Living with an ostomy-related hernia can be a challenging experience, especially when you're still healing from a recent surgery. A hernia near the stoma, known as a parastomal hernia, can cause discomfort, particularly when coughing or engaging in activities that increase abdominal pressure. If you're wondering whether to manage it or opt for surgical repair, here are some insights and advice from others who have faced similar situations:

1. Many people with ostomies choose to live with a parastomal hernia for many years, especially if it doesn't cause significant pain or interfere with their lifestyle. For instance:
- Some have lived with a hernia for over 20 years, using a support belt only occasionally.
- Others have had a hernia for 9 years, which has grown to the size of a large grapefruit but remains painless.
- A few have managed a small, barely noticeable hernia for 3 years.

2. Surgical repair, often involving mesh insertion, has a relatively high chance of failure or recurrence, with about a 50% rate cited. Surgery is usually considered when there is severe pain, rapid enlargement, or complications like strangulation or obstruction.

3. Support belts can be very helpful:
- Wear them during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, heavy lifting, or playing contact sports.
- Common belt widths are 3 inches or 5 inches, with wider models providing a more secure feeling.
- When fastening the belt, pull the rear section as high as possible to "lift" the hernia rather than just pressing on it.
- In the U.S., a supplier in New York offers a hard-plastic shield style belt for extra protection, similar to a hockey cup.

4. To confirm and monitor the hernia:
- Request imaging, like an MRI, to determine if a hernia is present and assess its size.
- Take side-view photos every 6 to 12 months to track any changes in size.
- Keep your abdominal surgeon's contact information handy for any concerns.

5. Be aware of risk factors and take precautions:
- A hernia represents a permanent weakness in the abdominal wall and can grow over time.
- Try to avoid or minimize activities that significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as prolonged coughing, heavy lifting, and constipation.
- Strangulation of the bowel within the hernia can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery. One person needed emergency surgery after severe coughing from a cold led to a strangulated intestine.

6. Some people have found specific pouching systems helpful, such as the Coloplast SenSura Mio Convex Flip, which works well with a protruding area.

7. A general tip is to use a support belt during coughing episodes to reduce stress on the abdominal wall while you're healing.