O.K. folks. I need a bit of advice/guidance/help, etc. I have an Urostomy - since Sept. 2010 - for the usual reason, cancer, and the aftermath of the surgery was a nightmare (but that's another story). I developed a large hernia in 2011, around the stoma, and this was operated on in Oct. 2011. All was good until about a month ago when the bloody thing came back.
It came back in the same place and the same, if not bigger, size. I have got some pain with it and a lot of discomfort. I have spoken to my local G.P. who is of the opinion I may have to grin and bear it. He suggested wearing a belt most of the time, a solution that does not sit right with me.
Will be seeing my Urologist in the next week or so for my check-up and will put the problem to him to see what can be done. However, am I just complaining about trivia and is this the way it usually goes with parastomal hernias? Do they keep coming back? Because if that is the case, I am going to get really peed off!! (Not to mention downright despondent).
I know it has only been 6 months since the last op. but if I can get it fixed, it would be good - or am I just peeing in the wind?
Bud, first I am sorry you're dealing with this. But I do believe there's a solution better than simply living with this hernia. I'm no specialist, other than I have had my own ileostomy for a while now, but as a nurse, thinking of the physiology involved, I can't help but believe there's a good solution, probably involving one additional surgery. Can you do anything to tone up the rectus abdominals, say with stomach crunches before you get a very experienced surgeon to take another crack at it?
Above and beyond that two cents' worth, I'm praying you find the patience you need to deal with this problem in the best, most efficient, yet most appropriate and durable way possible, and also that you have peace in your struggle.
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Cheers!
Thanks, Pilgrim. Not a bad idea about toning up the muscles, however, the hernia gets in the way at the moment although I do exercise a fair bit. Can't even cut my own bleeding toenails at the moment cause it gets in the way!
Hey Ocker, I know the pain, discomfort, and constant worrying you're going through. In 2008, I was diagnosed with a parastomal hernia right above my ileostomy. I underwent a hernia repair with the "mesh" stuff. (Felt like a flat tire in need of repair!") I have been asymptomatic since then with no residual side effects. That's one of the reasons I retired from Physical Therapy and am now doing Hospice Care. I disagree with your G.P. when he stated you may just need to grin and bear it. No, go to your Urologist and take his advice. Maybe if he doesn't know the answer/remedy, he can collaborate with your gastro man! Also, sometimes as with any hernia development, the type of work/activity you do might have some bearing on recurrence. I just hope you get it properly taken care of and can be worry-free. Peace.