This topic is about a person with a permanent colostomy who faced a challenging situation. They experienced a blockage due to extremely hard and large stool that couldn't pass through the stoma without manual help. This led to significant bleeding and pain. Although their bowel output has returned to normal, they now feel sharp pain in the abdominal muscles around the stoma, especially when using those muscles, like during urination. They are concerned about the possibility of a torn muscle, early prolapse, or hernia and are unsure whether to wait for it to heal on its own or to seek medical help.

Here are some helpful pieces of advice and insights:

1. Do not wait; schedule an appointment with your gastroenterologist, surgeon, or another qualified physician as soon as possible.

2. Consider consulting an ostomy nurse. Many patients find ostomy nurses more knowledgeable about postoperative stoma care and minor blockages than surgeons. An ostomy nurse can assess the stoma, check for prolapse or hernia, and safely clear impactions.

3. Explore colostomy irrigation as a preventive measure against future hard-stool blockages. While not suitable for everyone, regular irrigation can reduce the risk of impaction and associated complications.