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?
GrannyRocks
Jun 24, 2025 10:05 pm
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,407 members.
“I mostly read and still feel like I belong.”
“Doctors took notes; they want others to find this website.”
“From midnight blowouts to big wins, there’s always a hand to hold.”
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.
Ben38
Jun 25, 2025 4:28 am
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.
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infinitycastle52777
Jun 25, 2025 1:41 pm
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?
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Justbreathe
Jun 26, 2025 10:05 pm
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
GrannyRocks
Jun 27, 2025 6:54 pm
Can't. I've had six major abdominal surgeries, and no one will touch it.
GrannyRocks
Jun 27, 2025 6:55 pm
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.
GrannyRocks
Jun 27, 2025 6:56 pm
Can't get it fixed, but have no issues with pouching at all, thank goodness. 😁😁
GrannyRocks
Jun 27, 2025 6:58 pm
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!
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GrannyRocks
Jun 27, 2025 6:59 pm
Not comfortable. I had one specially made for me, but it just slides all over up and down on my stomach.
SusanT
Jun 27, 2025 8:55 pm
Get a second stoma like me. Two stomas anchor it. My belt never slides. 🤣🤣🤣
Rosen bluete
Jun 29, 2025 10:43 pm
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. 😊
Rosen bluete
Jun 29, 2025 10:47 pm
That looks very nice. That is exactly how I wear mine, but not with tights or leggings.
GrannyRocks
Sep 10, 2025 1:28 pm
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. 😟
GrannyRocks
Sep 10, 2025 1:34 pm
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.