How to Measure Your Stoma: Ostomy Tips - Tips and Tricks

RE: How to Measure Your Stoma: Ostomy Tips

KellBella — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 04:57:16 +0000

Also please note, I learned this at the hospital after my surgery from a WOCN (Ostomy nurse) they changed it every other day and always this same way; although they never measured it standing up- only the smallest measurement counts really 🙃

RE: How to Measure Your Stoma: Ostomy Tips

KellBella — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 18:13:40 +0000

Measure with circle templates. Lay down for a couple minutes then measure.

you want the smallest measurements as standing up can result in too big of a hole that will leak like crazy especially while sleeping😴it’s not fun to wake up in a wet bed 😵

RE: How to Measure Your Stoma: Ostomy Tips

VeganOstomy — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:48:17 +0000

Hi Grace, Generally speaking, you'll want to leave a very slight gap between the stoma and hole to allow for expansion and swelling of the wafer. Are you using a convex appliance? If so, does your stoma get pushed out when you have the appliance on? It's OK to have a little skin showing, as most wafers will swell up and cover that area nicely. But this can depend on how much your stoma sticks out and if it "grows" as you pass output. It's better for the hole to be slightly too big than too small.

RE: How to Measure Your Stoma: Ostomy Tips

Grace — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:57:57 +0000

When measuring a regressed stoma, should you see any outer area skin or just the stoma itself? I have had my colostomy for about a week and a half and am having a horrible time with leakage. This is even with the use of barrier rings. I have just ordered adhesive powder to help with moisture so I am hoping that helps!

RE:How to Measure Your Stoma: Ostomy Tips

VeganOstomy — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 16:59:32 +0000

You're welcome, Carmen. Best of luck to you both!

RE:How to Measure Your Stoma: Ostomy Tips

Carmen Ghee — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 15:30:03 +0000

My son with special needs just got a colostomy bag and all of your videos help me so much. I have to change and empty his bags and I can’t thank you for all of your input. Thank you!!!!!

RE: How to Measure Your Stoma: Ostomy Tips

VeganOstomy — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 15:37:08 +0000

@veebee You are amazing. Thank you for doing what you do! 😀👍👌👏

RE: How to Measure Your Stoma: Ostomy Tips

VeeBee — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 15:31:05 +0000

@veganostomy I am a home health nurse that regularly refers new ostomy patients AND new HH nurses to your YouTube videos because you break each part down so nicely. I have shared the one piece vs two piece, accessory explanations, product/supply reviews, and most importantly/most often used- the stoma/peristoma care videos so many times!!! You personally have made me feel so competent in teaching patients and nurses. I ALMOST feel like a pro! ;)

So THANK YOU for all of your effort over the years!!!!!

RE:How to Measure Your Stoma: Ostomy Tips

VeganOstomy — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 14:20:38 +0000

Good catch, VeeBee! It should be 1cm. I've corrected that in the post. Basically, your stoma should have some distance to the edge of the cutting line, ideally.

RE: How to Measure Your Stoma: Ostomy Tips

VeeBee — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 13:09:26 +0000

Just for clarification, when you said "When I buy wafers, I try to get a size that allows for about 10cm of space between my stoma and the edge of the cutting lines (or up to the flange ring on my 2pc system)", did you mean 10cm or 1cm? 10cm seems like so much space, but maybe I'm misunderstanding what you're talking about. Thank you!!!!