Hi Mary! The eakins rings stretch out pretty easily. When I use them I heat them up with my hair dryer a little to make them easier to stretch. I've also split it open on one side and wrapped it around the base of my stoma.

HiMary and welcome , measuring the stoma can take a while to get right ( im 12 months post op and im only getting good at it now) 

thats where the rings come into their own as they fill in the spaces around the stoma ,

Eric has a video on hom to measure the stoma and lots of reviews on all types of rings ,

believe it or not it does get easier with time and with all the help on this site you will get there faster

Hi Mary, 

Tony and Felicity are correct that the rinks will stretch, so that shouldn't be a problem. 

Because your stoma doesn't stick out a lot, you might want to consider convex rings or a convex appliance, but be sure to run that by your stoma nurse because it may not be appropriate for your skin. 

Thanks for your reply..  I have been using Convatec brand.  Thanks again for being here when fear stricks.

Mary

Eric, how far  is a normal  "stoma stick out" is? 1/2 inch? 1 inch? 2 Inch?

Also, Sometimes, I have "Pain" when Nellie is making "a deposit in the bank"-pouch--It hurts when doing (not in full tummy area like a major blockage)  this (texture like stiff mashed potatoes) many times this deposit will become a leak. Goes east and west  NOT south!! --a little blockage gong on here? when it has passed, no pain-is the pain because it wont go south? I don't think that my pouch (south) is vacuumed closed, but If I do lie down on my side of stoma, works out well- (sometimes) but cant lay down in public.  Hear anything like this? or anyone? thanks..

Hi Marcie, How long is a piece of string? so many shapes and sizes. mine is about an inch most of the time and have to say I am happy with it. The thicker the output the harder it is to push through and I know you have problems with dehydration so may be also some thing to do with hard stool. I know for me if I have sore skin I will feel the pushing more, may be try some fruit juices to help keep output moving.

Hi Marcie,

Post new topics with those questions as I'm sure others would also be interested in knowing - and it'll keep the forums organized. 

John, that is the weird thing, I am mostly liquid, then this? In stead of one step at a time, its on clumb after another of surprise.. 

Yes, Eric, I thought that I was in a proper forum.. I will check on the right hand side of the members? R we keeping you busy love? 

Marcie go back up to the right hand side of the page I posted a tile "stoma length/output as a wee guide for you. place your question their.

Mary, you may need 2 rings as your stoma is so flat now.. Happened to my girlfriend at the support group here, ITs hard now, but you will get the hang of it and keep up with your nurse.. and us........... good luck!! m.

O.K. John, Now to find how to elect a new title of my questions.. working at it.

Does anyone have an off/on release of different consistany  of out puts? Any pain with a clumpy output? (not like a full time blockage-that is full tummy cramps).. ?????? 

Thanks everyone... this is the 10 week post surgery and I tried a new pouch I received in a sample kit from ConvaTec... last change I put on their SUR-FIT Natura Opaque 2side flocking w/filter.. Buster on Friday had 3 outputs in evening;  all 3 I found balled up and still at the top.  Each cleaning I had to add water to get it out of pouch.  Saturday no output.  I just read about no air in bag??  I just changed back to my SEE THRU (So I can keep an eye on him) pouch.  Found my stoma ring area to be PACKED solid.  Would this cause cramping and soreness?

Mary

I pretty much asked that question also-nothing yet.. But I do feel some pain if it is solid- I am ilestomate..strange to have that with this.. 

Hi Mary, very thick output is hard to pass and will feel sore on the skin around the stoma, I don,t use a pouch with a filter but have read on the forum that is can cause a vacuum effect which can block outout from flowing to the bottom of the pouch. keep an eye on what you have been eating and remember chew well (guilty myself) are you taking enough water etc. even with an ileostomy output can become very thick. I find fruit juices are a great help

Hi Mary, very thick output is hard to pass and will feel sore on the skin around the stoma, I don,t use a pouch with a filter but have read on the forum that is can cause a vacuum effect which can block outout from flowing to the bottom of the pouch. keep an eye on what you have been eating and remember chew well (guilty myself) are you taking enough water etc. even with an ileostomy output can become very thick. I find fruit juices are a great help

AHHHHH, the filter can cause a vacume affect??  Interesting.. Very much so--I am starting not to eat lot t one time-being a pig here trying to gain weight, and always hungry..

Mary, We have to grazz eat my Dr. said like a cow-- :-() So got to moooo our eating schedule around a bit-at big meals MUCH fluids after a few bites.. like John said-more fluids..  and that fills us up more too- 

Barbara, I will try to find the new person..maybe personal mail with the RA will help u 2 out better to get your anguish of pain and meds of compairsion sp- filed, different boat of that horror!!! I would love to help her but I don't have RA.. Your on girl!! :-) bring your ores.

Thanks... It was the new (Never used before bag).  I was just so crampy .  Yes, I drink water constantly and after the change few hours ago, Buster did an output that was watery at first then became normal.  Cleaned him and he is now putting out little bits about every half hour.   Only my clear bags from now on!

I still am sore in lower belly but not around my stoma area.  I don't do any lifting and try to walk when its nice outside.  Cant tolerate cold.

U guys are great... feels so nice to have someone to talk with.    And my stoma does not stick up outta my ring.  Guess that's why he gets caked.. I lay down a lot and don't feel him working at times. 

Mary

MAry, your normal--relax --come to the lounge- 

Your output will go off and on until your body heals it self-takes time.. empty your bag when it is 1/3 full or 1/2 full-soon u will want the beige pouch so u don't HAVE to LOOK at it--I ditched those clear ones in 2 weeks!!!! Just getting in and out of bed or chair pulls on the stomach mussels.. that is o.k. that is what your feeling--as long as your stoma is not itching? your on the high road. ERic has some nice vidios that are just to the point and u need not to excess further than what he recomands.. U will find that this will become easier and he and us r being true within our experiences.. And you my dear, will be great help to us and others sooner than you think!!!!!!! Keep gong to your ostomcy nurse.. As you are dealing with a flat stoma.. Mine was lopesided, but I used a convetx and pushed in with  the barrier and pouch CONNECTED=one piece-got a better secure fit-try a deep convetx. Your in training now, but it will come together soon.. Heck, I used to change my pouch in bed-had everything all laied out 1-2-3-4-5-6- that lasted 6 months or longer-I lost 2-3 under the sheets and got all upset..:-(  got a chair in the bathroom with all my stuff, and now it is a few minutes.. of a compleat change-- home is where your ostomcy supplies are now..

                         When there is a change,----expect a difference---when there is a difference?

                          expect time to accept..................... be well-Marcie.