Preventing Hernias After Ileostomy: Tips and Advice

I had an ileostomy 12 weeks ago, and about 2 weeks ago, I began getting pains in my lower abdomen on both the stoma and non-stoma sides. My once flat stomach is now bulging in places, and the skin sags. I am worried about hernias because I've heard it is common with an ostomy. Are there hernia prevention tips? Does wearing a support help? But I don't want to block the stoma. Any thoughts?

Most doctors say we have a hernia the moment a stoma is made. There's no evidence to suggest hernia support has ever prevented anyone from developing a hernia, but it's wise to wear one for doing some things. Core exercises are the best thing any of us can do in the fight against preventing or delaying the development of a hernia. The longer you've had a stoma, the higher the risk of getting a hernia. It took me around 30 years after surgery to get one, and keeping your weight down is important because being overweight increases your risk.

You are at a good time to start some core exercises to strengthen those abdominal muscles, which is a really good way to prevent a hernia. If you Google 'abdominal exercises for ostomy,' you will find some helpful videos. You need to start with very gentle ones, then work your way up. I do planks regularly and leg lifts, one leg at a time. Don't do crunches or sit-ups. They are a no-no. Don't lift really heavy things. Prevention is the best way to avoid a hernia.

Terry

A proper belt will help keep a hernia from getting worse. I developed a hernia almost immediately. I've been wearing a support belt, and it is not getting worse. I don't think a support belt would be a bad idea.

Though I do agree that core exercises are your best prevention.

Don't cough, sneeze, or lift more than 5 lbs. 😁 You can get support belts that don't cover the bag.

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

Thank you, Terry.

I actually got some 3 lb weights and am trying to do some stomach crunches. Both seemed too much, and I'm really sore afterward. I'll ease off and look for some better exercises.

The belt doesn't stop your output from the stoma? That is what I'm worried about when finding pants to wear, and even seatbelts in cars.

I worry about seat belts in cars too. I started putting my bag outside the seatbelt and putting my shirt down over it. That way it can't block the bag or the stoma and still protects you in a crash. Otherwise, I think the seatbelt restricts the flow of output down into the bottom of the bag. I hate seat belts, but I always wear one.

I can't help you with pants, sorry. My stoma is up higher than most people's, and my pants don't touch it unless I pull them way up. LOL

I don't know if a belt stops the output; I don't wear one. I have hernias already and am having surgery for them on May 15th. I have an incisional hernia that has a loop of intestine in it. That has to be fixed, or it can cause strangulation of my intestines. I am getting my parastomal hernia fixed at the same time because it is so close to my incisional hernia that they won't be able to get adequate mesh coverage if they don't fix both. I am a little worried about this venture, but I trust my surgeon, and she said she would do what is in my best interest.

I use belts with holes to accommodate the stoma. You pull the bag through so it doesn't interfere with output.

Try Nu Hope for one.

I've got a belt from the NHS. I hate wearing it because although it doesn't stop the output, it squashes it. It does help with support, though.

I agree with others about not lifting heavy stuff, although it's difficult sometimes when you want to get things done in a hurry and you have to wait for someone else to do it.

The stoma nurse told me that sit-ups and crunches are okay to do. I have a small hernia around my stoma.

I would think crunches would be okay, but regular sit-ups I'd avoid.

I'm using this as my guide. I figure UOAA would put up a reliable video.

https://www.ostomy.org/vlog-core-exercises-with-an-ostomy/

I think I have seen hernia belts specifically for ostomies that you can use to pull the bag through to prevent it from blocking up. Try contacting your ostomy supplier. There are companies that specialize in hernia belts for ostomies, as well as something that you can attach to your car seat belt.

Hello! I must say to be very careful lifting, and I would not advise doing anything that could lead to injury, because you have to do stuff, and I will say don't do a lot of lifting when you are working out!
I did even small amounts of lifting for core, and I have 2, and please don't lift a lot; that is important. Trust me, be careful! I hope you're careful.
Victoria

In most cases, a hernia does not rise to the level of medical malpractice. It is a known risk of the surgery and part of what you sign up for when you give consent for surgery.

I say "most cases" because undoubtedly there's an example where it is malpractice, but I'm having trouble imagining one.

That website sounds a little predatory and makes me wonder if they are just filing lawsuits to get them to settle out of court. This is frequently done to save money even when the case has no merits. It results in higher medical costs for all of us.

I'm not saying don't bring suit if there is true medical malpractice, but a parastomal hernia does not seem legit.

My belt has contributed to a couple burst bags and Im not keen to wear it.  Hard to lose weight if my exercise is so restricted. And the stoma friendly diet is not helping.