Living with Recurrent Hernias After Cancer Surgery

I just spent forever typing a message and lost it...ugh...wow and I was on a roll...ok, I'm going to try one more time...now...I have a colostomy and had rectal/anus cancer...since then, I've had surgeries for hernias...obstructions...all in all, I have been hospitalized at least 7 times after my cancer surgery...had surgeries for hernias and obstructions...last time was a big mess...had hernia repair...had more small intestine removed...adhesions and obstructions...thought my surgeon was going to have a breakdown...lol...anyway, I ended up with major complications...had 3 blood transfusions...infection in my kidneys...blood and lungs...stayed in intensive care unconscious for a week...they didn't think I would pull through...but voila...I beat the odds again and after 5 weeks in that place...I walked out...ok, wheeled out...anyway here's the story now...oh and keep in mind that I have lupus also...have a whole bunch of issues going on with stoma who I call "Harry"...and in having tests done found another big hernia lower stomach which is wrapped around my small intestines and there's a small obstruction...and a smaller one over my stoma that is causing me all kinds of issues...and they are very painful...ok so I go see a colorectal surgeon and he says that it would be a big surgery with complications and he feels that I wouldn't be able to survive it again...ugh...but if they get worse or the obstruction does well of course he would have to do emergency surgery...ok so I ask if there is anything I can use to like hold everything in place because my stomach is just mush and he says it would be more painful...so he increased my pain meds...woohoo...I already take pain meds for lupus...ok so I can't lift, bend, stretch, blah blah blah...and when I walk they hurt or climb stairs and when I stand I have to hold the bottom of my stomach...so unattractive...lol...holy moly...I'm a big ole mess...has anyone had these hernia problems continuously? Any ideas to maybe give me some kind of support for my stomach...I'm frustrated and quite frankly a little scared...seriously the last time was really bad...thanks, my friends, for listening and your support...xoxo

So sorry you have so much going on ... but you still are holding on - that's wonderful.



There are loads of different hernia belts out there. You can even have some made special order just to accommodate what his happening where on the belly.



The first step would be to see an Ostomomy Nurse. They, not the docs, deal with this every day and know what is out there and what is possible or not.



Most hospitals can put you in touch with an ostomy nurse.



I have a belt and wear it when I'm more active ... to help the little hernia that is niggling at me (not fully developed) from coming through. It's not the most comfortable thing to wear, but it works.



hth and all the best.

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Agree i have one each side had issues aswell  stoma reversal few years  anyway in oz here there r soo many hernia belts to poke a stick and also knickers dunno how u could get the unisex boxers very popular giving time into gong to our association i hav seen a hernia like a basket ball Oh yes i did ask 2 hav a look he wears the hernia belt doesnt complain ( i do ) now i have h been told i have 2 hernias both sides pls go to the stomal therapist nurse i could get u some cod no chsrge just p/we dont pay for amything 4 ostomiys i feel for you mine are not bad but have seen shocked but r they like your insides being twisted ..Mare -mooza.. YOU TRULY NEED HOPE REAL HOPE MATEY LEAVE ME A MESSAGE IF U WAN TO SORT SOMTHING 0UT ..PAI KILLERS CANT BR THE ONLY SY TRY ANOTHER G.P I AM TAKING PAIN MRED NOW SO AM WRITING WITH ONE EYE WORKIN SO LET ME KNOW

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Hi there - tried to answer this earlier but it wouldn't let me for some reason?



I have a huge hernia which is supported by a delightfully sexy support garment built especially for me by the NHS in the UK - NOT! The progression of yours sounds just like mine, having to support it whilst walking etc. ....... it has been much better with the support, but my hernia is still very painful - it has had a massive impact on my spine as I have had it for the last 5 years, which now means my mobility is really quite restricted and painful.



I have mentioned this in the forum before but couldn't find my piccie of the lovely thing I wear to keep body and soul together .... rats! Have a search through the forum and you may come across it!

Hope you find something to suit!

Rach xxx

Thanks for advice an support...will do some checking out...God Bless..xoxo Fran

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Sorry your going through all this.  I too have had colon cancer twice and before my ileo operation I had many hernia repairs, so I know what it is like to have a hernia.   Did you get the hernia due to lifting certain weight straining yourself, or is it because of your diet?  Have the doctos or nurse ventured in explaining why?? or is it like in the past with me poor surgery.  I am really afraid myself this could happen to me.  What I have found that by

wearing a thicker panty and by cutting a slot on the front side to put the bag through really

seems to hold my stoma and stomach in, and easier to get to the bag for emptying.  

Good Luck  Butterfly48

hi....where have you been my friend?  My computer had a virus and I lost your info and was not able to send you a message.  I was only able to send winks.  I did that in hopes that you would reply.  I have not heard from you for a while and have become very very worried.  Can you please respond to me so I know you are ok?



xoxo

Irene