Question:
Hello there and good day,
I have had an ostomy in place for the last 33 years, with only one minor surgical revision over 15 years ago. Recently, I’ve been experiencing severe skin issues around the stoma that I cannot get to heal.
I’ve tried reaching out to ostomy nurses at hospitals and at the supplier I use, but they are usually affiliated with a specific brand. As a result, I feel the advice I receive is often biased toward their own products.
Could you assist or provide some guidance on where to turn for neutral and effective support?
Answer:
Thank you for reaching out to the Ostomy Canada Lifestyle Medical Committee. I’m sorry to hear about the skin issues you’ve been dealing with. It’s not uncommon for long-term ostomates to face complex peristomal skin challenges, and it’s important to get the right support to restore your comfort and quality of life.
To begin, there are a few important questions that can help guide next steps:
- When did the issue begin?
- Did it start gradually (small areas getting worse over time) or suddenly, perhaps after a change in your appliance?
- How would you describe the symptoms? (Is the area itchy, burning, inflamed, or a combination?)
Given your experience, it may be time to consult with an NSWOC (Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence) for an impartial assessment and care plan. NSWOCs are not brand-specific and can evaluate your situation holistically. You can use the national directory to find one in your area:
- Find an NSWOC:
In addition, connecting with a local Ostomy Canada Chapter or Peer Support Group may help you find an NSWOC who is familiar with multiple product lines and can offer unbiased recommendations:
- Find a Chapter or Peer Support Group:
You might also find the Peristomal Skin Assessment Guide helpful. It’s a self-guided tool to better understand and track peristomal skin issues:
- Assessment Guide:
WOCN – Peristomal Skin Assessment Guide for Consumerspsag-consumer.wocn.org/#home
Many ostomy manufacturers also employ NSWOCs who can help guide you through product selection and troubleshooting. Although they are associated with specific brands, speaking with several companies may give you a broader understanding of what’s available:
- Hollister:
Contact Us | Hollister CAhollister.ca/en-ca/cacontactuspage
- Coloplast:
Contact – Coloplast Canadacoloplast.ca/About-Us/contact
- Convatec:
Convatecconvatec.com/en-ca/contact-us
- Salts (via Westech Health):
Salts Ostomy Products | Westech Health Carewestechhealth.com/salts-ostomy-products
- Marlen:
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us again if you need further assistance.
Wishing you all the best in finding relief and support.
Answered by
Teri Schroeder RN, NSWOC
The post Seeking Help for Long-Term Peristomal Skin Issues first appeared on Ostomy Canada Society.