Really-another hernia

I had a parastomal hernia operation in 10/2018. Everything healed just fine; he eliminated the bulge underneath the stoma. I do not have a physically demanding job. I look down and I see another bulge. I cannot believe it. I am not out of shape, I cannot believe this. Totally ridiculous.

I guess I'm venting, sorry.

I am wondering if they used the mesh? I had a repair in 2014 and so far so good. They relocated my stoma to the "rectus" muscle (that may not be spelled right). While it is higher up on my abdomen, that area is the strongest area on the abdomen. Thank goodness I shopped around for surgeons until I found one who knew what he was doing. If you want his contact information, I'd be glad to pass it on; he is located in Nashville. Good luck.

Hi, has no one suggested a hernia belt? They alter them to fit over your stoma/bag.
Well worth it, prevention vs. cure.
Google 'stoma hernia belt'; they are available on prescription in the UK.

Steve

Hello Gaostomyguy. Please don't feel sorry about venting on this site. I believe that is one of the best things about coming on here. Even if we cannot be helpful in terms of suggesting solutions, we can at least empathise. I have all sorts of hernias bot stoma related and in other parts of my body. I am very interested in what other people choose to do about theirs because that informs my view on what options I might have if I ever decided to have something done about my own. So far, there has been nothing I have read that will convince me to opt for surgical procedures to rectify my hernias. Where possible, I simply push them back in and hold them there with pressure from belts. In the case of the parastomal hernia, which blocks the passage, I have a variety of plugs to try to train the muscles so that they do not block the hole permanently. So far, so good. Although I am aware that this DIY botch might not be effective in the longer term, I will persevere with it until necessity makes me reconsider. The other thing is, that I at an age where I feel that if I persevere long enough, I might not need surgery as nature will take its course and death will relieve me of all these worldly concerns.
This is not being morbid, just realistic!
Best wishes
Bill

I have been very fortunate to not have any hernias thus far! Good to see what others do, for when it does happen, and I am sure it will sooner or later, I will have good information to make decisions!
Pup

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

I had an ileostomy 7 weeks ago and am still learning! I have to admit I feel very lucky as I have recovered really quickly and am coping well with the stoma and a whole new way of being. I have read a lot about problems with hernias. Is a hernia an ongoing risk? Obviously, post-op, I have been avoiding lifting and vacuuming, etc., but when can I safely do these things again - or can't I?

My parastomal hernia required me to have my original sigmoid colostomy revised & changed to a transverse colostomy (going from lower left abdomen to upper right abdomen). The location of the old ostomy herniated again & I had to have that area re-repaired 364 days later. But I also had to move during that time & I did do lifting of items heavier than I should have been lifting. I'm currently concerned that I am developing a hernia at my new ostomy site, again possibly from lifting more than I should from another move, but I also live alone & don't have anyone close that can help me avoid lifting!! I've been told that my abdomen wall muscles have just been weakened by multiple abdominal surgeries over the years & it's too late to really strengthen them much. I know this info doesn't help you, but it does let you know that you're not alone with the problem. Definitely look into some various ostomy belts that offer hernia support &/or make your own by getting an abdominal binder & cutting a hole just big enough for your pouch to come through. Let me know if I can help further!

Thank everyone for their comments.

Hi, try not to stress. I had a hernia in 2016, so in 2017 they repaired it, and then it came back at the end of 2017, and they repaired that one. Now it has come back in 2018, so that will make it three times it has come back. So hopefully, in February this year, they will move my bag to my left side and reinforce my hernia, so I am hoping that this time it will stay away. I have been suffering for 13 years, and now, three years on since I had my stoma, life has gotten better. But with these hernias keep coming back, it's making me so tired as I am always in pain. So, I hold my head up high and smile. All my friends and work colleagues tell me that I am very strong as I am always smiling and happy. But I have to, as I have been depressed, and I don't want to go back to that place. You smile, and the world will smile with you.