UOAA Discussion Board

I haven't been on here in years but now I have a question... sorry this is going to be kinda long..I have had my ileostomy since early 2012..I have had total of 5 surgeries.. 2 we're for hernias,.a total of 6 hernias....my first 3 we're done all in 1 operation..my last one (January 23 )they found 2 more small ones along with the one I needed repaired. They did it robotically spent over 4 and a half hours ( lots of adhesions) he said he was not going to do anything with my stoma ( it was perfect it worked stuck out just right even with the hernia) I woke up to a flat belly ( did not look 6 months pregnant on one side) and my stoma is now an innie. It looks like a red bullseye completely flat..they had a non convex wafers on ...I changed it when I got home to a convex wafer ( I accidentally ordered a convex glad I did) my skin is aweful...please tell me that when the swelling goes down It will pop out a little...I already in the past had to have a Revision due to it being stenosis surgery number 4...I see the surgery next week.....please I need suggestions....thank you in advance

Dear Trixiemom: I am so very sorry to learn of your post-op difficulties. I had a stomal revision way back in 1985 & can identify with you. It's a very frightening experience when dealing with such a situation. Mine was so swollen from a post-op obstruction; it looked like a dark purple goose egg. Fortunately, the swelling did subside & I was able to manage it again.
Do you have a WOC Nurse to contact? If so, that is a huge plus. They would know what to expect & have had experience in dealing with your specific situation. As would a competent surgical nurse practitioner. Consider asking your surgeon's office for a referral if you don't.
I just did a quick search of our UOAA website for some information & came up with this link: https://www.ostomy.org/search_gcse/ Hopefully, it will guide you through this.
I've also found the manufacturer of my skin care barrier to be knowledgeable. Most of the major companies have contacts to explain their products & may have more practical suggestions.
It's good to see you posting again. Please continue to visit our Board. Know you are in my thoughts & prayers during this frustrating time.

Thank you....I see the surgeon on Friday...my skin is healing as I know how to fix that but the idea is why...it worked even with my hernia why pull it down and make it flat and flushed

I am glad you are able to protect the skin & see your surgeon on Friday. They should be able to explain why they performed the surgery & the result. Please continue to use this Board for updates & the UOAA website for more information.
Thank you for posting.

Trixiemom: Just caught your post on another forum where you mention the need of having your own supplies with you in hospital. That is a great point to pass along to all our readers. In all the years of having an ostomy I have always needed to have my own equipment at hand in house. You cannot rely upon the facility having anything you need. From pouches & wafers to cleanup wipes & tape. I have an emergency bag packed with items including a small emesis basin to hold clean water & spare plastic bags for waste removal. And be prepared to do your own appliance changes without assistance. A daunting task postop, especially if you have IVs in your wrists. Take nothing for granted. If you have a person you can depend upon to accompany & help you, consider yourself blessed.