Need advice for parastomal hernia belt - stoma bulges out

I have a parastomal hernia and have been told, by a surgeon, it is common with an ileostomy. Two ostomy nurses measured and ordered a hernia belt for me. It is a Nu-Hope belt supposedly fitted to accommodate my size hernia/stoma. The problem is, whenever I wear it, my stoma bulges out as though it might pop. Not a pretty sight and not comfortable at all. They tell me to try wearing it for short periods of time to get used to it, but when wearing it, my stoma seems to bulge out more than usual. I avoid pulling the belt too tight, knowing this may be the problem. The current plan is to contact another stoma nurse and question and ask for further information/direction, but just wondering if anyone else has this issue and any advice?

Hi Justbreathe,

You've come to the right place for support, and I'm sure you'll find plenty of helpful advice from our large community here. Many of us have faced similar challenges, so you're not alone.

Regarding your hernia belt issue, it sounds frustrating. Sometimes, the fit of the belt can make a big difference. It might be worth trying a different brand or style, as not all belts work the same for everyone. Also, some people find that wearing a belt with a softer material or a different closure system helps. It's great that you're planning to consult another stoma nurse for more guidance. They might have additional insights or alternative solutions that could work better for you.

Remember, there are thousands of members here, and you can use the search feature to find others who might live nearby. Connecting with someone in person or finding members around your age could provide more personalized advice and support. Good luck!

Technically, we all have hernias. I looked at those Nu-Hope belts but I ended up getting a vertical Stealth Belt. The thing I didn't like about the Nu-Hope one (at least the one I looked at, maybe there's different models) was the fact it didn't actually hold the bag along with adding support around your stoma. The Stealth belt does both for me, adds support around my waist/stoma and also holds/conceals the bag itself. Plus, it kinda hides my love handles and gives me a funky ass tan line, but those are just individual specific benefits for me.

Hi

I am going through this right now. Tried every appliance without success with multiple leaks and shortened wear time. Spent on a hernia belt and now they tell me that the belt shouldn't have a hole. Duh, no wonder my bulge went through it and looked like I was pregnant!! I scrapped the belt and never wore it again. Broke down in tears, even went to a plastic surgeon who wouldn't touch me - finally got a surgery date next month to get the peristomal hernia repaired as my depression and anxiety is through the roof. I've been back and forth wondering if I should have another surgery but what's the worst thing that can happen and I'm back to dealing with what I'm dealing with currently??!! The anxiety of not wanting to leave the house or be around people for fear of a leak/blowout?!! Absolutely no way to live!!

I wear the Safe 'n Simple ostomy security belt.  My parastomal hernia doesn't bulge enough to be a problem, but I wear this occasionally, like walking outside the morning that I've changed the appliance.  It doesn't seem to affect my stoma in any manner.
🔒 Login to see image

I looked at that one too. I'm pretty fortunate since I don't have constant output like those with ileostomies. I'd wear a belt 24/7 if I did.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Could you wear a wrap that adds a little support and holds your bag? I would think there has to be a setup that could prevent the leaks.

Wow - now I am really confused. First, I am fortunate in that I have only had one leak in almost 2 years, and that was a new product failure. Wearing a belt to prevent a leak is not an issue for me. I'm not sure how you would wear a belt with no hole for the ileostomy stoma - thinking this would cause pancaking and major backup. I have searched Google and Amazon, and it looks to me like there are only a few choices. Pressure on the hernia to keep it from expanding and the need to give an "out" for the stoma just does not compute, and my end result is a bulging stoma. I am a candidate for a reversal of the ileostomy but fear any more surgery at my age (soon to be 79). If the hernia continues to expand, surgery may be in my future. YIKES

Hi, I also have developed a parastomal hernia. It's not pleasant and painful. Instead of the belts, you could try supportive underwear. It's not perfect, but it does help to feel supported. I wear them and pull them right up, lol, over my bag and hernia. It makes me feel less self-conscious about it sticking out. There are a lot of different supportive undergarments you could try.

I do wear skinny jeans and stretch pants with long tops, and they are very comfortable and do hold in my stoma somewhat. I just don't want to choke my stoma. The tight clothing does help, and thanks for the suggestion on the underoos. If output is not thin, I do experience pancaking with tight clothing, but this is better than a bulging stoma.

Have you tried just an ostomy wrap? The Vertical Stealth Belt doesn't choke my stoma and you can make it as loose or as tight as you like. My biggest issue is always pancaking no matter if I have a belt, wrap, or nothing over my bag. At my daughter's wedding last year, I was wearing a wrap and dang near filled my bag on the way to the reception. It didn't restrict any flow, if it wants out it's coming out.

Please, please keep us posted regarding your upcoming surgery. Wishing you the best.

Will look into the wrap... thanks for the tip.

I have the Nu-Hope belt and was told to always put it on lying down so the hernia is as flat as possible. The nurse gave the "old horse is already out of the barn" analogy about trying to put the belt on while standing. I also have a vertical belt, wrap, and bag cover from PouchWear (trust me, just don't), a Coloplast hernia belt (haven't worn it yet), and a knock-off horizontal Stealth Belt from the UK. Out of them all, I prefer the knock-off Stealth Belt, so much so I'm going to get the actual Stealth Belt now. The Nu-Hope is by far the most uncomfortable and digs into my body. I usually only wear it after an appliance change to make sure the adhesives are stuck, then remove it.

The wrap I have is from OstomySecrets. Very simple as it has a pouch (actually 2) sewn in to hold your bag and it's just snug enough to support it if it fills and is just a little snug around your waist to give a little support around your whole midsection. Both the wrap and belt I wear are very comfortable to have on.

Still researching - appears I would need a "vertical" as opposed to horizontal.

Have a call into an ostomy nurse to answer a few more questions then hopefully will pick one that is suitable and dutiful!

I have a parastomal hernia and instead of putting up with it, I will be having it removed on the 3rd August 2022. You don't have to persevere with it.

No, but some people have been chewed up and spit out so much that going in for something else is a little overwhelming. I thought I had a tough go for a couple of years, I have no idea how some of the people on here manage just simple everyday tasks.

Please keep me posted, brave soul!

Stealth body and hernia belt - oh my and uh no - there's a reason it is not called "DE-DUCT" tape!

🔒 Login to see image

She's gotta be single, way too much work to get to the goods.

Perhaps this is the exact reason she designed it.

I'm right behind you, Iggie, and going for my surgery on Aug. 31 - do keep me posted on how you make out, please!

I don't have a date yet but am told that they will fix mine along with the prolapsed ileostomy and Barbie butt all at the same time! Yay me! Please also keep me posted on how you both are doing after.
Best of luck to you both with the procedures.

I use a Nu-Hope belt with a hole for the stoma and a prolapse strap to keep the stoma from popping out. I have a 4-inch wide and a 7-inch wide I wear for work. I wear it quite tight and it seems to work better. I have been through many belts but this feels the best. Good luck.