Sharing My Parastomal Hernia Repair Experience

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Ocker
Sep 22, 2011 6:39 am

My first, possibly only, blog. Thought I might share my experience of having a hernia repair. I have a Urostomy, since Sept. 2010, and the hernia came about 4 months later. As I have stated before, my surgeon called it a "mother of a hernia." It was probably the size of a softball (I use the analogy of a softball as a deference to our American cousins instead of 'cricket ball'). The operation was carried out about 10 days ago and, as I came to in recovery, they decided to move me to another hospital owing to bed shortages. So, 2 hours after the op, I am bundled into an ambulance and hit the road. First, we have to drop off another passenger at another facility which didn't bother me too much as I'm away with the fairies. Then the ambulance took a wrong turn and we traveled the wrong way for 1/2 hour. Finally, I arrive at the destination, get settled into bed, and then I notice I am wearing a colostomy bag and not a urostomy bag. Nowhere to plug into my night bag. Had to then change bags, fit wafer and new bag from my own emergency kit, and supply my own night bag. Asked ward nurse if she wanted to help me change bags, etc. She was a first year and did not want to go near it! Luckily, my wife was handy to help out. The next morning, I was told I am fit to go home and to please vacate by 10 a.m.! They must have thought it's every person's dream to linger in the hospital! However, the hernia has, so far, been fixed and is a lot more comfortable. The first 7 days were painful but gradually now coming back to normal. The op scar is about 6 inches long but neat and tidy. I am finding it easier to walk, etc., and it doesn't catch on objects like before. Positive so far.

Past Member
Sep 22, 2011 6:08 pm

Wonderful Ocker. You sound like a real trouper, keep up the good work and keep us informed, okay? Best wishes, BEG

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gramps4
Sep 23, 2011 8:57 am

It doesn't work! I have had an ileostomy since November 1992 and have had 21 major operations to repair my hernias, but it appears somewhere else. I have had mesh inserted every time, and I now have the mesh infected and a discharge from the side of my stoma!

Past Member
Sep 24, 2011 5:26 pm
I love your positive outlook, Ocker. I have a small hernia now and my doctor said no one will operate on one that small. Scary to think it will get bigger as it is already so very uncomfortable at this size. I hope the surgery worked and you will not experience what poor gramps4 has gone through. I'm very sorry for your outcomes, gramps. All I can say is God Bless You.
gramps4
Sep 25, 2011 1:07 am
I do not let my problem worry me, as my surgeon said that as soon as I cannot manage it he will operate, but because of my age he is probably a little concerned!!!
 

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mooza
Sep 25, 2011 9:24 am

Onya Ocker Geezus, where the hell didya get ya op done, Matey? Goondawindi or Yakandanada? LOL, what the!!! Mooza... Melbourne xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

gramps4
Sep 25, 2011 10:43 am
Sydney!!!
Ocker
Sep 25, 2011 11:34 pm
Hi Mooza! You know what the public system is like in Oz - in one day and then kicked out the next! Had the op.in good old Melbourne via Southern Health. Generally they have been pretty good but I suppose we all get a bad day. Can't complain though in case I have to go back!!
mooza
Sep 26, 2011 7:16 am

Yep, I do know the system way too well, Ocker!! Hahaha, hoping you don't have to go back. Oh, Southern Health, is that the Monash? I have been to that hospital, also Box Hill, Cabrini, Alfred, one in East St. Kilda, Mercy for Women, Royal Melbourne, St. Vincent's, Mercy Werribee. Can't remember the rest, hahaha. Know what you meant though, getting worse, free my arse, lolol.

Ocker
Sep 26, 2011 10:17 pm

Geez Mooza, there aren't many hospitals left to try - maybe a little bush hospital at the back of Bourke would be worth a visit. If they gave out frequent flyer points for hospital visits, you could have gone around the world a couple of times. Well, it's good to hear you're still cheerful. The Monash is part of Southern Health as well as Moorabbin, Dandenong, Casey, and a few health centers.

gramps4
Sep 26, 2011 10:55 pm

Do NOT go to Dandenong Hospital!!! I was taken there by ambulance at 3 a.m. with a bad attack of gallstones. I was the only one in the emergency room and waited in severe pain until 5 a.m. before being seen by a doctor!!! After X-rays and blood tests, I was told to go home. They don't take the stones out unless you have a temperature, headache, and vomiting!!!