Ok, my stoma stinks. Really.
Is it just cause the constant drain is in so the valve stays open and just lets a little bowel stink out or what? Anyone else notice this?
I'm keeping my skin clean and changing the dressing round the constant drain twice a day (or more if necessary) and I just want to know if this is normal and is it gonna stop once the catheter doesn't have to be in 24/7??

I suspect it is because you have a drain in all the time. That allows some liquid to come out and get on the dressing. About all you can do is keep changing the dressing and keep the skin dry around the stoma. The odor should go away when you remove the catheter.

Katie,
I was changing the dressing more than suggested because of the smell.

yea, it's probably the drain.

i find everytime i put the drain in it just reeks. (part of the reason why i just can't bring myself to put it in when i used to need it.)

when you're not wearign the drain. it shouldn't smell at all.

thanks guys! I was hoping that was all it was. I feel better knowing this smell isn't going to follow me around for the rest of my life