stoma placement
Thu, August 19, 2010 7:41 PM
Where should the stoma be placed. I am having a colostomy next week.
Met with the stoma nurse. The first spot to the lower left of belly button sits right at my waistline. The other spot she marked directly across from belly button a little hight seems to have pouch just above my waistine
Any good advice???
Joined Jun 28, 2010
Fri, September 03, 2010 2:30 PM
Reply posted for Steve S.
Suspenders?!!, thats a brilliant idea. I am going to see a WOCN due to I need advise on how to be more comfortable, thus waring a belt and when the bag fills up, so it does not get restricted. As to the person with the stoma location question, my best advise is so ask away on questions you may have with your WOCN, they are outstanding on what they do. I was a police officer untill I had to stop working due to the Crohns was to out of control. I want to get back into police work again more then anything. Although, waring the duty belt puts allot of pressure on the stomach, and am concerned that its going block the bag and restrict it, let alone the pressure it will put on the stoma?. Be that as it may, if you have any concernes about that type of thing, they may be able to adjust the location, obviousley if you condition allows it. I hope all that goes very well for you, this sight to talk to people and support groups is invaluable. All the best!
Joined Aug 5, 2009
Tue, August 24, 2010 9:30 PM
Reply posted for jcp24.
I woke up with a stoma after one of my surgeries. It was located about 2-3 inches to the right of my navel and about an inch above the navel. I had it for 6 months until it was reversed. That location worked fine. My trouser waistline fit directly above the bag. I wore suspenders instead of a belt in order to eliminate the belt effect.
Here is some advice for managing the stoma. I found that the skin around the stoma would often get quite sore and sensitive. I turned red and raw. I needed some relief but couldn't figure out how to get it. Then I had an idea.
I had a cot I used for camping. I cut a hole in the cot that matched my stoma location when I laid on the cot. Then I removed my bag and adhesive apparatus. I laid on the cot, placed a pan (I used an engine oil drain pan) under the stoma. I would then sleep like this. After twelve hours, the skin felt better and I affixed the bag. It worked great.
Steve S.
steve sJoined Aug 24, 2010
Mon, August 23, 2010 1:39 PM
Reply posted for jcp24.
Hi
Best advise everbody is differant. get a few attachments wear them see what works. Mind was too low. Also fill the bag wilth a little water to see how it feels in differant places. Nurse or Dr office should have some differant things to try.
Joined Nov 14, 2008
Fri, August 20, 2010 7:20 PM
Reply posted for jcp24.
A colostomy is typically located in the Left lower quadrant- your enterstomal therapist most likely checked for placement with you sitting, standing and lying down. Our objective is always to place the stoma in a place where you will have the best outcome- meaning the best seal on your bag. If you have curves, contours in your abdomen, scars etc, the nurse may have to move the mark slightly up or down- again- the location of the stoma is so important since most importantly we want the pouch to lie on an even surface and give you the best seal. Somethimes the surgeon will have us mark in all 4 quadrants- and depending on what he finds internally he may have to go to an alternative site (adhesions, etc) Hope that helps
Joined Jul 6, 2009
Fri, August 20, 2010 3:46 PM
Reply posted for jcp24.
Oops, actually reverse that advice. Tight waist = lower stoma. Loose waist = anywhere you want.
Joined Nov 25, 2009
Fri, August 20, 2010 3:44 PM
Reply posted for jcp24.
That's an interesting question. I'd say that the stoma should go where it will do the best job. However, if you are given a choice and plan to wear the same clothes you wore pre-op, I'd say above the waistline. If it's below, then the waist of your pants might cut off the flow of waste into the bottom of your bag. I've been wearing really loose-waisted pants since my surgery, so they just put my stoma where they wanted to!
Joined Nov 25, 2009
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