Hey, Chris. 

Well, that's good news (no active Crohn's) and bad news (no answers!!).

What are the next steps from your doctor? Did they give you any indication of what happens next? 

Yes.. thats really good news the Crohn's isn't active. But sorry you still have the bleeding and swelling. Seems like you need more medical help. Like Eric asked, and next steps? Maybe you have access to a stoma nurse. Does seem like you need more information and answers and a plan moving forward.

FYI, they didn't remove my wafer either for the one illoiscopy I got.. just the bag, then draped the area. Must be easier and faster for them ( and for us, since they can just put the old bag back in place.)

I wonder what they do in the case of  one-piece bags.

Keep asking for more answers. 

Hi Chris, As the others have said what is the next step. that is what ye have to push for. this will get sorted you have to hold on to that.

She didn't really discuss that other than that I should go to my rheumatologist and try metamucil or immodium 2mg a day to combat watery stool. I have difficulty blaming her however, because from.her point of view, other than  what ive been saying, im looking healthy.  I'm going to send pics today of the swollen bloodiness just to let her know I'm not nuts. We'll see what happens.

Hi Chris, Its been a hard run for you from the start, an ostomy should be like a second skin but when that skin gets damaged its not easy, It was good that the crohns was not appearing again but the answer to the problem was not answered! Hopefully when the pictures are seen it may shed more light. watch what you are eating and drinking to see if any thing is causing swelling! treatment will come but you may have to be firm

Hey Chris, just throwing this out there.

 ( as you well know.. I am no doctor). Your now enlarged and bleeding stoma has a cause. . Figuring  out why is obviously what needs to happen. IF ( a big if) its not something internal and related to your illness, it might be worth asking if it could be caused by an abrasion of your now enlarged stoma against the bag? Or some kind of allergy to that product. I have never heard of this, but thats not saying anything and it might be worth an ask.

I am sure you have thought hard about any changes that have occurred since you had it under control. Be sure to write down any questions for the next health professional visit, and take notes on the answers. I hope there is some kind of stoma nurse ( live or one line) you can speak to.

Stomas do bleed easily. Mostly mine does only if I get to close to it while washing , or trying to scrape off old adhesives.  The bleeding has always  stopped fairly quickly. But it does bleed pretty freely. It would be hard to get the wafer to stick if it was still bleeding.

Best wishes!

Posted by: Chris

She didn't really discuss that other than that I should go to my rheumatologist and try metamucil or immodium 2mg a day to combat watery stool. I have difficulty blaming her however, because from.her point of view, other than  what ive been saying, im looking healthy.  I'm going to send pics today of the swollen bloodiness just to let her know I'm not nuts. We'll see what happens.

I take 3 pills Walmart versions of Imodium every morning so that equals  6 mg . I only take with sips of water don't want to wake up bowels all the way . I wait 30 min before I eat and have my de cafe coffee. It's been a great help to me . I had very watery output . Passing about 4-5 litters a day . I am 7 months out from surgery and still am very watery without  my Imodium. The pills give me a smooth oatmeal consistency and let's me absorb water . I know this because I  pee a lot . I gives me  no ill effects from this and my doc said if I need to take this the rest of my life it's fine . He has patients doing this for decades . It's something that happens to some Ileostomy folks . 

Be well , Bubbles 

I was wondering the same thing Dona. Re the enlarged stoma hitting the bag.   I can definitely feel it pushing the bag out now.

This morning when I changed it I measured it at 38mm but then before I put the wafer on, I noticed it REALLY shrunk up to less than 35mm.  I cut it at 38mm and put it on.  I had to change it this afternoon, however, as it was itching bad and it was 41mm.  Its driving me freaking nuts. 

My skin wasnt PERFECT this morning, but it wasnt bleeding. So I just put on a ring and then the wafer.  This afternoon, I let it itch a bit - maybe a couple hours - then ate some marshmallows and changed it.  The skin was bleeding pretty bad.  Its incredible how quickly the output ate away at my freaking skin.

Furthermore.. its incredible how much output was under the ring.  I dont pancake..  so I dont get it..  why the hell doesnt it just fall into the bag?

Does anyone use belts?  Ive never used them because I've always felt they were designed to stop bags from falling off when heavy.  But I was reading how one stoma nurse gave a guy a really tight belt and he gets 3-4 days now.

Do belts hinder leaks?  Would they have the same effect on flat wafers as on convex, or do you think the convex needs to dig in?

Just kinda thinking/questioning aloud :)

Hi Bubbles, their are natural ways to control output. different foods have effect on the type of output. in the long term its a lot better.

Hi Chris,

A belt is certainly worth a try. No down side. I think it does help to hold the wafer up against the skin. Or maybe also use a belly band kind of thing over the entire thing.

I tried one ( a belt) for awhile before I found the answer for my leaking in the convex wafer. ( my stoma had kind of gone flat).

The belt was easy to use anyway. I am sure others here have more experience with them.

It does seem to be that you are not getting  the wafer to stick well. I guess you have tried all the other tips that involve drying, warming, proper sizing and pressure. It is very important to keep that, shall we say shitty stuff, off of your skin. It is very caustic. If you get sores that weep it will be even harder to get a good seal. A nurse told me once that they had good luck treating a patient with sore by using that kind of plastic sheeting like stuff they put over the wounds of burn victims. It worked. They just made 'new skin' around the stoma with it. Might be a good trick to ask a nurse about if it gets bad.  ( start writing down question to ask a nurse now).

I think you have kind of a dip, right? and your peristomal area is not flat. I am sure that makes it harder to get a good seal. Makes you want to get out a caulking gun full of Henry900, huh?

Sorry I can't be of more immediate and useful help.

I will keep thinking, and you keep up your spirits.

P.>S buy a small travel size hair dryer too. Cheep on amazon. Dries and heats the area...can even be used on hair! My husband uses his to dry out his ears after swimming and I only use mine when I change my bag!  Neither of us have ever used it for hair...he doesn't have any now anyway. Pretty funny.

This is the dryer I have been using and traveling with. Watch out if you use it on  European voltage though .. you could light an ice cube with the heat it puts out.

https://www.amazon.com/Conair-Compact-Folding-Voltage-packaging/dp/B000094ZDX/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1523052435&sr=1-4&keywords=travel%2Bhair%2Bdryer&dpID=31cBTSapjOL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch&th=1

ALSO.. be care full NOT to COOK your stoma . Remember it is defenseless and has no feelings. Do not aim the heat source right at it..just near it. I also use it to warm the wafer and the barrier ring. Helps everything stick much better.

Hi Dona, yes that's a good point about the plastic sheet. their is a base that can be used on very sore and broken skin, and then the appliance can be put on top.

https://www.veganostomy.ca/community/general-ostomy/swollen-stoma/paged/2/#post-7485

I don,t have any experience but have just seen on the company  sites.

Thanks for all the support.  I think I will get the dryer as my wife gives pause each time I drop hers on the ground.  It now squeals for quite some time before it actually starts working.

Im glad to hear about the immodium Bubble...  Ill definitely give that a go too, as watery output is a major issue for me.  I'd love to be the type of person who can control it the natural way, but Im not.  Probably why Im in this mess.

Anyway..  Ill try the belts and immodium. 

My best defense is a good... glass of wine.  Which I am now going to refill.

Dona is right- don't get it HOT.. = a nice rash etc. and break down the sealing material of the wafer..  I have a heater in my bathroom, I just warm everything for a 30-40 seconds, and it sticks great !! Don't tamper with your stoma to much = bleeding, and irrations.-sp- rash-- :-( I have the same hair dryer, but I can't travel like her.. she is lucky to travel- and Chris, you will be able to also..  Be nice to your stoma, and the skin around it.. (if u rub your face/arm to hard, it get red right? if u get into the sun to long it gets red right? same thing with your stoma skin - which is softer --get it?)  Gentle going.......... is needed.. 

Chris, the wine is NOT good.. When I drink/or drank 1/2 glass of wine everything goes hay wire !!  Liquid out put fast and steady!! Talk about a waterfall in full force.. I miss a nice glass of wine here and there and a few beers,  But that is once in while, and I am home, and ready for the mad dash...... many of them!! Maybe your like me on this wine area. sip it or forget it.. Now that I am home?????????????  I will join you-- having a good day with Nellie....... ??? but I am ready for the thrown......... to come!! :-) It is Friday !!!!!!!!!!  AND u have good news from you Dr.- so relax, and try some suggestions I wrote, Don't know of your stoma if it is I inch hang, or less.. I am I inch l=hang.. the belt help too.. I don't use  one, but sounds great if your having sticking issues after applying a new wafer.. Well, I have used a belt for that purpose when I started after applying.. for an hour.. to confining.. ------------  cheers.. and keep that smile!! 

To my experience,  my belt holds the wafer tight against me and helps keep me from leaking. This gives me extra usage.

It is an inexpensive add on that makes me feel more secure.

Z