This topic is about someone who has been living with a urostomy for 16 years and has had a small parastomal hernia for the past 10 years without any major issues. Recently, they have started experiencing nighttime intestinal pain and morning retching, which makes them suspect that the hernia might have enlarged and could be causing a bowel obstruction. They are waiting for a CT scan to be scheduled through the NHS and are looking for advice on managing the pain and situation in the meantime.
Here are some helpful suggestions:
1. It's important to stress the urgency of the situation. Insist that the GP marks the CT scan as urgent and try to get the earliest possible appointment to rule out any obstruction or complications.
2. While waiting for the imaging, consider switching to an easily digestible diet. Foods like yogurt, gelatin, and puréed or blended foods might help ease symptoms and reduce the risk of blockage.
3. Keep a close eye on the symptoms. If the pain increases, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention rather than waiting.