Struggling With Parastomal Hernia And Frequent Blockages

payalp2205

Feb 12, 2023 6:34 pm

Hiya all.

So I'm really struggling with my parastomal hernia.

I have had two surgeries because of it, and every year I have had a major blockage that was cleared by gastrogafin.

Firstly, are there many of you that really struggle with blockages regularly?

Also, I think I'm getting really bad anxiety with it and worry that I may block again anytime and end up really sick in the hospital.

I am a big girl, but because of the hernia, I struggle to lose weight. I really don't know what to do. I'm scared and just want to make changes but struggle.

With it, I have bad arthritis that is flaring, making things fun, and my fatigue is really bad.

Any help would really help.

Thanks in advance.

Hairdresser

Feb 12, 2023 8:33 pm

Hello

So sorry you are getting so many blockages. I too have had a few and they are not fun! I know my blockages were because of something I ate (mushrooms and too many peanuts). I avoid both of those and haven't had a blockage in a while (knock on wood!).
Could you narrow down the reason you are having blockages? Is there certain food that is causing them? Are you drinking enough? Are you not chewing your food enough? Just some things to think over.
Please let us know how you are doing. Good luck and God bless.

MeetAnOstoMate.org

MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,458 members.

“Every morning with my coffee, I read here and feel wrapped in warmth - I hardly post, but it still feels like family.”

“Our oncologist literally wrote down the link; they said more patients need this website.”

“This place pulled me out of the dark. I went from lurking to living again.”

“At 3am, someone’s awake somewhere in the world. I’m never alone here.”

Join Free

Posted by: Nini4

Well, I hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression. He ticked me off, but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive.

I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best.

But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped, and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring. It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.

Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances, l not only survived but thrived.

I think of all the years I had suffered with such extreme pain, barely functioning, and the many hospital stays and how that is all behind me now. (All fingers, toes, and legs crossed that I never have to go near a hospital for myself ever again. I think I'd rather have a fork stuck in my eye. I loathe every about them.)

So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all. My Angels, each one of you.

And as the Grateful Dead famously said,

"what a long strange trip it's been!"

Im so happy I'm tripping with you all.

R2LoveSelf

Feb 13, 2023 6:28 am

I could write a book on parastomal hernias. I understand where you are coming from. I currently have a huge parastomal hernia to the left of my colostomy and several hernias inside. My main surgeon said he would not operate again. I've been in pain since back in September 2022. I have seen 3 different surgeons. No one will touch me because I've had so many abdominal surgeries. The last one said before they would do the surgery I had to lose 33 pounds. I went back to my original surgeon and asked if I lost the weight if he would do the surgery. He said if I lost 50 pounds. As I sit here and type this, knowing everything I'm going through other than this, it truly seems impossible. How they expect so much when I am already weighed down by the pressure on the left side. Plus, I have back issues, bladder issues, and two partial knee replacements. But surgeons don't care. It's get the weight off or suffer in pain. So if you need to vent, please, I am right here. I am not 100 percent sure how this site works. I know I about cried when I saw the price of a premium membership. I can't afford anything right now. And I really need support. We all need support; none of this is a walk in the park.

Why Use Ostomy Accessories? Personalization, Security, And Confidence.

Hollister

Using ostomy accessories to create a personalized pouching system can help you prevent leaks and protect your skin.

Learn about the physical and emotional benefits of using ostomy accessories.

Struggling with Parastomal Hernia and Frequent Blockages