This topic is about someone who has been dealing with intermittent stoma pain and difficulties sleeping after having an ileostomy. They've experienced several bowel obstructions recently, and now they feel a stabbing pain below the stoma, likely due to adhesions. They also feel a pulling sensation in their abdomen when lying on their side, which has forced them to sleep on their back, causing insomnia. Their surgeon hasn't provided much help, so they're looking for advice on pain relief and how to sleep more comfortably.

Here are some suggestions that might help:

1. Use multiple pillows for support:
- Hug a standard pillow or use a body-length pregnancy pillow to help maintain a semi-side position while keeping your abdomen stable.
- Place pillows under or against the incision or stoma area to reduce the shifting sensation, especially during the first 6 to 8 months after surgery.
- Elevate your knees with one or two pillows to maintain a pelvic tilt, which can relieve back or sciatic pain. Adding two to three pillows under your head and shoulders can also help with coughing or sleep apnea. Tucking small pillows under your elbows can add to your overall comfort.

2. Add external abdominal support:
- Consider wearing a light support wrap. A simple, inexpensive tube-top from a store like Walmart can work well.
- Larger-size "shaper" undergarments can provide gentle compression without restricting stoma flow and can also help smooth clothing lines.

3. Evaluate your pouching equipment as a potential source of pain:
- Pain around the stoma might be due to a wafer opening that is too tight or the stoma rubbing under the wafer.
- Switching to a Convatec Moldable Wafer, which doesn't require cutting and hugs the stoma to create a secure seal, may reduce pressure-related discomfort.

4. Understand that some intermittent pulling pains, especially near old drain sites or hernia-repair scars, may be related to adhesions and could persist long term. Experimenting with pillow placement and gentle support garments can help many people adapt and find comfort while sleeping again.