Your mucus fistula/stoma care?

[Shamrock4806]

I just keep it lightly covered with a sterile bandaid coated with a light amount of Vaseline to keep it from drying out.

It occasionally will ooze out a putty like stream of goo which I use a small plastic spoon and plastic knife to scoop and pull out what I can.

If the bandaid is on too hard it will tend to cause the goo to backup inside perhaps. So I keep it so the goo can push itself out if necessary.

I use low stick paper tape and check it once in awhile, especially if I notice a smell.

So what do you think? Suitable or could I do better?

Am I possibly running a risk of a clog?

[ot dave]

Your stoma will not dry out. It naturally produces mucous to aid in peristalsis. If I'm understanding you correctly, you are placing a bandage over your stoma, then covering with your appliance? If so, you are performing unnecessary steps. This won't cause any blockages because when the bowel moves, it moves! A little band aid or tape will not stop the output.
If you feel the need to remove output from your pouch, simply rinse it out with water and drain into a toilet. No need for a picnic set of utensils to remove mucous.
I have been doing this over 15 years now, and I have found that less is more. I don't use powder unless my skin dictates that it is needed. I certainly don't use paste. Paste, despite its name has zero adhesive properties. Most ostomates that have been on this site repeatedly say, "paste is waste". That said, I do know that it works for some folks. Keep in mind that every ostomy and every ostomate is unique. So, if it works for you great.
I am a two piece appliance guy. I place my flange and change out my pouch for a clean one each morning after I irrigate (which is a whole other conversation). I change my flange every 5-7 days. For me, I use the KISS method (Keep It Simple Stupid)!
Having an ostomy is challenging all by itself. No need to make it more of issue than it already is....
Hope that helps some.

David

[Shamrock4806]

Sorry I meant a mucus fistula, not stoma.

Actually a mucus fistula is a stoma actually.

But that's what I'm talking about.

The other hole of a illeostomy. The one only mucus comes out, not the stool stoma.

Just wondering how others are handling it.

"Most ostomates that have been on this site repeatedly say, "paste is waste"."

And I'm guessing most don't have a recessed stoma like what I have. Presents some considerable difficulty believe me. If my stoma was sticking out and I could just put a ring on it, it just squirting most of its content right into the bag that would be glorious.

[steiconi]

I don't think my fistula is quite like yours; it oozes mucous constantly, about a cup a day. It does clog up sometimes, which causes more pain, but it bursts open again after a day or two.

Mine drains a fluid collection not connected to my intestines, a lovely souvenir of radiation after rectal cancer. I've had several (though not 7, if you're a Survivor fan) surgeries, but nothing has worked.

[Shamrock4806]

I don't think my fistula is quite like yours; it oozes mucous constantly, about a cup a day. It does clog up sometimes, which causes more pain, but it bursts open again after a day or two.

Mine drains a fluid collection not connected to my intestines, a lovely souvenir of radiation after rectal cancer. I've had several (though not 7, if you're a Survivor fan) surgeries, but nothing has worked.

Yea mine need a pouch to drain into originally but since has quit oozing fluid and just goo comes out.

My sincerest sympathy for what your dealing with.

I had only one surgery and I'm done, Doctor says I need four more..Told him to get me a DNR instead, screw that, one was enough.

So far he said a year, but it's been 9 months and I'm still going strong with no cancer symptoms.

Keep going strong my fellow suffering friend.

[lolapergola]

Hi , I also have a mucous fistula , as well as a colostomy .I wear a stoma cap by Hollister or a Coloplast stoma cap .I think in U/S they are Ampatch ?
The Hollister cap has never leaked .I check 3 times a day if it needs changing , but I normally just change it twice a day .Like you , it just collects thick gunk , which would smell offensive if I didn't have the cap on .Don't know if this helps !

[Shamrock4806]

Hi , I also have a mucous fistula , as well as a colostomy .I wear a stoma cap by Hollister or a Coloplast stoma cap .I think in U/S they are Ampatch ?
The Hollister cap has never leaked .I check 3 times a day if it needs changing , but I normally just change it twice a day .Like you , it just collects thick gunk , which would smell offensive if I didn't have the cap on .Don't know if this helps !

It does thanks.

I just didn't seem necessary to use a cap if I can get to it easily and quickly to remove the gunk.

But it doesn't do it often so just wondering.

[steiconi]

.

I had only one surgery and I'm done, Doctor says I need four more..Told him to get me a DNR instead, screw that, one was enough.

Did your doctor get you the DNR?
Here in Arizona, you can order a packet from the Attorney General's office that includes the DNR, living will, medical power of attorney, and some other end of life forms.
You fill them out, have your signature witnessed on most (one requires a notary, the DNR needs a medical professional's signature), then send copies to the AG office for entry into a database so your wishes are available wherever you wind up.

[Shamrock4806]

Did your doctor get you the DNR?

Yes, but it's only good in Florida..

I wound up using some waterproof medical tape and smearing Vaseline over the important parts and creating a bubble over the stoma to catch gunk and contain the smell better.