Hi :) I was curious about how to stop the pain. I'm going to surgery at the end of the month because the hernia is huge and dangerous, I guess. Has anyone gone through that? I could really use some advice. My hospital is a 4-hour drive. I'm so tired all the time. I'm only 3 months out, but I can't believe how big it is. It's a third of my stomach. I can hardly walk or sleep. Thank you, everyone, also. When I saw 40,000 members, I didn't feel so alone. 😔 I got stared at today and kept my composure because I was in a store. Normally, when people stare, not just glance and look away, they get flipped off by my fancy middle finger. It hurts badly.
Justbreathe
Jun 21, 2025 11:29 pm
Sorry to hear you are in pain; I don't think there is anything more miserable. Good luck with your upcoming surgery—I wish you a speedy and complete recovery. In the meantime, if someone is staring, why not just say, "It's a hernia, and I am having surgery at the end of the month; wish me well…."
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Posted by: Audrey Warren
This site is a godsend. As a newbie (colostomy on Nov 8, '21), I look at it every day for a number of reasons. Reading what people are going through makes me grateful that my elective surgery because of a severe case of IBS-C is nothing compared to what they have been through and are still living with.
I don't have to go to the hospital for anything related to my ostomy. I feel sorry for those who do and am in awe of those who can use humor to describe their ordeal. I identify with those who express their fears. I especially identify with those who are depressed because I am clinically depressed and have general anxiety disorder. How ironic that having a colostomy eliminated some of the depression and anxiety that the IBS created. I've been widowed twice and I'm on match.com.
I immediately included my operation in my profile and am pleased to say it doesn't seem to make a difference.
And there is much humor on this site and it's one of the reasons I enjoy it so much.
I could name numerous things I've learned from reading people's comments/questions/answers.
After months following on a daily basis, my only negative comment is I don't like listing the most popular members.
It's not that I don't like these people; I do. It's that I think it elicits some "Facebook"-like banter or comments that are gratuitous.
I don't do any social media and think that its merits are overshadowed by too much negativity.
Meetanostomate is in no way negative. I just think the gallery of "popularity" detracts from what is an excellent website that deals with a serious issue that causes a myriad of emotions.
eefyjig
Jun 21, 2025 11:34 pm
Chronic pain is exhausting and gives you no patience for people's crap, so I understand your middle finger. No one loves surgery, but I'm betting yours will eliminate your pain, and that's a good thing. 🙏🏼
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IGGIE
Jun 21, 2025 11:49 pm
G-Day fsrhut1331,
If you're using the same surgeon that did your last job, tell him to stitch or staple it better than last time. Good luck.
Regards, IGGIE
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ron in mich
Jun 22, 2025 12:21 pm
Welcome to the site, good luck with the surgery, and get a good hernia belt if you don't already have one.
Diverticulitissucks!
Jun 22, 2025 1:26 pm
Chronic pain is very exhausting! Most people just don't understand!
eefyjig
Jun 22, 2025 2:18 pm
Especially in the middle of the night, pain when the rest of the world is sleeping. It's so isolating and depressing. I've been there with migraines.
infinitycastle52777
Jun 22, 2025 2:23 pm
I can't imagine the pain you are going through, and having people stare at you is not nice. People should mind their own business. I hope your surgery goes well and your recovery time is short. I had a parastomal hernia repaired back in mid-May, and it seems to have gone well enough. They put mesh in, and so far, no infections and no problems. My stomach is still a little sore, but I am able to do more and more every day. I also had three incisional hernias repaired at the same time and some scar tissue removed. And they stitched my intestine down, so it was an involved surgery. It was done robotically. I hope your surgery goes smoothly and fixes the problem and the pain. You may have pain and discomfort for a while after surgery, but it's important to get up and walk when you are able to. That will help you heal faster. It did for me.
Morning glory
Jun 22, 2025 9:48 pm
Best of luck on your upcoming surgery. Pain will make you cranky, for sure.
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