This topic is about dealing with pain and blockages when you have a new stoma, understanding when to seek medical help, preventing problems, and living with a hernia. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others who have been through similar experiences:

1. Pain Medication Considerations
- Be cautious with opiate pain-killers like morphine and codeine, as they can slow down digestion and cause blockages. Some people suggest minimizing their use or finding alternatives.
- Alternatives include medical marijuana (where legal) and over-the-counter options like paracetamol or acetaminophen for milder pain.

2. When to Seek Emergency Care
- Head to the emergency department if you experience no or minimal output for several hours, increasing abdominal pain, vomiting, or ribbon-thin output.
- Some people prefer to stay in the hospital until normal output resumes rather than being discharged early.

3. Chewing and Eating Technique
- Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly to a toothpaste-like consistency. Foods like fresh pineapple, oranges, popcorn, and thick beef can cause blockages if not chewed well.
- If there's a kink or narrowing in your bowel, even safe foods can cause blockages, so meticulous chewing is crucial.

4. Short-term Self-management for Blockages
- Switch to clear or nutritious fluids only when a blockage starts.
- Try gentle knee-to-chest squats or a warm bath to relax your abdominal muscles.
- Avoid solid food and constipating medications until normal flow returns.
- Warm drinks like tea or pulp-free grapefruit juice can help move things along.

5. Diet Adjustments and Equipment
- Some people use daily stool softeners, as recommended by their doctor, to keep output loose, especially when on pain meds or awaiting surgery.
- Blending raw fruits and vegetables in a high-power blender can help you enjoy them without fiber clumps.

6. Possible Anatomical Causes and Surgical Options
- Recurrent blockages might be due to a twist, kink, or narrow segment in the intestine, adhesions from previous surgery, or a hernia.
- Some have found relief from blockages after surgery to remove stray tissue, straighten a kink, or revise mesh.
- Seeking a second opinion from a colorectal surgeon or gastrointestinal specialist is encouraged, as hernia repair can sometimes relieve obstructions.

7. Hernia Support and Concealment
- Support garments or belts can help reduce hernia size, ease symptoms, and make the bulge less noticeable under clothing.

8. Stress Management
- High stress can increase abdominal tension and pain perception. Relaxation techniques like warm baths and soft music, along with addressing life stressors, may help reduce blockage risk.

9. Social and Dating Encouragement
- Many people reassure that the right partners won't be deterred by a stoma. Expanding your social circles and being patient can be beneficial.