This topic is about someone who has been dealing with some challenging health issues after having a colostomy due to a gunshot wound. They are experiencing severe morning pain, a noticeable bulge in the stoma area, and concerns about weight loss. Here’s a breakdown of their situation and some advice they’ve received:

- The individual had a colostomy after a gunshot wound in 2012 and hasn't been able to afford a reversal due to lack of insurance.
- They are 6'2" tall and initially weighed 375 lbs after surgery. By cutting out soda, fast food, bread, pasta, rice, and high-fructose corn syrup, they have reduced their weight to 295 lbs, aiming for 240 lbs.
- As their weight has decreased, they have started experiencing intense abdominal pain in the mornings, which lasts for about two hours and radiates to the testes and bladder. This pain usually eases later in the day.
- There is a visible asymmetry in their abdomen, with a large bulge on the left side and a deflated appearance on the right.
- They are unsure if the pain is normal or related to a hernia and are hesitant to visit the ER since the symptoms often subside by the time they would be examined. They plan to contact their original surgeon for advice.
- They also have seven herniated discs and a fractured L3 vertebra.

Additional insights include:

- After researching parastomal hernias, they feel the description matches their symptoms. They were not advised to avoid heavy lifting beyond the initial 5-lb limit during the healing of surgical wounds.
- They continue to follow a strict diet of water and home-cooked meals, which has significantly reduced their back pain. Their current weight is between 290 and 295 lbs.

Advice from others includes:

1. Many suspect a parastomal hernia and suggest reviewing the Colostomy Association’s “Parastomal Hernia” booklet for more information on symptoms, risk factors, lifting restrictions, and management options.