Dealing with Large Hernias Under a Stoma

I have a 4" round hernia under my stoma and at least 3/4-1" high! Just found out 1-1/2 years after having surgery! I have to wear stretchy larger size pants to accommodate the hernia. I look horrible when I get dressed up... don't go out much anymore. Very uncomfortable, especially sleeping. I feel like I'm pregnant again, except with no beautiful outcome, and it lasts longer than 9 months! Any ideas?

Get it fixed.

Where a hernia support belt.

Core exercises are the way to go; research over recent years suggests it may stop hernias from getting any bigger or even reduce their size.

You might have no option but to get it fixed. It could cause issues for your stoma eventually. Do you have trouble with pouching now?

My Ostomy Journey: April | Hollister

I have a very similar hernia. I wear tights (they help support the hernia because the belt is miserable) and the new longer tops to hide any uglies. … jb

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Can't. I've had six major abdominal surgeries, and no one will touch it.

Yes. The belt is horrendous. It goes up and down my stomach! You look great! I'm uncomfortable with anything tight around my stomach because of all my surgeries.

Can't get it fixed, but have no issues with pouching at all, thank goodness. 😁😁

I can't even bend over because the stoma is right in my stomach line. Putting on shoes, picking something up—terrible and embarrassing. I can't even think of doing any exercises 😳😳😳 especially core!

Not comfortable. I had one specially made for me, but it just slides all over up and down on my stomach.

Get a second stoma like me. Two stomas anchor it. My belt never slides. 🤣🤣🤣

I buy clothes that are a little bigger and longer tops.

That doesn't always work. Many people, and even doctors, told me that usually they come back, unless you're a lucky one, not to speak of pain and other issues. So why go through it? My pastoral hernia is a little larger than Granny Rocks. A one-piece bag system wouldn't stick out so much; however, when the need for burping arises, you have to do it from the bottom. Burping on top is so much easier and faster. Let's face it, we're just stuck. Too bad these companies can't stick their heads together and make a system by taking all the good things from each company's pouch and make it one. 😊

That's what I do, but only with the tops.

That looks very nice. That is exactly how I wear mine, but not with tights or leggings.

I have one, and it makes everything look worse.

I'm unable to wear one. I had two specifically made and measured for me, but it either slips above or below the ostomy/hernia, and I can't stand the tight feeling across my stomach. I've had six major abdominal surgeries over the years. I am going to a specialist who knows cancer as well (I have four leukemias, including two rare ones) in two weeks. I hope she has an answer. The ostomy is worse than the leukemia. 😟

Easier said than done. I've had a C-section, a hysterectomy, pancreatitis/burst bowel, a wound vac, a 14" hernia, a colostomy, and resect, and now my ostomy. I can't find a gastro doc who will even look at my stoma. I keep a very clean stoma, but I'm allergic to some plastics and tapes. I'm hoping a new doctor I'm seeing in two weeks will be helpful and help solve the problem.