Ostomy Size and Pain Concerns

My ostomy has gotten so large in the last 6 months that I have to bend over to walk. It is painful. Any ideas, anyone? I do have an appt with my GP on 2/26/25, but I don't think he will be of much help.

Hernia? Do you mean your stomach around your stoma has gotten large, or your actual stoma has gotten large?

If it's a hernia, you need a hernia support belt. You might need to see your surgeon to be sure it isn't serious. Though that could wait until you see your GP. But get a support belt today.

The area around my stoma, not the stoma itself.

Thank you for responding. I have several different types of hernia/ostomy belts, but they are painful to wear. They put pressure on my back. I'm hoping to get a referral to a surgeon from my GP on Tuesday. Unfortunately, in Alaska, surgeons are few and far between.

How to Adjust to Life with an Ostomy with Bruce | Hollister

Without support from a hernia belt, the hernia will continue to grow and get worse.

Colorectal surgeons are hard to find everywhere. I had to go to a third hospital system. I can only imagine how much harder it would be in Alaska. Good luck.

I hope you can find a surgeon because it sounds like you need one. A parastomal hernia that is causing you that much pain needs to be taken care of. I hope your GP can give you a referral. I am sorry you live in a remote area. You may have to travel to get the help that you need. Good luck. God bless.

Hernias are nothing to mess with; get a belt. Even with a belt, my intestine managed to get under the hernia, and I was back in surgery: 5 days in the hospital and 4 weeks of recovery. Terry

Dear Invictus,

Having read everything you said and the replies, I have to add my 2 cents' worth in that they're right. It sounds like you've got a parastomal hernia. It's absolutely crucial that you wear your hernia support belt - and yes - I know they can be painful and uncomfortable. But until you can see a surgeon to have this addressed, you'll need to talk to your doctor about the best way to go forward.

As someone who'd had 5 parastomal hernias and one very large epigastric hernia, where my bowel kept popping out and I'd have to press it back in until the day came when I could no longer get my bowel back - I ended up losing about half of what was left of my small bowel, as I'd had my entire large bowel removed as I had toxic megacolon - and I am now left with 3.5 meters of small bowel.

Please take care of yourself!!

All the best from New Zealand,

Gracie

You didn't state what ostomy/hernia support belts you have tried. I recommend you try the Nu-Hope hernia support belts. They come in various widths and configurations.

https://nu-hope.com/