Crystal formation around Stoma

Here's a good link that provides some good info on alkaline urine plus how you can test for it at home from an OTC at any drug store.

nu-hope.com/obsrvatn/issue01.html

I am about 10 weeks post op so what I have been doing daily is irrigating my pouch daily once first thing in the AM and last one B4 bed at PM. I have the Indiana Pouch and I try to be as sterile as I can so far so good. I have my stoma nurses PH# right in my computer chore plus her email and I get faster replies from her emails, she is very good about that and loves to answer questions. Hope this helps some. Joe

Just talked to Melodie and she is getting crystal deposits around the stoma and blocking her catheter. She reported it to the stoma nurses and they were just a big question mark like they had never heard it before in their life. DOH.....Anyway i told her to drink lots of C juices but i'm wondering if she shouldn't have a urinalysis done?.. I have not as yet found a site dealing with rectifing this situation. HELP WENDY!!

Good guess Pat (though I'm sure you weren't guessing), I found this on the Convatec website-they supply ostomy stuff:
Urine crystal formation is a condition most commonly caused by alkaline urine. Its appearance is that of white, gritty, crystalline deposits on the stoma, peristomal skin, and/or lining of the pouch. While treating the condition that causes alkaline encrustation, urine crystals can be dissolved by using a dilute solution of vinegar and water to wash the stoma and peristomal skin.
Alkaline urine is a common cause of urine crystal formation. Reducing alkalinity and acidifying the urine can be achieved by increasing your fluid intake to two or three quarts of fluid per day. A medical professional may also recommend ingesting two grams of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) daily, in order to keep the urine acidic.

When crystal formation is caused by uric acid in the urine, a condition that rarely occurs in the population, the urine needs to be diluted by increasing fluid intake and alkalizing the urine. Please see your physician for specific treatment.

Georgie.....crystal formulation around the stoma is an indication i believe of alkaline urine causing the encrustation. It really should be reported to your mothers doctor or the stoma nurse. Where is the stoma and what kind of diversion does she have? I wonder if a more acidic balance is needed..i'm guessing...cranberry juice....?...Anyone else ever had it?
Pat

I love that ,I'm always telling my mom what and what not to eat or drink since she's had her surgery and she's soooo stubborn! Thats how I found this website, looking for an answer for her problems with some kind of crystal formation she has a problem with around her stoma? Any one know how to avoid this?