Dealing with Separated Stomach Muscles Post-Ileostomy

Replies
2
Views
3316
pete b
Jan 29, 2016 7:03 pm

Hi all you lovely people.........

I had an ileostomy in August 2014, which had to be done again two weeks later. It has left me with my stomach muscle in two halves. Its not good as they have moved apart and left a 30/35mm section of skin between the two halves of muscle, this section of skin is very thin and becomes very sore as it seems to keep stretching...you can also see my intestines moving under the skin.

Has anyone else suffered this and if so what was done to rectify it, if anything?

 

Thanks in advance

Pete

Newbie Dana
Feb 03, 2016 4:12 am

I hate to say it, but this sounds like a question for the doctor (surgeon). While I don't think the skin itself would tear, the two halves of the muscle are getting farther apart and useless. He may have some suggestions for you, including possibly wearing a support belt to keep the skin from streatching any farther. I don't know if there is a second layer of muscle underneath that may be strengthened with some exercises. He may even suggest surgery to reattach the muscle halves. I would talk to him as soon as possible.

Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate

Justbreathe

MeetAnOstoMate website turned out to be a lifesaver for me. I say this because, for me, this ostomy journey was a devastating event both physically and mentally.
Here, I found folks who understood my feelings even better than my family or friends could. Only a fellow ostomate can understand how you really feel.

Information sharing is key, as well as support and understanding, to ultimately bring more harmony into our ostomy life journey. I found here, virtually no ostomy questions that are not touched upon. Questions which some might feel, may be too trivial to contact a doctor about or even too shy or embarrassed to ask their own doctor about. They are all addressed here.

For me, anonymity was very helpful in seeking answers to each phase of this life changing medical and mental event. Sharing initial trauma feelings, ongoing support and finally acceptance was what I found with my membership here. I am not sure what my mental and physical attitude would be today without having found this site.

Additional benefits included: finding products and ideas to help with daily maintenance, innovative ideas and as a bonus - some great humor.
After all “laughter IS the best medicine”.

I have been a member for 3 years, an ostomate for 4 years - yes, I certainly wish I would have found it immediately after surgery but so very thankful I finally found it when I did as I truly believe it turned my troubled depression and situation into a more positive attitude and acceptance.

Sincerely,
An Ileostomate nicknamed Justbreathe 🫶🏼

pete b
Feb 03, 2016 10:03 am

Thanks Dana........It seems I may be the only person with this as no one else has replied .