This topic is about someone who usually irrigates their colostomy but is experiencing issues with partial blockages. They have been diagnosed with a parastomal hernia and are looking for relief and suitable support-belt options. Here’s a summary of their situation and some advice and insights that might help:

- The person has been having poor returns during irrigation, with water flowing back out and only hard pellets appearing later. Two attempts at irrigation, spaced 30 minutes apart, did not improve the situation. They are hesitant to visit the hospital over Easter due to concerns about potentially needing a nasogastric tube and are considering whether a colonoscopy might help identify the problem.

- They cannot tolerate Milk of Magnesia and have had limited success with Dulcolax. They plan to skip irrigation for a day to see if there are any changes and have been experiencing sudden breathlessness when walking.

- The stoma feels "lumpy," and after a medical review, it was confirmed to be a parastomal hernia. The surgeon advised against repair due to the risk of additional scar tissue. They are seeking a support device that can lift the hernia from beneath the stoma, as standard abdominal wraps do not seem suitable.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights that might be helpful:

1. Contact healthcare professionals promptly if pain or shortness of breath increases. Reach out to a GP, stoma nurse, or consultant.

2. For suspected partial blockages, try these home measures:
- Increase oral fluids significantly, including fresh fruit juice, hot tea, and sometimes carbonated drinks.
- Perform gentle, circular massages around the abdomen and stoma.
- Use warmth, such as a hot bath or heating pad, to relax muscles.
- Try physical positions like lying on your back, pulling knees to chest, and rocking side-to-side. Stay mobile and keep walking.
- Check the flange opening and enlarge it if the stoma is swollen.
- For colostomy, a GP may prescribe laxatives like Dulcolax, which should be taken with plenty of water.

3. Some specific products that have helped others include:
- Milk of Magnesia for ileostomy blockages.
- Drinking a small bottle of room-temperature Coca-Cola (not sugar-free) quickly to stimulate output.

4. A parastomal hernia can impede irrigation, so look for a bulge behind the stoma as a possible mechanical cause.

5. For support garments, consider specialized ostomy hernia belts that lift rather than compress. Look for belts designed to sit under the stoma/hernia rather than full circumferential bands, though no specific brand has been recommended yet.