Stoma Size Increasing and Hernia Belt Recommendations

I am about 11 weeks post temporary ileostomy due to a leaking anastomosis after colon resection due to cancer. I was told the stoma would shrink as time went on until the swelling was gone and it was stabilized. That did happen.

Well, the past few weeks I have noticed it is actually getting bigger (mostly around but it sticks out a little more too). Has anyone had this issue. I did have a CT recently that mentioned a slightly worsened parastomal hernia that I had never been told about before. I worry about everything because I am in student teaching and cannot miss any days. I also do not have access to an ostomy nurse because they keep referring me to one over an hour away instead of the local one.

Also, does anyone have recommendations for a hernia belt.  I tried a few on Amazon that did not fit or work well for me.

You might want to have the parastomal hernia looked at again incase it is getting even worse. Just have it checked out. It's better to know then not know. Then you can go from there. 

I can't advise you about hernia belts because I have never had one. I hope someone else can give you  a suggestion on that. 

Good luck with your outcome. I am sorry they keep referring you to a stoma nurse so far away. I had my surgery in a town a hour away but they were able to find a local stoma nurse for me. I feel lucky to have had her for the short time I did have her. She taught me a lot. And then I was able to learn some things that work for me on my own.

Good luck with the student teaching.

Hello, my stoma got much larger/wider as my parastomal hernia grew.  The belt I used and preferred was Brava, and my insurance covered it.  It was ordered by my ostomy nurse after she sized me for it, and she cut the hole when it came in.  I understand your frustration - I also had to drive a ways to see an ostomy nurse as I had none in my area.  Best of luck!  

I have a colostomy, 18 months post-op.

Developed a parastomal hernia at 4 months. My surgeon is not concerned about it. They are very common with ostomies and can get large. Usually, they cause no physical trouble. In rare cases, they can cause strangulation of the stoma, requiring immediate medical intervention.

I wear a hernia support belt all the time, even while sleeping. My belts are made by Nu-Hope Corporation. Their belts are comfortable and well-made. They have a wide selection of styles and customization. I buy my own because Medicare is hard to deal with. Private insurance usually covers hernia belts. Get a belt prescription from your surgeon/doctor, send it to your medical ostomy supply company. You have to know your wafer/bag flange diameter. It is usually on the box of wafers or bags. I'm a small guy, so I get 3 and 4-inch wide belts. I also have 2-inch wide Nu-Hope belts; they just started making them.

My stoma got larger and longer 6 months after surgery. Thank you, hernia 😏

 

I had a loop ileostomy 3 months ago. Everything was good until recently my stoma has become very painful and moves around a lot as well. I went back to a very soft diet like post-operation. Also on antibiotics, so it's hard to tell which is helping.

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

If your stoma changes color, you get a fever, or have continued pain, go to an emergency room or visit your doctor. Don't go to an urgent care facility. They are not equipped to help you.