One of the first things that people notice after their surgery is that their stoma changes size and shape. It may seem strange, but it's actually normal. Changes to your stoma are often caused by factors such as diet, fluid intake, medications, or other health conditions. If you have noticed a change in size or shape of your stoma recently- don't worry! This article will provide some insight on what might be happening to your body and how this could affect you going forward.
Let's start with the most obvious reason your stoma might appear to change shape or size- eating. Being in the hospital for any length of time puts you at risk of becoming malnourished or underweight, especially if you are unable to eat normally after surgery. Once you have your stoma, your digestive system will only absorb the nutrients from a certain amount of food at a time. Sometimes, however, people find that after taking certain medications or changing their diet, their stoma begins to appear larger than it did before. Here are some common causes of this:
1. Once you have your stoma, it takes a while for your body to adjust to the amount of food that your small intestine absorbs at once. If you eat more than what your stoma can handle, you might notice an increase in size or leakage of stool and gas from your stoma site.
2. Many medications taken orally, such as iron supplements and some antibiotics, increase the amount of gas your intestines produce. This interferes with digestion and causes more food to pass through the digestive tract than normal.
3. Some foods contain substances that irritate the lining of your bowel or cause excess gas production. These include beans, broccoli, cabbage, milk products (such as cheese and ice cream), fried foods, and high-fiber grains such as wheat.
4. Certain illnesses such as gallbladder disease, intestinal disorders (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), and urinary tract infections can interfere with digestion and cause your stoma to appear larger than usual. Gastrointestinal problems, such as a decrease in appetite, ulcers, gallstones, and gastritis can also cause your stoma to change shape.
Is having changes in stoma size/ shape normal?
Yes, it is 100% normal to have changes in stoma size and shape. As we mentioned before, changes in stoma size and shape can be due to diet, fluid intake, medications or other health conditions. The change in your stoma is simply because of the factors listed above.
To minimize changes in stoma size and shape, follow your doctor's instructions on how much food you should eat at each meal and stick to a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat or dairy products, whole-grain bread and cereals, nuts and beans. Limit the amount of high-fiber foods such as dried beans (which can make your stoma appear larger) and eat slowly to give your digestive system time to adjust to the food.
It's important for you to know that as long as your stoma remains pink and round, there is no cause for concern. However, if it appears to be white or flattened all the time, you should let your stoma nurse know right away. This could indicate a problem with the way your appliance fits. If the color begins to change or if your stoma appears misshapen, get in touch with your doctor immediately.
Most importantly, don't feel embarrassed about discussing changes in your stoma size and shape with a health care professional- especially if they are sudden or severe.
