Where will my stoma be formed?
If you have a urostomy or an ileostomy the stoma is usually created on the right-hand side of your abdomen, while a colostomy is usually created on the left-hand side of your abdomen.
Be sure to discuss the exact location with your stoma care nurse, as it is important that the stoma is adjusted to your body and your life conditions, if at all possible, not the other way around.
What will it look and feel like?
The stoma will be bright red and may be level with the abdomen, slightly below or protruding above it. The stoma does not have any sensitive nerves, so it shouldn’t feel sore. It will feel like the tissue on the inside of the mouth when you touch it – soft and moist. This is because it is a mucous membrane, just like the mucous membrane inside your mouth. It may be quite swollen to begin with but will reduce in size over time – usually 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. It could bleed a little because blood vessels are very close to the surface, but that's normal - just like the tissue inside your mouth bleeds easily. The area around the ostomy may have dips, creases, or folds.
Will my stoma change over time?
The stoma will be bright red and may be level with the abdomen, slightly below or protruding above it. The stoma does not have any sensitive nerves, so it shouldn’t feel sore. It will feel like the tissue on the inside of the mouth when you touch it – soft and moist.
Your body changes over time and it’s likely your stoma may also change. Exercise, as well as losing or gaining weight can influence the shape of your stoma, as well as the area around it.
Some people may also develop an outward bulge. The size of a bulge can vary from person to person. If you develop a bulge, you may need to use supporting products or a different type of appliance that is more suited to your body profile.
If a bulge does appear, or you have doubts about the appearance of your stoma or the area around it, you should contact your ostomy care nurse.
Will my stoma hurt?
The stoma can bleed a little when being cleaned, especially in the beginning, but this is quite normal, and should stop shortly afterwards. After surgery, your stoma will be swollen to begin with, but will reduce in size over some weeks.
Will my stoma smell?
A good-fitting stoma pouch should not smell. You would only experience any odour if the pouch isn't fitting correctly.
Why do I need to wear a stoma pouch??
No matter what type of stoma you have, all the output from the stoma must be collected in a secure and convenient way. That’s where your stoma pouch comes in. These are designed to adhere to the skin on your abdomen around your stoma and collect the output.
The design of your stoma pouch will depend on whether you have a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy. Your stoma care nurse or health care professional will show you which one is right for you, but the majority of stoma pouches are secure and discreet. Nobody will know you’re wearing one unless you decide to tell them.
