The topic at hand is about the experiences and outcomes of undergoing parastomal hernia surgery before a stoma reversal. This is a concern for those who might not have a reversal in the near future and are considering their options for managing a hernia.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. **Considering Stand-Alone Repair:**
- Some people are exploring the option of repairing a parastomal hernia before a stoma reversal, especially if a reversal might not happen.
- If there's no pain, just a bothersome bulge, some are trying support belts as a temporary solution instead of jumping into surgery.

2. **Surgeon’s Advice:**
- Simple activities like stretching or coughing can potentially create or worsen a hernia, so it's important to be cautious.

3. **Consultation and Current Situation:**
- An upcoming consultation is planned to discuss the available options.
- The person currently has a colostomy because an ileostomy wasn't possible due to damage to the small intestine.

4. **Stoma Paste Consideration:**
- There's some uncertainty about the usefulness of stoma paste, as it can be sticky and might not be necessary for everyone.

5. **Standard Practice and Timing:**
- Many surgeons prefer to repair a parastomal hernia during the stoma reversal, as stand-alone repairs often have high recurrence rates and inconsistent results.
- Surgeons might not fix an asymptomatic hernia before reversal unless it becomes painful or causes obstruction.

6. **Conservative Management:**
- If the hernia isn't causing problems, some suggest not fixing it. Instead, wearing a support belt, avoiding heavy lifting, and keeping an eye on the bulge might be enough.

7. **Risks of Stand-Alone Repair:**
- Stand-alone repairs can have high recurrence rates and potential complications like mesh failure, infection, and lifelong lifting restrictions.
- There are reports of chronic leakage after repair, though this isn't a universal experience.

8. **Successful Combined Repairs:**
- Some have had successful outcomes when hernia repair was done alongside stoma reversal, with only minor issues afterward.
- However, new hernias can develop later, requiring further surgery.

9. **Upcoming Procedures:**
- One person is scheduled for a reversal and multiple hernia repairs using biological mesh and abdominal reconstruction, with plans to share their experience later.

10. **Additional Care Tips:**
- Pancaking can be more common with a colostomy than an ileostomy.
- ABD pads might help manage leakage around a bulging stoma area.
- Stoma paste is optional and can be messy, so some choose to stop using it if it doesn't help with sealing.