covid exposure, so I was hoping to get advice for home treatment.

[To Dream a Dream]

Yes, the pandemic has certainly become a big player in all of our lives. And how we attempt to live them. If you have a smart phone or up-to-date computer many of the hospitals & major clinics offer virtual visits. If not (I don't qualify myself & am using an outdated notebook from Walmart) you might try to contact ConvaTec, Hollister, etc. & ask to speak to one of their ostomy nurses.
But please don't put off seeking professional medical help.

[steiconi]

But how do I find that professional? I've tried google, zocdoc, the WOCN.org website, and even my PCP doesn't know an ostomy nurse.

[NEskier]

How about getting a gastroenterologist referral from your PCP? And if you really want the WOCN you can also check with your products provider or call Convatec, Hollister or what ever brand you are using. They seem to have contacts here and there, too. Best of luck!

[Jimbob]

Stomas are very vascular and will bleed if you look at it wrong. If I brush my stoma when drying after a shower it will leave some blood on the towel. Having said that if you have consistent blood in the pouch or notice it is other than bright red you probably should see a gastro.

Where do you live, maybe we can find you a Stoma Nurse in your area......

[Soccermom2boys]

The WOC nurse/team for where I am at is located in the cancer center. Perhaps you can call up to the nearest cancer center and see if they have one there? Another thought would be to look for colorectal surgeon practice nearby and ask them how to go about locating a WOC nurse. Keep us posted, I hope you can locate good, quality help.

[steiconi]

Stomas are very vascular and will bleed if you look at it wrong. If I brush my stoma when drying after a shower it will leave some blood on the towel. Having said that if you have consistent blood in the pouch or notice it is other than bright red you probably should see a gastro.

Where do you live, maybe we can find you a Stoma Nurse in your area......

I'm in Tucson, Arizona. Thanks for any help.

I've been calling GI docs today, nobody has appointments until January.
My PCP said to go to the ER, but it's not an emergency, and I'd like to avoid covid exposure. But it's a backup plan. And I'm looking for a new PCP, this one hasn't been helpful the last several times I've contacted her.
WOCN.org hasn't responded.

Next call is convatec.

[steiconi]

The Convatec nurse I talked to says she can't help because the source of the bleeding is inside the stoma. They no longer give recommendations for local stoma nurses, and neither does WOCN.org. She said ask my PCP.

Man, I'm just going in circles here.

[steiconi]

Finally got a diagnosis, colitis.

[Fifthblank]

Questions fir any of you to weight in on please. My stoma is mushroom shaped and I have issues with leaking right around the stoma out about 3/8's all around. My problem is when placing the barrier over it, it pushing moisture/blood down between the barrier and the skin. Any suggestions on preventing this from happening? I use a 2 piece system to see better when applying. Thanks for any help. Fifthblank

[ot dave]

Sometimes my stoma will be completely relaxed when making a flange change as well, causing the same issues that you are describing. When this happens, I touch the stoma with a washcloth, which kind of stimulates some smooth muscle contraction and the stoma acts like it is in peristalsis and "draws" up, allowing me to get the flange around it without touching any moist parts. Not only does it help "draw" the stoma up, it also helps with collecting and removing any moisture that might be present.
I have also read on these boards...several years ago, that sprinkling some sugar on the stoma helps to draw it up as well... I don't know how effective that is, but it worked for someone here in the past. I haven't tried it as the washcloth technique works well for me. I would caution that should you try this, that you use very little to avoid leaving any on your skin which would cause adhesion issues. And, absorbing things directly through the colon/small intestine, bypasses the breaking down of substances that occurs in the stomach. The sugar would go directly to the blood stream without any of the regular filters....
Hope that helps.

David

[To Dream a Dream]

Have you tried ConvaTec's moldable durahesive wafers? They are pliable & you may be able to stretch them to fit the stoma better. They are available in a two-piece system.

[Fifthblank]

Ot Dave,
Thanks, I use the damp cloth as well but still end up with enough dampness that I don't get as many days wear as I'd like. But I will persevere!
Thanks very much for the response,
fifthblank.