Surgery or Wait? Dealing with Parastomal Hernia and Prolapse Concerns

My heart is pounding, I'm feeling sick just at the thought of not knowing what to do... I know I will get the answer to my question soon, but still, I'm nervous. Having another corrective surgery scares me... I'm sure we all have these feelings, especially when it's the stoma... not knowing if it will be better or if it will make it worse... I have another parastomal hernia and another prolapsed stoma which does what it wants... there are days when it feels "normal," then there are days when it just hangs out and swells up so much that I have to take off the bag, lay down, and let it do its thing. I'm afraid that if I do have the surgery, it will happen again, or even worse, it turns out that the stoma turns into an innie... I guess time will tell. I'm going for my second opinion today. Let's see what the second doctor has to say... Writing out my thoughts has calmed me down. It's time to start getting ready for the doctor's appointment...

Afternoon, Winnie. I can understand your concern. As I have had a prolapse... fixed it in February, now it is slowly coming out again even with the mesh. I say about 1-1/2 into the bag, not too bad—the diameter went from a 3/4 to a 1-3/4! So, after two surgeries, as long as it works, and it does... I am leaving it alone. But I do not yet have a hernia. My stoma will go back in somewhat after laying down for a while. But I have been on steroids for 40 years, and I am sure my muscles are not too good. Not sure what to tell you... yours is a lot worse than mine, and I do understand your concerns. I had a surgeon tell me once a long time ago, you can always have surgery, but if something goes wrong, there's nothing they can do. Good luck with your decision! It is a tough one! Let me know how you make out with the second opinion.

Thank you, Spade, for responding. I have left this alone for about 5 plus years. Throughout the years, I think it has gotten worse in the sense that I have to pull off the bag and wait. I still have to work for a living, which is an inconvenience to have to leave work, run home, and let it do its thing. As for the second opinion, I was told that sooner or later I would have to fix it, sooner rather than later mainly because I could wind up with a strangulated intestine, and that would be more complicated. My stoma hangs out all the time, sometimes not as long, but unless I'm lying down, then it goes in some. I can see where steroids can have an effect on your system. After my appointment with the 2nd doctor, I was undecided about which doctor will do the surgery. I have decided to go with where I feel most comfortable and who I can trust. Thanks again, I really didn't expect anyone to respond, at least I know I am not the only one that has had a second prolapse. God bless!

It looks like you have done your homework, Winnie, and selected the right doctor. Now, trust that doctor and start believing that everything is going to be fine. There really is a lot of power in positive thinking. PB

Hello Winnie,Thank you for sharing you difficulties. You are certainly not alone in contemplating what to do in these sort of circumstances. Please let us know how things work out for you. Good luck!Best wishes Bill

My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister

Hi Winnie, I know how it feels to have to go through another surgery, but I'm glad to see you've taken the right steps and not taken the first doctor that you saw without doing a little homework. You really have to look out for number one. I hate to say "try not to worry," but you know what I mean. We'll be here anytime to listen to anything you feel will help lessen your worries, Ed.

Thanks, PB, I'm the one usually telling others what you told me: positive thoughts. Now to practice what I preach... Thanks, Bill, I will post how things work out... Hi Ed, yes, I know what you mean, and I'm leaving my worries to the powers that be. Focus on positive thoughts, and I will post to let y'all know how things turn out.

Hi Winnie, I hope your doctor is experienced in this type of surgery. I have visited many doctors throughout the world, and it is amazing just how naive some are about our conditions. They talk about cancer, heart attacks, and they all seem to be experts. I think you have to be firm with the doctor and ask him what his experience is with this type of thing and consult with a good consultant. When I had my ileostomy, it took me nearly three years of going in and out of the hospital as the doctor had no clue as to what was wrong until it blew up as I had Ulcerative Colitis, but I suffered for three years anyway. Good luck and stay positive; it will work out, I am sure.

You're right, PRIVACY, the input I got on my second opinion was nothing like the first. After much thought, it sounded like the doctor was trying to sell me a surgery. I will stay positive. Thanks for your response.