Hernia Belt Causing Back and Stomach Pain?

Hi there, almost a year ago I had a proctectomy surgery. After two weeks in the hospital, I was released only to have another ambulance ride less than 12 hours later back into the hospital with a trapped hernia. Surgery was done less than 24 hours after arriving back in the hospital. Then another two weeks until I was released. All good.

Two months after that surgery, I was given a hernia belt from a stoma nurse. I have found that when wearing this, I get chronic lower backache to the point I can hardly walk because of that pain. I also experience stomach aches while wearing it. This has only started over the last month or so. Is this normal? Without the belt, there is no back pain; the stomach ache comes and goes.

Do you currently have a hernia for which you are wearing the belt? You said all is good since your release from the hospital. Maybe you don't need to wear the belt all the time. Maybe only when lifting or exercising?

Considering the second surgery for a trapped hernia, I'm guessing your risk is higher than most. I'd be reluctant to suggest you wear the belt less.

You should not be getting pain from the belt.

I see you're in New Zealand; I don't know much about your healthcare system. Can you see your stoma nurse again? Perhaps a different belt? Perhaps it's the way you're wearing the belt, maybe too tight?

Does the belt cause you to bend differently than you would without it? (For example, if the belt goes around your natural waist, you might be trying to bend at your lower back and stressing the lumbar region.) My stomas are very high, and my belt sits fully above my waist, but I imagine it could cause problems lower down.

Regardless, you probably need professional advice, and I think you can get it for free in New Zealand.

As far as I know, I don't have a hernia at the moment. I was told by the stoma nurse it is a preventive thing. Thank you!!

I was told by my surgeon when he signed me off two months after the last surgery that I have a 94% chance of getting another hernia. I don't like those odds, aye; wish they were way lower.

Oh yes, haha, bending is a whole new experience when the belt is on. I have learned to put my socks (when wearing them) on and my shoes on before putting the belt on; it makes it way easier to bend to the right than it is when I have the belt on. Just walking becomes a problem when wearing it; I have become very limited.
Yes, getting advice and help with our stomas in NZ is easy and costs us nothing. Believe me, I know how lucky we are with that, so I will ring to make an appointment. I just wanted to see if anyone else was or had experienced the same before contacting them. Hey, thank you!!

My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister

How wide is your belt? I wear a belt all the time, only removing it for showering or changing the wafer. I have a mild parastomal hernia. The belt has prevented it from becoming worse. A belt that is too wide will be uncomfortable, especially when bending.

I use Nu-Hope Corporation belts. I have a 2-inch wide, a 3-inch wide, and a 4-inch wide. I rotate the belts. One day I use a 2-inch. The next day, the 4. Then the 3.

I've never had any pain or real discomfort. I cut the hole in my wafer a little larger. Then I put a moldable barrier ring against and around my stoma. Then I put on the wafer. The ring helps cushion the belt pressure.

What's it made of? Sounds like plastic. Ouch.

Get a thinner belt and yes, always wear one that's comfortable. Preventive is the key word.