When to Call the Doctor - Newbie Ostomy

Deciding if and when to call the doctor can be a challenge when you’re not familiar with what is normal and what is not with your ostomy. To some extend you have to listen to your gut, but there’s also a number of symptoms that you should pay extra attention to.

The UOAA suggests you call your doctor or ostomy nurse if you experience any of these symptoms:

Select Which Type of Ostomy You Have:

Colostomy

Severe cramps lasting more than two or three hours
Unusual odor lasting more than a week
Unusual change in stoma size and appearance
Obstruction at the stoma and/or prolapse of the stoma
Excessive bleeding from the stoma opening, or a moderate amount in the pouch in several emptyings (Note: eating beets will lead to some red discoloration)
Severe injury or cut to the stoma
Continuous bleeding at the junction between stoma and skin
Watery discharge lasting more than five or six hours
Chronic skin irritation
Stenosis of the stoma (narrowing)
Unable to wear your pouching system for 2-3 days without leakage

Ileostomy

Cramps lasting more than 2-3 hours
Continuous nausea and vomiting
The ileostomy does not have any output for 4-6 hours and is accompanied by cramping and nausea
Severe watery discharge lasting more than 5-6 hours
Severe odor may indicate infection
A deep cut in the stoma
Severe skin irritation or deep ulcers
Excessive bleeding from the stoma opening (or a moderate amount in the pouch at several times of emptying)
Continuous bleeding at the junction between stoma and skin
Unusual change in stoma size (prolapse or retraction) and appearance (color)

Urostomy

If you do go to the doctor or hospital for any complications, make sure to bring extra supplies with you in case they have to remove your bag for any reason.

Select Which Type of Ostomy You Have:

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