Dealing with a Large Hernia Behind My Stoma: Seeking Advice

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.

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…."

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. 🙏🏼

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

Welcome from Oz 🇦🇺

How to Stay Hydrated with an Ostomy with Collin | Hollister

Welcome to the site, good luck with the surgery, and get a good hernia belt if you don't already have one.

Chronic pain is very exhausting! Most people just don't understand!

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.

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.

Best of luck on your upcoming surgery. Pain will make you cranky, for sure.

Small basketballs are available in SD? Where do you live? Whoa.😄 That doesn't sound like a small anything.

That's my icebreaker.🫠

Welcome. Good to have you. You are in the right place.

All I can say is hang in there, and I really hope surgery gives you some relief!