Ice Cube applied to Stoma....?

Former Member

I'm experiencing a constant dribbling output from my loop ileostomy, which I believe is bile acid, which stings and burns the already inflamed skin around my Stoma and changing the flange/wafer is so difficult, especially trying to achieve a good seal.

I've read on Stoma forums that breifly applying an ice cube to the Stoma will somehow shock the Stoma into breif inactivity and provide time to change the Stoma appliance without output.

I mentioned this to my Stoma Nurse and she hit the roof and told me off, stating that in no uncertain terms should never apply ice to my Stoma, as it can cause a blockage or lead to hypothermia ?

Currently, no mater what creams and potions I use, I'm having difficulty achieving a seal around the Stoma.

If the stoma output stopped dribbling and I manage to apply the Cavilon barrier spray to dry skin, I could achieve a good result, a good seal and my skin would recover, well until the next leak.

7/28/1411:55 AM

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JHendrixMember

You many have already come across this suggestion, but I found it to be very helpful in shutting things down long enough to get a bag change...eat 3-4 marshmallows in advance. It's difficult when its already inflamed. Sounds painful.

7/28/142:10 PM

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Minn MarkMember

Usually, just a manual manipulation of the stoma is enough to get it to 'stop' for a brief period. Also, there are a variety of barrier sprays on the market, which should be helpful if you are not already using one. I attach a link just as an example. When I had my stoma I rarely had irritation; I routinely used this type of spray. Hope this helps.

Mark

http://www.allegromedical.com/...e^c-adid^49828911853

7/28/142:37 PM

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ShainyMember

I was getting bad skin irritation around the stoma but since I changed the flange every day and give it a clean as well as applying barrier spray and protective adhesive powder it's healed up. Just a bit annoying changing the flange daily

7/28/143:22 PM

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ShainyMember

i also get almost a constant drip of bile but I have found the best time for me to change the bag is roughly between 10am and 11am.

I find after I wake up, the bowels start working again and I need to empty the bag once or twice in the morning. I then have a light breakfast and one or two hours after that is when I should change the flange. if I wait too long then it gets messy. if the bile is coming out I just keep using wipes until there is a period of calm and then I go ahead and apply the spray/powder and put on the flange. works well usually....

7/28/143:31 PM

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Former Member

Yeah, I'm already using a barrier type pump spray, Cavilon by 3M.

Once applied to sore, broken and inflamed skin but dry, it works very well and helps provide a good seal and allows the skin to heal. This will last for days before I need to change the flange.

On most occassions the Stoma is constantly dribbling and I'm unable to dry the area to achieve a good seal, so the Cavilon loses its effectivness once saturated with bile acid before it dries.

I'll give the Marshmallows a go; a Stoma Nurse also suggested this.

Yeah, Shainy, when changing the flange, I do the same as yourself, keep wiping until a moment of calm, it's just so frustrating, takes forever and can be very messy.

7/28/144:17 PM

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PluotMember

Never apply ice to your stoma. It can't sense the cold so there won't be any warning before the coldness starts to damage the tissue of the stoma. No. BAD.

Marshmallows and imodium about 20 minutes before a change worked for me.

7/28/145:47 PM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

In addition to what Liz said, ice would not even work, since what you need to slow down is your whole gut, not your stoma. It would be like icing your lips to prevent vomiting.

Jan

7/28/146:11 PM

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Former Member

Thanks Jan, it's not something I've actually tried, was just looking for any solution that will assist when applying a new flange and give me the confidence of a good seal, which I was accustomed too when I had the end ileostomy.

I was more surprised by my Stoma Nurse response, especially has I've read of such a suggestion, supposedly used by ostomates for the reasons I have described.

7/28/146:34 PM

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Former Member

Yes Liz, I'm using Imodium too.

I'm surprised by the response in regard to the ice, I'm pleased I asked but still confused.

Below are links to 2 website which suggest the use of ice cube on the Stoma:

http://www.digestive-essentials.com/Ileostomy.html

https://www.inspire.com/groups...hose-with-ileostomy/

7/28/147:03 PM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

First, keep in mind that these are both just folks blogging or whatever. They are not professionals. I have not seen this suggestion on any medical or ET nurse sites.

Second, if you read the suggestions, neither one say to put ice directly on the stoma (it is wrapped in a towel, so it is more like a cold compress). Plus, they state to put it on for just a few seconds.

If you wanted to try something similar, just use a cold wet washcloth. You should be OK with that. Let us know if it actually does something.

Jan

7/29/142:16 AM

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Former Member

Yeah, I did say I've read "to briefly apply an ice cube."
I assumed any one reading would naturally wrap the ice cube in a cloth of some kind and not apply directly to the Stoma.

I use this forum to expand my mind to all things Stoma and J pouch related and to share my experiences, I do have some common sense.

As for a cold compress, by soaking a cloth in cold water and appling to the Stoma; I've more or less been doing this to relieve the discomfort of the sore skin and clean prior to applying a new flange and it makes no difference to the Stoma output.

7/29/144:58 AM

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