Dealing with Large Hernias Under a Stoma

Replies
16
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146
GrannyRocks
Jun 24, 2025 10:05 pm

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?

AlexT
Jun 25, 2025 2:43 am

Get it fixed.

SusanT
Jun 25, 2025 3:10 am

Where a hernia support belt.

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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.

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?

 

My Ostomy Journey: LeeAnne | Hollister

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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


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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!

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. 🤣🤣🤣

kittybou
Jun 28, 2025 2:36 pm

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

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 10:44 pm

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

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.

Rosen bluete
Jun 29, 2025 10:49 pm

I have one, and it makes everything look worse.