This topic is about the challenges faced by someone who has been living with a colostomy since 2011. Over time, they developed a painful bulge around the stoma, which was diagnosed as a peristomal hernia. After undergoing hernia-repair surgery, they experienced a post-surgical infection and discovered a newly-formed fistula near the stoma. The person is seeking advice and insights from others who might have had similar experiences.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Modern wound-care practices suggest that wounds do not need to be exposed to air to heal. In fact, keeping a wound covered and moist can promote faster healing. Therefore, daily packing under the ostomy pouch is considered acceptable.

2. Many people with ostomies report that they were not warned about the risk of developing a hernia after surgery. Medical teams often focus on the immediate procedure and may not provide guidance on long-term self-care, such as the early use of abdominal support belts.

3. If you feel that the communication and support from your current surgical or nursing team are lacking, consider seeking a second opinion or transferring to a specialist ostomy center. These centers often have multidisciplinary teams experienced in managing hernias and fistulas.

4. Educate yourself quickly by consulting reputable medical sources and experienced ostomy clinicians. This approach is more reliable than relying solely on general web searches or advice from non-specialists.