The topic at hand is about dealing with a recurring parastomal hernia after a previous repair. A parastomal hernia is a type of hernia that occurs around a stoma, which is an opening created during surgery to allow waste to leave the body. The person who shared their experience had surgery in 2018 to repair a parastomal hernia, which initially flattened the bulge beneath their stoma. However, they are now noticing another bulge and are feeling frustrated and disheartened by this recurrence.
Here are some pieces of advice and insights that might be helpful:
1. Check with your surgeon if mesh reinforcement was used in your previous repair. Some people have found that combining mesh with relocating the stoma through the rectus abdominis muscle can lead to lasting results.
2. Consider consulting multiple colorectal or ostomy surgeons to find one with extensive experience in dealing with parastomal hernias. Some have found success by seeking out specialists in different locations.
3. Wear a specially designed stoma or hernia support belt. These belts can be custom-cut to fit over your pouch and are available on prescription in some places like the UK.
4. If you can't find commercial belts, you can use an abdominal binder and cut a hole just large enough for the pouch to pass through.
5. Use belts or firm support garments daily, not just after surgery, as a preventive measure.
6. If a hernia protrudes, some people gently push it back in and keep it reduced with a belt or supportive pressure.
7. For those experiencing intermittent blockage due to a parastomal hernia, some individuals use temporary plugs to keep the passage open. This is a personal technique and not medically advised.
8. Avoid heavy lifting, especially during moves or household chores, as repeated strain can trigger new or recurrent hernias. It's important to ask for help when needed.
9. Be aware that multiple abdominal surgeries can weaken the abdominal wall, making recurrence more likely. In such cases, relocating the stoma and reinforcing the defect might be necessary.
10. Emotional support is crucial. It's normal to feel frustrated, but maintaining a positive outlook and seeking encouragement from peers can help manage the stress of dealing with recurrent hernias.
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