The last time I felt this way, I was pregnant!
My bulge now resembles the size of a cantaloupe melon, but the surgeon is not concerned. (Ten months post-op) He says that there are no guarantees that re-siting the colostomy will have any positive outcome, as there are no guarantees the same thing might happen. How do others cope with the constant pressure? It's horrible.
It seems the key word here is "pressure".... I have a hernia as well, which appeared within a few months of my ileostomy surgery. It was the size of a small boob (sorry, that was the only way I could describe it). The doctor said it is normal for most to get a hernia and I just need to get a hernia belt - I did, and I rarely use it - too uncomfortable. Now, my hernia is about 3 years old... it has grown a bit - I try to heed not lifting or straining. Although, it is a bulge I could live without, there is absolutely no discomfort with it. As much as I never want to visit doctors or hospitals or take meds again, I have also said if I have any pain, I will be the first one in line for help - relief. Although, kudos to your doctor for not jumping on the surgery bandwagon, pressure does not seem normal to me... jb
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No discomfort with mine either. I was told unless it's causing issues to leave it alone.
I've had my hernia for around 10 years now, and it's about the same size as yours, like a melon. I am lucky I don't have many problems with it, and as I'm not expected to survive another abdominal surgery, it would only be repaired in a do-or-die situation. Your surgeon is right in that if it's repaired, you have a higher risk of the hernia returning, and you could get another one where your stoma is re-sited, plus more scar tissue that can cause problems in years to come. However, if you're having that much of a problem with pressure, have another word with your consultant or even ask for a second opinion.
Hello, I can 100% relate to the pregnancy feeling! I also had a parastomal hernia under my colostomy that was repaired during my reversal. It never caused me pressure or pain, but it was quite large, and I looked pregnant. I was so happy to be rid of it after my reversal... then I got sick 2 days out of the hospital, couldn't stop coughing, and got a new hernia in a different area! With that one, I frequently feel pressure because the skin stretches where it is bulging, so I feel pregnant. I can't stand the feeling of pressure. I have seen several doctors, and from what I have heard, that can be a normal feeling - but you could consult with your doctor about it, especially if it causes any pain. I would definitely recommend a hernia belt - my wound nurse sized me for one and ordered it, then cut the hole when it came in. I am wearing a belt again with the new hernia; it helps relieve that feeling of pressure and, with any luck, will stop it from becoming any larger.
If you are interested, try and find a surgeon who has done these types of repairs. I had surgery done on mine twice. The first time was with a surgeon with no experience; it lasted a year. The second surgeon had experience with about 4 or 5 people, and it has been 14 years with no hernia. They tell me I still have one, but there is no stomach bulge. Mine was the size of a very large grapefruit, painful, and my bags were not sticking well.
Seems to be what is needed for any surgery: an experienced surgeon, one who is honest about possible results and does not have a personal agenda. At 80 years old and with many life experiences, I have personally witnessed the difference.
Experience and honesty as to the proposed methodology of address - different elements and the patient's particular medical history have relevance here.
J
I've had 3 hernias repaired, but the peristomal hernia is excruciating when my stoma collapses into it. My current surgeon explained that the challenge with a peristomal hernia is that they basically create a hernia to make the stoma. I have belts and other ways to keep it compressed. I watch my weight and make sure I don't eat anything that will cause a blockage and activate the hernia.
If you find a surgical solution, let us know!
I iterate all that Imperfect has said....
Indeed, and it's always a balance in keeping what tract we have remaining 'blockage free' with careful diet choices and thorough mastication. I guess it's down to our own personal good management - AND finding the Surgeon - with a vocation and specialist knowledge of our particular medical idiosyncrasies.
Thing is, there are a number of schools of thought when it comes to the application of gauze - type of product and the extensive - or conservative use of the same. And of course, steps taken to ensure it remains in place! There are a number of accounts of gauze 'migration' here on site.
BW
Jayne
Jayne
