This topic is about a person who recently had colostomy surgery and is experiencing some concerns during their recovery. They noticed a large, hard lump next to their stoma and have a significant number of staples in their abdomen. They are seeking advice and insights from others who might have had similar experiences.

Here are some helpful points and advice shared by others:

1. It's not uncommon to notice a lump after surgery. This could be due to:
- An incisional or parastomal hernia, which some people have experienced.
- Temporary swelling that often goes away on its own. It's always a good idea to check with your surgeon to understand the cause.

2. If it is a hernia, there are different ways to manage it:
- Some people opt for elective surgery to repair it using mesh.
- Others prefer a watch-and-wait approach if the hernia isn't causing symptoms, to avoid another surgery.

3. Having a large number of staples, especially through the mid-line of the abdomen, is quite common. Some people have reported having between 47 to 50 staples. Surgeons sometimes place staples through the belly button, and in some cases, the navel might be altered or lost in repeat surgeries.

4. Experiencing pain when staples are removed, particularly around the belly button, is not unusual. However, this pain should be temporary.

5. For more detailed personal experiences and images, one person recommends checking out a blog called "BATTLE OF THE BULGE," which discusses similar issues.