This topic is about the experiences and insights related to repairing a parastomal hernia after having a urostomy. A parastomal hernia is a common complication where tissue pushes through a weak spot around the stoma, and it can be quite challenging to manage. Here’s a personal story and some advice from others who have been through similar situations:

- One person had a urostomy since September 2010 and developed a large parastomal hernia about four months later. The hernia was described as being the size of a softball and was humorously called a "mother of a hernia" by the surgeon.

- They underwent hernia repair surgery 10 days ago. After the surgery, they were transferred to a different hospital due to bed shortages, which included a 30-minute detour because of a wrong turn.

- Upon arrival, they found that the staff had mistakenly fitted a colostomy bag instead of a urostomy bag. They used their personal emergency kit to change to the correct appliance and provided their own night drainage bag. A first-year nurse was unable to assist, so their wife helped instead.

- They were discharged the next morning, less than 24 hours after the operation.

- The first week of recovery was painful, but they are now walking more easily. The surgical scar is about 6 inches long and neat, and they no longer experience discomfort from the hernia catching on objects. Overall, their comfort has greatly improved.

Here are some additional insights and advice from others:

1. There is a risk of hernia recurrence. One person with an ileostomy shared that they had 21 major hernia repairs over the years, each using mesh. Unfortunately, the mesh became infected, leading to discharge, which highlights the potential for repeated failures and infections.

2. Timing of surgery can vary. Some surgeons may choose not to repair very small parastomal hernias and might advise waiting until the hernia becomes larger or symptoms worsen. Another person mentioned that their surgeon would operate as soon as they could no longer manage the hernia, taking into account their age and overall health.

3. Maintaining a positive outlook is important. Several people emphasize the importance of staying positive, monitoring symptoms, and keeping in close contact with the surgical team.

4. Choosing the right hospital can make a difference, especially in Australia. Experiences with different public hospitals, such as those in the Monash network and Dandenong Hospital, can vary in terms of wait times and post-operative care. It’s helpful to research facilities and advocate for timely pain management.