I have a colostomy stoma and an ileal conduit wee stoma.
They moved my colostomy and put it above the wee stoma. Since the 15th operation, I have now got a massive hernia. I had a CT scan which showed I have a 6 cm tear in my stomach wall and another tear
4 cm further down. My consultant says it's too complex for him, so he's called in a favor; this consultant deals with complex cases. It never ends.
Ouch! I'm sorry you are going through this.
Not only is it complicated, the ileal conduit (aka urostomy) should never be below the colostomy due to contamination concerns. You'll need to be ultra careful not to get a kidney infection. I'd mention it to the consultant when you meet to see if one of the stomas could be relocated during your surgery.
It sounds like things are a complete mess right now. I hope the new consultant can get you sorted. Having two stomas myself, I know it isn't easy.
Let us know how you get on.
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Hello KT
You are amazingly resilient, and I have much respect—for as AT says, it is sometimes a particularly difficult step we face in our path, no matter how many challenges we have been called upon to face.
I looked up your original medical emergency—and irrespective of how your disc became compressed—clearly it is a tremendous challenge you have ridden and come through to where you are now.
I cannot begin to imagine the balance and complexities your surgeons face—but that said, there are some amazingly experienced surgeons when it comes to rebuilding the abdomen and repairing tears to the inner elements that have occurred.
Perhaps there may also be possibilities offered that are particularly helpful—for the surgery one imagines must be complex and quite extensive.
I know it doesn't help when folks tell one that you are brave—but KT, keeping a handle on positive intention is vital, and so might the ability to retain an open mindset too.
I wish you all the luck in the world and am thinking that there must be one upbeat element to the position in which you are currently 'waiting'—and that is having the potential of someone who has the experience of complex matters—and thus someone who works with a team who between them may be able to make certain provisions—so HANG IN THERE and see what is proposed.
All good wishes to you and your family for the upcoming journey—may you have much tenacity, and I know that I speak for many here—that truly, we are batting with you and sending our best thoughts for you.
Please let us know how the journey progresses and what is proposed—for your own details may well provide not only a teaching for us all—but definitely help us understand what is possible.
GOOD LUCK
Best energies on a feather to you and yours
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ waves from the hills on the Mid-Welsh English border ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jayne
I'm so sorry you are going through this. Hernias are no fun. I have three incisional hernias and a parastomal hernia all set to be fixed on May 15th. I am not looking forward to it because the more surgeries you have, the more likely you are to get a hernia. It's a never-ending cycle.
I'm so sorry you are going through such a terrible time. I will keep you in my prayers. I had an emergency ileostomy back in 2019. COVID arrived about 6 months ago. Finally, I was going in for a reversal, and wow, I went into complete respiratory failure. My surgeon won't operate on me now or on the hernia I have. I've never gotten used to it—constant ulcers. I totally understand how you feel: the fear, the pain, and feelings of loss. I pray you get your surgery. Stay positive.