Ostomies come in all different shapes and sizes, and normally protrude a little. Some people will have more than one ostomy, depending on their condition.
Where does it sit?
If you have a urostomy or an ileostomy the ostomy is usually created on the right-hand side of your abdomen, while a colostomy is usually created on the left-hand side of your abdomen.
Be sure to discuss the exact ostomy location with your ostomy care nurse, as it is important that the ostomy location is adjusted to your body and your life conditions if at all possible, not the other way around.
What will it look like and feel like?
The ostomy will be bright red and may be level with abdomen, slightly below or protruding above it. The ostomy does not have any sensitive nerves so it won’t be sore. It will feel like the tissue on inside of the mouth when you touch it – soft and moist. The area around the ostomy may have dips, creases or folds.
Changes over time
Your body changes over time and so will your ostomy. Exercising, losing or gaining weight may influence the shape of your ostomy as well as the area around your ostomy. Some people may also develop an outward bulge. The size of a bulge varies from person to person. If you develop a bulge you may need to use supporting products or a different type of appliance that is more suited to your body profile.
If a bulge appears or you have doubts about the appearance of your stoma or the area around it, you should contact your ostomy care nurse.
Will it hurt?
The ostomy can bleed a little when being cleaned, especially in the beginning, but this is quite normal, and should stop shortly afterwards. After surgery, your ostomy may be swollen to begin with, but will reduce in size over some weeks.
Will it smell?
An ostomy should not smell as longs as your ostomy pouch has a good fit.
