This topic is about someone who recently had surgery to create a stoma and is now experiencing hard, palm-sized lumps near the stoma site. These lumps appeared a few weeks after leaving the hospital and are noticeable when standing. The person is seeking advice because their local doctor doesn't have much experience with ostomies, and their follow-up surgical appointment has been delayed.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. The lumps are likely peri-stomal or incisional hernias. These are common after stoma surgery because the abdominal wall is weakened.

2. If you experience pain, issues with your stoma appliance sticking, or if the lumps continue to grow, it's important to see a surgeon as soon as possible. However, many surgeons prefer to wait until the hernia causes significant problems before operating.

3. Hernias can occur even from simple actions like coughing or sneezing, not just from heavy lifting.

4. Wearing light abdominal or hernia support garments or belts can help prevent the hernias from getting larger.

5. The success of hernia repairs can vary, with about a 50% chance of recurrence. Some people have experienced a hernia returning within four months after surgery.

6. The stoma opening itself is a small surgical hernia, which makes it easier for additional hernias to form around it.

7. Until you can see a specialist, avoid lifting heavy objects, support the area around your stoma, and be vigilant for any increase in pain or problems with your stoma appliance.

8. Looking at online images of "incisional hernia" and "parastomal hernia" can help you determine if what you're experiencing matches the typical appearance of these hernias.