Hernia with a Colostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy

hi everyone, I am hoping someone can help me.  On December 1st I will be having surgery for a hernia repair.  But this one is different from a normal hernia repair.  One year ago I had my hernia repaired  during emergency surgery because of a blockage.  I got very sick because of a bad infection in my wound which turned into sepsis.  It took months for me to heal.  Needless to say the hernia repair did not work.  I am having it fixed again but with a newer procedure called "Sugarbaker surgery for ...

Sorry I haven't been around much recently - here in the shadows, but have been having a very down time with loads of added stresses ...  anyway guys and gals ..... I need your help. Went for my pre op assessment today ..... (waste of time, but that's another story ....) I have a HUGE hernia, which is to be repaired with mesh, with a probable resite of stoma - and possible hysterectomy due to Endometriosis ..... I was concerned that I didn't seem to be down to see a stoma nurse so that it could be resited properly... The nurse ...

Well friends once again I'm in need of information. A little background, two months ago I had to buy new jeans so I got them a couple of inches larger than normal, next I put on my braces to keep my pants from falling to my knees. As i sit here now, no braces, no belt, top button open. This started about two weeks ago after getting some sharp pains above and below the stoma and a circle about six or seven inches in diameter and has swollen outward about an inch and a half, hard to tell. can anyone tell me if that's the way a hernia starts ...

I had my urostomy some 20 months ago, and all is going well - except:- I have quite a large hernia, not just "behind" the stoma, but another to one side and lower down on the belly. There is no pain and very little discomfort, but it is becoming slowly larger and without wearing my stoma belt, it would be very unsightly. At my last meeting with the surgeon, he said that he might need to operate, but would prefer not, unless the hernia becomes an incumbrance, and then I should first go to my GP for referral. Q1. What exactly (...

Hi Everyone< > I would like to keep the conversation going on the topic of parastomal hernias and the repair/success of surgery. I am hoping to get more info from others and restart this important topic. I had my surgery in Hamilton in 2010. My bulge is complicating how well my flange stays attached to my skin, plus it exaggerates my belly. Is your stomach still flat? There have been many advances in surgical procedures, so I am hoping that chances are better now a days for successful operations. I would prefer to have the...

Hi.  Has anyone had surgery to their hernia which involved them putting the mesh in and then allowing it to close itself as tissue grow over it?? I believe this is one technique they use .... how long does it take and  is it as successful as closure when in surgery? Rach xx

a melon sized hernia appeared overnight.. it is uncomfortable but im worred about a few things.. i want to have a hartmans reversal in 12 months and im worried if it will affect the reversal,.. they want to do the op at the time of reversal, but if it gets any bigger and  if they have to operate sooner, will that reduce chance of success? Also im worried about bowel strangulation as i already live with PTSd from almost dying from bowel perforation, my fear is escalated with the arrival of the hernia. Lastly.. its so visible a...

Hi , my name is pippa and I am looking for advise and other people's opinion on colostomy reversal & hernia repair it will be getting done all at the same time, which I think is good. I had a colostomy last July through emergency surgery its a long story so will get to the point I had septicimia, septic shock, all my major organs were starting to close down lots and lots of complications anyway am having my reversal in october. Not to mention I am very scared about the whole thing but realise it has to be done I have had  ...

So, I've had a hernia since September but it's grown and gets hard/soft for days at a time.  My ENT nurse and surgeon are referring me to a hernia specialist.  I've also just been diagnosed with a rare,, incurable vocal disorder (I haven't been able to talk for 9 months) so needless to say I'm pretty overwhelmed right now.

I just had a hernia operation a week ago. I irriagate and when I tried it wouldn't work. How much times does it take. Or shouldn't I be able to right away??

Hi everyone, Love the help I get here!  Thanks to you I can now irrigate, though I am not doing it every day...but can when something is coming up that I want to be sure I have no output. My question today is about pilates.  I don't mean just a pilates class at your local gym.  But rather going to a proper pilates studio where they use the reformer and Cadillac machines, and where the instructors are FULLY certified in the Pilates methods.  Classes are pricey and often one on one so you get individ...

I had surgery in the Fall for a parastomal hernia. I've recently noticed another slight bulge(not as large as the original hernia) and have felt some pain, a kind of constant burning sensation. It's not debilitating, but I definitely feel discomfort. I've also noticed that I get a sharp pain right before there's a surge of effluence in my pouch.  This is very different from the way things were before my surgery. I've been in touch with my surgeon, and have a CT scan scheduled. I'm nervous because I spent 37 days in the hospital f...

Hey every one , hmmm where to start had my 9th major operation for my 2 big bastard Hernias,only spent 5 days in hospital coz im very bad for hanging around in a hospital bed (smoker) so wasnt in my room barely at all had more fun 3 floors down one major corridor and outside Hospital think my exersize was well and truly done . yes i know blahhhh blahhh   LOL Had my op on 27th feb A Monday here in australia melb. Must forget to adf i thought such a hot day on sunday yey short bikini top beach quick swim oops made it 6 hours swimm...

i have had an ostomy for over 50 plus years and have slowly been developing a peristomal hernia.  has anyone else develped this issue, how and when have they dealt with the hernia. 

When and why do we have hernias fixed and they always seem to come back i have had a parastomal hernia (HUGE) had the mesh done and my old stoma site has more scar tissue so now i hear that the sparastomal hernia has come back really does my head in these operatrions never seem to work but saying that I have crohnic severe nerve damage folks please read storys as i would never have had 9 operations to be left to live my life in Pain   no medications are of help not really and side effects wont even go there but i hope :)   Ho...

Has anyone who has a colostomy along with a hernia had surgery to repair the hernia? What is the recovery time, do you find it was worth to do the surgery? Thanks Diana

I'm going blind (and not finding what I know much be out there) looking at the websites -- so maybe someone can lead me in the right direction. I'm interested in getting a support belt. Not one of the narrow ones that attaches to the pouch and just holds it down better against your body. Something wider (hopefully not too cumbersome) that goes around the body, supports the abdominal area, and accommodates a vertical ileostomy appliance. I'm fairly active but have never had great abdominal muscles and was told and retold about being c...

what are the signs

Hi all,  I was just wondering if anyone else out there has ever been given any guidance on swimming or doing Aquafit with a large  (well, the size of half a melon!) hernia?  I am desperately trying to lose weight and am now trying Slim Fast as I can't eat any green veg or normal diet foods, but I thought some exercise might help and as I am so restricted with that as well (bad heart means I can only walk 10 metres normal pace), thought that swimming might help, although I am not a particularly good one. &...

I have a question:  Has anyone had surgery on a hernia as the result of a colontomy?  I had a colostomy four years ago and since then I have developed a very large hernia.  I am considering having surgery, but I am afraid that it would pose more problems.

Seeing a lot of talk about hernia, and people who have had numerous surgical repairs.  I have had a hernia for 3 yrs now but aside from the unsightly bulge around my stoma, it causes me no discomfort or pain.  Do I need to have it looked at?  How bad do they get before surgery becomes an issue? Tim

I have a parastomal hernia, Its not actually near the Stoma, but on the Incision scar line from the OP. It doesnt hurt or affect me that much, but its unsightly when I am naked ( not a pretty sight at the best of times) My Doc says it can be repaired with a Mesh patch , but I'm not sure If I want to be cut open again!! What do you think?? Has anyone else had this type of hernia repaired & was it successful.... Many Thanks .... Pete....

Hi, just to keep you all up to date I had my operation on the 14th October was in hospital for 5 days I have done very well all seems to be settling down obviously tender and sore. I have been told not to lift anything for a while and certainly to avoid anything heavy. However I do have a question when you suffer with a hernia and you get it repaired and you give it plenty rest over the weeks/months can you carry on as normal in other words are you able to lift things that could be regarded quite heavy or is it best to never lift again...

     Going in for hernia surgery, its going to be the "stem to stern" incision again, the hernia is the size of a football above my belly button, they will do mesh and probably a reversal while I am open, I have no colon so my small intestine will be reattached to my rectum. If anyone has had this done could you give me an Idea of what to expect after surgery and your recovery time, I may lose everything again because I wont be able to work and there is no help in Michigan other than homeless shelters an...

hey gizmo sorry im doin this outloud i have 2 hernias one Parastomal and the other the OLD stoma site im thinking basketball but guys why do i see the smaller one growing before my eyes the non stoma one is getting BIG real fast is that possible my tummy skin is changing and our Nurses on strike im booked in but have no date . Should i see my stomal therapist ??? if i earbash her enough i mite get in somehow earlier we are good friends i do favours at Ostomy Asso for her lol and she does favours for me we unfortunatly have known each other...

This is the first time I have posted on this site.  I've been reading it for a while and all of you have helped me feel less like a freak and given me hope.  I started with this whole thing last May with pain which I chose to ignore because I was afraid of cancer.  Many people in my family have had cancer and I was three weeks away from my son's wedding. When it got bad and I went to a specialist, he said he couldn't believe I was still functioning because I had an abcess which was infected. I ended up with a...

I might be ovet analyzing but I think I have a hernia but every ct scan I have says it doesn't detect one. Ive had 3.... is it possible that the scan missed it? I have a slight bulge near my stoma and some discomfort especially when sitting. Please help... thanks😁

Hi, I have an extremely large, heavy & painful stoma hernia (2nd one in 2 yrs).  My GP contacted surgeon staying he advises urgent surgery. Surgeon says (without seeing me) I've to wait 12+ mths.  I almost have to "carry" my hernia around, suffer excruciating pain and constant leaks. I'm virtually housebound and desparate.  Can anyone advise me how to seek help/who to appeal to please? Thanks

Has anyone had a stoma prolapse and had to have their ileostomy moved to the other side of their abdomen along with an abdominal hernia?

I went to a support group meeting and a heated topic came up.  Made me uncomfortable just the way it was handled. Topic was hernia belts and not optional from speakers point.  Stated if you have an ostomy it is your responsibility to wear a hernia belt to prevent a hernia and added insurance expense a!ong with the emotional toll out on loved ones.  People walked out. I stayed thinking he is going to try and debate both sides or there must be a punchline.  Not so.  It did get me to thinking though.  Is a hernia...

Hi, I am scheduled for colostomy reversal surgery and incisional hernia repair in 2 weeks.  Has anyone here had these procedures or know of anyone who has with a positive outcome? Everything I've read on line so far is making me want to back out!!

off to doctors at 2 today it is rasied around bottom of stoma hope it is not another hernia have urine infection to i think,just want to curl up in a ball at the moment

Hi, Im 73yrs & have had my colostomy for 6yrs due to diverticulitus.Have had several bowel ops  before that, Nearly died during colostomy op due to heart problem. Now have big problems with a hernia & part of my small intestine getting trapped by it. To empty my colon , I have to push it up past the hernia & its getting worse.Should have had it all sorted a month ago but lost the intensive care bed half an hr before!My surgeon who was prepared to do has now left & the new Locum has been very negative & says wh...

I've had my stoma for many years now,and it has changed my  life for the better as not having to rush to the toilet and having accidents,which were extremely embarrising, i feel more in control and the crohn's is undercontol. The only problem i've had is reacurring hernias around the stoma site. I've had three repair opperations but a couple of months later their back and get very large,to the state others notice them,so i just make a joke and say not bad for only six months i just wish i knew who the father is! But joking aside ...

Hi Everyone! I'm hoping someone knows what to wear for a hernia that's under the left side of my stoma. In April 2009 I had to have my bowel, anus and back wall of my vagina removed due to cancer. I've made a miraculous recovery, so the Doctors say.  I was expected to die beings I was in the high 3 stage they said.  Seeing my Surgeon a few weeks ago I showed her the large lump under my stoma.  I don't know anything about hernias, what they are, what causes them, etc.  So I was surprised when she to...

Hi everyone!  I hope you are all doing well or better.  I would like to return to irrigating, but I have developed a hernia around my stoma which is rather large.  I plan to look into a repair in '15.  Anyway, I'd like to know if it is okay to irrigate with a hernia around the stoma.  Does anyone have experience with this you'd like to share?  Thanks bunches! XO!

I have ostomy on my left lower abdomen. For the last year I have been experiencing a burning sensation from left hip bone to left edge of ostomy. No pain but the burning at times is very uncomfortable. I have a nice size raised area underneath the sticky portion of my wafer hence making the wafer on the left side pull away from my skin and having to change it. I seem to be changing it every day where as before the 'hernia', I would change every 5-7 or 10 days. I have a GI appointment at Walter Reed/Bethesda Aug 28th. I don't know if the do...

Hi!  This is my first post.  My husband was diagnosed with UC about 5 years ago.  It went through him in less than a year, as he did not respond to medications.  After emergency rooms and blood transfusions, it was decided that the colon had to come out with the hope of a future J-pouch.  Right now he has a temp ileostomy, and is having more frequent and more severe bowel obstructions.  It looks like he's got a moderate parastomal hernia (CT scan after hospital stay last weekend),...

Today I saw my surgeon (after not having to see him for 4 years!) and he told me my colostomy and very large hernia are here to stay. My insides are too messed up for him to try any more surgeries on my abdomen. He did tell me though, that I need to wear a binder for the hernia with a hole cut out for the colostomy. He said there are some out there that can be made specifically for your needs. Does anyone know who makes these / where I can order one?

Hi all The risk of developing a hernia after stoma surgery is quite high. I  read that wearing some kind of support wear,  plus doing gentle exercises to strengthen your abdominal muscles, can minimise the risk. However when I mentioned this to the doctor and stoma nurses at the hospital they really weren't interested at all. In case anyone here IS interested, you might like to read this: http://www.comfizz.com/news/research.html More information plus the exercises can be found here: http://www.caet.ca/caet-...

(Ileo Dec 09 with no hernia to this point) Was out in the garden today doing some stuff ... this evening I have a pain very close to my stoma. It's not constant, but when it comes it's a fairly sharp pain -- is this a hernia pain Sigh - You want to the know what makes me want to put my head through a wall ... I just got a hernia support belt. While I was in the yard, it was in it's box on the coffeetable ... idiot . I don't see an obvious hernia protrusion ... so maybe it's giving me a warning Do most hernias come with pain Maybe I j...

Photo attached. Since last night I've had liquid output. I can hear gurgling. No pain, no fever. I changed my bag because it leaked from the diarrhea and my stoma has a little purple around the middle of the column part. Is that normal? It also seems that the skin on my belly around it is a little raised, but in not sure if it has always been slightly raised and I never noticed. As my stoma is 2.5 months old so I'm still new to all this. 

I had a parastomal hernia repair 10-30-13. Released 11-03-13. The wafer and pouch applied after surgery stayed in place until 11-04-13. Upon removing surgical equipment, I noticed stoma was flat with skin and stool was oozing between skin and wafer. Question...how long will that remain? Is that normal? What to use on skin during this time to alleviate excoriated skin. I see my doc and surgeons third week in Nov for first post op visit. Would appreciate any and all ideas, comments regarding above dilemma!

The 28th I go for a  consultation don't know what to expect, I have developed a hernia where my Stoma is and the hernia is large and I'm due for a  reversal. Can anyone tell me what might happen, will they do both at once?  I'm so afraid 

I  have been living with horrendous complications from my August 2017 colostomy. I’ve had to deal with leakage problems due to my numerous hernias. I have tried every company out there to no avail!  No one could seem to help me. I was so desperate, I called the Ostomy Association for assistance. They referred me to a top notch ostomy nurse at Scarborough Centenary hospital, Toronto. Immediately, she told me I needed a soft convex flange from Salts/Argyle who actually make their flanges for hernias!!  You can mold the f...

I would like to know what excises or yoga can I do that will not hurt my hernia?

I irrigate everyday and was always successful with it. I now have three large hernias and find it impossible to clean out my colon all the way, being blocked somewhat with the hernias.  Usually an hour or two the remaining works its way out then. I tried less and more water but still the same results.    Anyone else have this problem with hernias and irrigating?

This may sound silly considering the size of some members hernias, but how big should one let them go before having them repaired. Ed

I am concerned about a parastomal hernia that I was just recently told that I have. The surgeons offered me the option to have it repaired. It is fairly small at this point however, it is causing me some pain and is protruding enough that it is visible under clothing and is causing some difficulty with keeping my appliance on for very long.  I was wondering if anyone has had this issue and did they have it fixed and was it worth it?  I understand that it's possible that the hernia can come back in relatively short time.  Y...

I have just spent the last 6 days in Hosp. having my post op. incisional  hernia repaired. Two & a half years ago I had an Illeal Conduit Op. (  Bladder removal , Urostomy) However due to an infection in the original Incision , my guts pushed through the weakened scar line making rather a nasty bulgeing hernia. Also my belly was very badly distended ,I looked like a small Beer Barrell around the middle. Well ,I'm back at home now with a repaired hernia , an amaziing tummy tuck & a tidy scar line. The District ...

I am wearing a hernia belt 24/7 for a peristomal hernia.  The skin underneath is severely irritated. red and itchy.  Driving me crazy.  Want to rip the thing off.  Any suggestions?

Hi I have had a stoma for six years now following colorectal cancer.I developed a parastomal hernia about  a year ago. I recently stupidly moved a washing machine now I have slight pain if a stool  is touching the stoma or when it moves just before it passes through the stoma. Also I wear Corsinell support boxers which unfortunately tend to promote pancaking. Can anyone help please.

My reversal and hernia surgery is tomorrow, Feb 3rd!  I've been on the clear liquid diet since yesterday at 4:00 so I'm feeling quite hungry about now.  It's funny how food looks and smells so great when you can't have it.  I'm nervous and anxious for tomorrow to come.  I pray all will go well and all of you on this site have helped me with all of your encouragement and information.  I am truly thankful to you all.  I'll post again as soon as I'm able after my surgery and let you ...

Hi Guys and Gals .... It seems just recently that people have been saying that hernia repairs using mesh have caused problems. I would be very interested in anyones stories as it looks like my surgeon will be repairing my huge hernia in that way ... Good and bad stories please so that I can make an informed decision! Rach xxx

I'm over 2 years down the line from my stoma, and still hate "Colin" with a vengence, still smelly, painful and a nuisance, but a few months ago after getting  a bad cold, I sneezed and had terrible pain, but that's sort of normal for me, as I'm a paraplegic, however , since then "Harold" appeared, and now sticks out about 5 inches on top of my horrible fat tummy.  When I eventually showed my GP she told me to see my wonderful stoma nurses at Glan Clwyd Hospital and they confirmed my suspicions, of h...

I Recently developed a parastomal hernia. Months prior to that, I was starting to work out more and more. I still walk daily, but, I would still like to do some strength training. Specifically, my arms. Are there any exercises I can do to strengthen my arms without putting any strain on my abdomen? I tried doing some, but, I can't help but feel there is some strain on my abdomen still. Thanks.

Hi,I'm once again suffering from a parastomal hernia,biggest problem apart form the discomfort is the bag becomes more noticable :( I've tried various belts but i find them very cumbersome,Anyone any ideas. 

This is my first time posting but have often read forum in the past.  Not new to ostomy but new to leaking problems.  Had  ileostomy surgery in 81 due to UC.  Never any problems until peristomal hernia occurred causing leaking and shorter wear time.  I use Hollister premuim flat one-piece pouch.  Stopped using barrier rings thinking this was part of the reason pouch was leaking.  Seems to occur mostly at night when stoma tends to retract.  Even tends to happen ...

Hello everyone,  does anyone have any info regarding urostomy hernias?  Do they get worse as we age?  Is surgery an option, etc.....Thank you for your time. Eileen, ( Love this site)  

I just spent forever typing a message an lost it..ugh..wow an I was on a roll..ok I'm gonna try one more time..now..I have a colostomy had rectal/anus cancer..since then had surgeries for hernias...obstrutions...all in all I have been hospilitized at least 7 times after my cancer surgery...had surgeries for hernias an obstructions..last time was a big mess..had hernia repair..had more small intestine removed..adhesions an obstructions...thought my surgeon was gonna have a breakdown..lol...anyway I ended up with major complications...had 3 ...

got another hernia!!already had 2 fixed but this time its not an emergency  was wondering how much discomfort is normal??

HELLO TO ALL. IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE IN CYBER-LAND KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT PERISTOMAL HERNIA'S?? I'VE HAD MY HERNIA FOR BOUT 18MTHS NOW BUT THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTH'S THE HERNIA IS TWICE AS BIG,MY STOMA IS RETRACTING INSIDEME,I'M BLEEDING ALL THE TIME, THE PAIN IS UNBEARABLE, ALSO THE STOMA KEEP'S TURNING AN OFF WHITE COLOR?? COULD ANYONE GIVE ME SOME ADVISE ABOUT WHAT I SHOULD DO. THANKYOU VERY MUCH. jadegenie40........       

Had my colostomy almost a year ago (abcessed diverticuli).  Have since developed a hernia under the stoma and wear a NuHope hernia belt all the time except for sleep and showering.  My problem is the stoma now sticks out so far (was once a cute button) that it lays flush against my pouch.  Any output at all sticks to the bag, gumming up and creating a real mess.  My insurance will only cover so many supplies and changing daily because of this is not an option.  So, I have been afraid to eat much of anything and now...

Hi,  As part of my last operation, I had an abdominal reconstruction. My surgeon said that I have a 1 in 4 chance of getting a hernia and advised me to not lift anything heavy too strenuous etc.  I am 43 years of age and feel very frustrated as I would at least like to build up my strength in the gym. I am paranoid about every twinge I feel in my stomach. I would just like to do some light weights along with the cross trainer and running machine that I have been doing. I am started of getting bored of both those pieces of equip...

I have had illeostomy for 35 years. Over the last ten years I have struggled with a large hernia at the stoma site and over the last 2 years multiple hospitalizations for obstructions. I had a hernia repair at the stoma site (fot a much smaller hernia) quite some time ago. The last time I was hospitalized the surgeons and gi folks said if the obstruction occurs again I should have surgery. They said it would be a major surgery and my stoma would need to be relocated. Would anyone who has gone through this please give me some insight o...

HI IS THERE A FELLOW OSTOMATE OUT THERE THAT KNOW'S MUCH ABOUT PARASTOMAL-HERNIAS?? 4 MONTHS AGO I HAD SURGERY FOR A HERNIA AND AT THE SAME TIME THE SURGEON RE-FASHIONED MY STOMA, THEN AFTER I HAD BEEN HOME FOR 4 DAY'S I GOT AN ABCESS AND ENDED UP WITH PERITONITIS AND HAD EMERGENCY SURGERY. ANYWAY 4 MTHS LATER MY HERNIA HAS COME BACK?? IS THIS NORMAL AND WHAT IS THE SUCESS RATE WITH A HERNIA REPAIR. I REALLY DONT WANT TO GO DOWN THAT TRACK AGAIN. VERY CONFUSED!!

Having an enormous hernia following a urostomy about three years ago, I am due to go back in to hospital in some four to six weeks time to have it "corrected" using the mesh method. However, reading a number of blogs on this forum, I am beginning to wonder if it's worth while, since the majority of reports are negative, it would seem. Although I have genuine sympathy with those who have reported failures or frequent repeat operations, I would love to hear from anybody who has had a successful hernia fix. Come on, there must be ...

     This is a letter sent to my Doctor from my Surgeon, has anybody been through the same procedure?. I wonder what you feel my chances of sucess are?.      " Further to my last letter on Mr Hughes, his contrast imaging does confirm he has a very short rectal stump, probably only 8cm in length. He does appear to have a reasonable amount of left colon which, if fully mobilised would reach the lower rectum. his abdominal wall is, as expected, very distorted and deficient."  ...

Hi, I have just joined the site and looking for anyone who has had a Hartmann's reversal and abdominal hernia repair done at the same time. I had emergency surgery in April and nearly died due to infection and my wound didn't heal for about 2 months I cannot have the hernia repaired without having a reversal and Iam really scared as I had no intention of having a reversal for a while as I feel really good, the best I have felt in about 2 years can anyone help.

Having only started reading the postings on this forum a few days back, forgive me if I am asking a question already raised. I had a urostomy about 18 months ago, and some six months back noticed a swelling to the side and below the stoma. Surgeon said that it may need an operation should it get any larger but they are reluctant to do so as it can result in infection. I have noticed in other postings on this forum, members mention that they have had more than one hernia operation, and I just wonder why. What can - and did  go wr...

I am having considerable discomfort  with my hernia although I seem to have read somewhere that they seldom hurt mine does - do any other members suffer this?  Also how big is "big" with regard to this kind of hernia, I have to lie back on the bed for a while before I can change the bag (which makes going out for a day difficult) - anyone found an answer for this? I mention member lottagelady because I seem to remember her surgeon told her that her hernia was about "as big as it gets" Regards, praw

Hello! I had my iliostomy since may 2018. Developed parastomal hernia in July and seems to get larger and larger throughout the day.  I have terrible back pain pretty much constant when I'm on my feet too long. Does anyone else have this problem and if so, what do you do for relief? Thanks!