Recovery from stoma surgery

Following your surgery, it is normal for the stoma to be quite swollen. It usually takes six to eight weeks after surgery before it reduces in size.

Each stoma is unique and chances are that your stoma will look different from someone else's. Your stoma will be red in colour and is made of mucous membrane, just like the inside of your mouth. Your stoma will have no sensation, and therefore, will not be painful to touch. There may be some bleeding when you clean your stoma, this is normal and won't last very long. If the bleeding does continue you should contact your Stomal Therapy Nurse.

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Recovering from stoma surgery

In the first two weeks after discharge from hospital, daily routines will initially be slower than before surgery.

After a while stoma care will become a habit, and changing the appliance should only add a few minutes to the normal bathroom routine.

Once you are home, try to walk around in the house or garden every two hours as this helps blood circulation and can help reduce the feelings of distension and discomfort in the pelvic area and lower limbs.

If you have any questions regarding stoma care at home following your operation, make sure you ask your Stomal Therapy Nurse at your next appointment.