Ostomy patients have several questions and doubts about stoma, its care, and its appearance. They also feel changes in the opening with the time. The changed look of the stoma can daunt the ostomates. The fluctuation in the size and shape of the opening can occur in the new fabricated and old stoma. The reasons for these alterations are multiple. Therefore, we shall discuss a few of them to give you some knowledge about the change in the stoma.
Alteration in New Stoma
During the postoperative period, a stoma adopts changes in the size and shapes. It happens because of the edematous, swelling, and healing process. The swelling of the opening gets receded gradually. The abatement of edematous will take six to seven weeks. However, this is not the exact duration of recovery from the swelling. It may take a long or short time, depending on the other factors, like the age of the patient and type of ostomy. However, the ET nurse will measure the size of the stoma regularly. You will have to go for your post-operative sessions and discuss every single detail about your stoma. Moreover, the measurement of opening will help you in choosing and wear the right size of ostomy appliances. You should wear a larger flange, approximately three to four millimeters bigger than your opening's size. The accurate size of the stoma pouching system will impede irritation, bleeding, and blockage. Moreover, it will protect the skin around the hole of the abdomen.
Alteration in Established Stoma
In an established stoma, the primary cause of fluctuation in the shape and size is weight gain. Many ostomates do not perform any physical activity and sit idle all day, this makes them lazy and chubby. Due to the obtaining weight, the stoma expands and looks larger than before. Moreover, it can also contour the skin around the stoma. A roughly 10 pounds of weight gain can disturb the original size of your stoma. Moreover, constant weight loss or gain can alter the original appearance of the opening. Therefore, an ostomate who is realizing bulkiness in the body should go to the ET nurse for a re-evaluation of the exact size of the stoma. Moreover, it will also help you in choosing the new pouching system with an exact size and shape.
Change of Stoma in Pregnant Women
The pregnant ladies also feel an alteration in the shape and size of the stoma. It is because of the weight gain. Thus, they also need a regular re-evaluation of the opening to know the accurate size and appropriate pouching system. After the second and third trimesters, a woman can see the visible changes in the appearance of the stoma. Therefore, you must be in regular contact with your ET nurse for a regular checkup and evaluation of the correct size.
The fluctuation of Stoma Due to Hernia
Many ostomates develop hernia around the stoma, especially in the case of colostomy. This makes the opening to become bigger. Until you do not treat the hernia, you realize the significant alteration in the size stoma. This also demands regular sessions with your ET nurse. It will help you to assess your hernia stage and condition, and re-evaluation of the size of the stoma and its pouching system.
Aging can Make Alteration in the Stoma
Aging is another significant factor that can cause alteration in the size and shape of the stoma. Due to the age, the body muscles lose strength, shape, and tone; therefore, it re-contour the stoma and the skin around it. This can prolapse and retract the opening. The fluctuations will be sheerly visible. It also requires regular sessions with the ET nurse.
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