This topic is about someone with a temporary colostomy who is wearing an ostomy support belt around the clock, except during showers. They have noticed a slight bulge around their stoma and are concerned about whether this is normal or a sign of a potential hernia. They are seeking advice and insights from others.

Here are some helpful points and advice shared by others:

1. General belt use and hernia risk:
- Some people believe that wearing a belt might reduce the risk of developing a parastomal hernia, although there is no strong evidence to support this. However, wearing a belt early after surgery is often recommended and is generally considered harmless.
- Even with a belt, hernias can still occur. Only a CT scan or a surgeon can confirm a hernia. If a hernia is small and does not interfere with the ostomy appliance, it may not require immediate attention.

2. Understanding the bulge:
- If the bulge goes away after removing the belt, it is likely just fat or tissue being pushed towards the belt’s opening, rather than a hernia. Experienced members have noted that pictures of such bulges often show nothing concerning.
- A true parastomal hernia usually appears as a large, persistent bulge on one side and may cause discomfort.

3. Adjusting the appliance for minor shape changes:
- Switching from a flat to a convex barrier or using moldable barrier rings can help correct dips or irregularities around the stoma.
- Ensure the belt opening fits closely around the wafer flange. An oversized hole can allow the pouch area to bulge. One person found success with a belt that had a 2.75-inch opening matching their 50 mm flange.
- Avoid overtightening the belt, as too much compression can worsen the bulge.

4. Alternative supports and comfort:
- Wearing a simple maternity band over the ostomy belt can help smooth the profile and reduce pouch protrusion.
- If the belt is causing a heat rash, trying a different fabric or size might help.

5. Wound-care tips for the reopened incision:
- A daily routine was shared: irrigate with Vashe Wound Wash, blot dry, pack with Silver Alginate, cover with gauze, and secure with Hypafix dressing retention tape. This method helped close a post-op opening in about two weeks.
- It’s advisable to carry personal wound-care and ostomy supplies when traveling, such as syringes, Hypafix, Vashe, alginate, gauze, aspirin, and spare appliances.

6. Considerations for surgical repair:
- Repairing a parastomal hernia with mesh is a major surgery, and hernias can recur. Many people choose to live with a small hernia unless it causes issues with the appliance or pain.

Some products mentioned include Vashe Wound Wash, Silver Alginate dressing, Hypafix dressing retention tape, and a specific Amazon ostomy hernia belt with a 2.75-inch opening. Convex barriers and moldable barrier rings from brands like Hollister, Coloplast, and ConvaTec were also noted, as well as generic maternity support bands.