Parastomal Hernia Repair with Hartmann's Reversal: Experiences and Tips

I'm scheduled for a Hartmann's reversal on July 8. My surgeon will "attempt" a repair of my parastomal hernia at the same time. Has anyone had both done at the same time before? What was your experience? I'm also open to any tips/tricks for the bowel prep the day before surgery. Thanks!

Start a low-residue diet 3 days before. Then there's less to be cleaned out.

Can't give any advice about the surgery. I've not had either procedure.

What's a low residue diet? I have to say, in terms of my output, no carbs seem to equal low output for me, but I'm not sure that's what you mean?

Low residue is little to no fiber. You can Google it, but in short, white bread and pastas, no fresh vegetables or fruits... I'd skip them completely for 3 days, soft, well-cooked meats like chicken and turkey (no skin). I also eat hamburger and crockpot roasts. If you aren't lactose intolerant, then things like milk and yogurt are okay. Protein drinks without added fiber. Any clear liquids like you would eat during prep are also okay.

I've been eating this diet since my surgery last August, and I would kill for a salad or a steak or both. 🤣

But it's very tolerable for a short period. Just boring. My surgeon specifies this diet for 3 days as part of his prep instructions. It seems so helpful that I'm surprised it isn't being recommended by more doctors.

But it's the kind of thing that can't hurt you and can only help, so I'm freely recommending it.

Sounds like it cannot be low carb and low residue at the same time! I really REALLY like how my stoma has been behaving on the no carb I did for my PET test yesterday, and I'm thinking I might try to stay somewhat low carb going forward. I'm introducing a little bit of rice first, along with a fresh orange. It was the fruit I missed the most!

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

Low carb does not work with low residue... too much you can't eat. I'm truly sick of it. I miss fresh fruit every day. All I can have is bananas.

I wouldn't plan to follow low residue for more than a few days unless ordered by a doctor. I'm in a strange situation and get TPN for nutrition.

I'm sorry you are going through this, and I hope your situation can get resolved!

Hi, I'm lactose intolerant and trying to eat yogurt that is lactose-free. I have cramping, but I've been dealing with a lot of things. I had four surgeries, including hernia surgery, and I've been stupid lifting too much. I'm there again, so don't lift heavy. I was thinking I'm writing here, sorry to you, Susan.

I had my four major surgeries in 2013 and three in 2017-2018 over eight months. Now I have an issue with antibiotics because of a small infection or UTI, and my regular doctor gave me antibiotics that made me so sick. I'm trying not to think too much as it's Saturday night, and I was thinking my pain is worse with the yogurt. I'm trying to eat it, but maybe anyone can tell me anything about that. I have burning, and it's all over. I think I'm getting upset and nervous about being scared of making it worse. I think yogurt did this to me because I've been eating it, but it's lactose-free. I pray for all of you as well as myself going through all this stuff. We all have many stories, and I hope everything goes well for all of us. Praying. 🙏🏻

I know for me, if you read my story, you will see we all have a story, and I wish we all could help each other more! (Ahh, my puppy just looked at me; she's so cute.) I'm alone, and yes, it's not true if a man says anything because I know for me, I would be by his side! It's sad people leave when things are not going the way they want them to go! And body changes—that's really messed up! I understand; trust me, it's hard to understand it all as well! Then it's hard to be alone as I'm going through ups and downs, and I don't know what to do except drink extra water and cranberry juice and get my urine checked again. I'm not able to take some antibiotics anymore, and like I said, I'm all over the place with writing this. I'm so sorry, Susan, and I'm very nervous. I hope everyone is doing well when they read this! Take care, and love you all, and pray everything is good. It's all scary. I also had a doctor, Nick; my bowel went septic, and I had a blockage. Like I said, I had hernia surgery and need it again, so I'm scared. Has anyone else had two hernia operations?

Peristoma and another one—remember to be careful with the hernia and watch what you're lifting.

I have them back because I was and am alone and have to do a lot I shouldn't be doing! I didn't think I would get them back. 😢🙏🏻 Be careful; remember… I had a therapist who said 18 lbs is too much. Well, for me, I wasn't really built up enough in my core. I'm so sorry I'm still writing all over the place with everything. Forgive me! Take care, and I'm not drinking; I'm straight but worried. Okay, I will stop. Take care, everyone. Write if you want; usually, I don't get replies, so I've been quiet on here, but I understand. 🙏🏻 Again, take care, everyone. Victoria.

Victoria

I was told by my doctor that one can live with the hernia, and I have for 12 years. I refused a reversal and drink a gallon of water a day, along with a teaspoon of Miralax. Once a month, if needed, I take 1/4 bottle of Magnesium Citrate if I haven't gone for four days. This has been going on for 12 years; I just accept it and don't give it much thought. I tape it to the side when having sex, and my husband could care less; neither can I. Life goes on happily!