But not just in the stoma area - this is itch in the entire upper body..stomach, back, armpits, upper arms, etc. Ever since I was in the hospital after surgery 1 (currently waiting takedown and have loop ileo) I have itched.

Any one else started itching after surgery? I suspect it's an extension of the stoma for some odd reason. Seems when the stoma is active, I itch. When it's calm, it's not as bad. But that's just a theory and tough to prove since I don't watch my stoma for output all day long....

I can tell you that I have the same type of itching. Particularly in my armpits, my chest hair, and just slightly below my beltline.

I can't narrow it down like you have to active versus not, but I itch... a lot.

I've had my ostomy for a year, and it has gotten better, but there are times it is really bad and drives me insane.

EXACTLY. I'm convinced that when the stoma is very active it triggers this itch. Seems to be worse at evening and night - again, when things are really flowing.

Have you considered that it isn't the ostomy per se, but the dehydration that is common with an ostomy? Dehydration can make the skin VERY itchy. ANd, when your stoma is active, you are losing more liquid. Perhaps this is the core issue? Try upping your fluid intake and make sure your electrolytes are in balance and see if it helps.

hmm, never thought of the dehydration issue.

I'm certain I don't always drink as much as I should but never really had an issue with dehydration - - maybe I've been wrong.

Are you on any pain meds? Narcotic make itch like crazy.

no meds at all. Just a multivitamin.

I regularly itch myself until I bleed. I tear the fabric style covering on my Hollister 14603 wafer. This also makes the wafers adhesive stick to me, and it sometimes literally melts into my skin. The itching has been the only bad PHYSICAL side effect I've had.