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Is a protruding stoma normal?

Alpstoat
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i had a colostomy over a year ago and now have a permanent bag. I am male and whilst I’ve never had a six pack I’ve always been reasonable slim- well, not fat!The last time anyone saw my stoma was last August and I wondered if I might have some reassurance or otherwise. I see pictures of stomas on flat stomachs but mine sticks out like a young breast. I find the concave bags most effective but they enhance how it protrudes so wearing a tee shirt is not something that I feel comfortable with. My questions really are, is such a protruding stoma normal and if so does anyone have any tips in dealing with it e.g reducing the size, obscuring it or other bags that might be better? Thanks in advance

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    Hi,

    I read your post as your belly surrondig your stoma is sticking out 'like a small breast'.

     

    If that's the case, it's the same for me. I have it each side of my belly, slightly smaller on the right, where I have a mucous fistula that requires a cap, rather than a bag; although I did use a bag on it for the first year or two.

     

    I think it's due to the weight of the bags when full/half full dragging on the skin over time. Nothing to worry about.

     

    That is, provided it's not a hernia. Probably best to get a diffinitive opinion from your stoma nurse but it doesn't sound like aa hernia fromwhat you've posted.

     

    Best Regards

    Taff

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    Hello Alpstoat,

                         l developed an A cup which is still there four years after reversal,only it has an inverted nipple from the wound site healing.Its a badge of honour for the rest of my life,and perfectly normal.L guess it depends on how much weight you lug about,and how often you empty as to the size of the protruberance,but remember the muscle around the site would have been compromised by the proceedure .l have a friend that eats like a bird,has a tiny bag,and changes often,so its smaller but still there.

                   Choice of clothes,design and colour to draw the focus elsewhere can help,bold patterns can work,but the only thing you can do for your self conciousness is to wear it pride and remember those who did not make it and would have taken that choice in a heartbeat,

                                                                        stay well,

                                                                                          david

                

  • Offline in reply to Taff

    Thanks for taking the trouble to reply- very much appreciated. 

    Alan

  • Offline in reply to gruntifen

    Thanks for your helpful reply David

    i do appreciate it

    alan

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