Seeking Advice on Recurring Hernia Post-Colostomy

In 2003 I had a colostomy due to incntinence....Before that I had 2 surgeries to repair the rectum muscles neither of which worked, thus the colostomy.....I now have a large hernia and would like that repaired, but the doc says it will only come back.   I have problems with clothes fitting properly and am very self conscious of the hernia.



Can any one give any advice as to this problem?  I am thinking of seeing another surgeon

but he is not a colo-rectal surgeon....Any advice woul be helpful.....Thanks for listening.



Flo

Hi Flo,



I've only had my colostomy less than a year and have developed a hernia.  My abdomen is so weak from so many other surgeries it's no wonder it's developed the new 'baby' hernia.  My GI Surgeon told me that I would be a great candidate for the newer thinking of surgery that is using a mesh.  I'm not sure what kind of mesh it is but the rate of success in preventing further hernias is much less with using this  mesh.  Previously they just repaired the area of the hernia with no other support put in to prevent further hernias.  It does not prevent hernias developing in other areas of the abdomen where there is no mesh though.  My surgeon is in Boston, not too far for you.  I'd being thinking of getting other consults for sure.  Good Luck and take care.  My motto is when in doubt seek more information, there's always a reason for that little 'doubt voice' to speak up.

Hernias are a part of a ostomy and he's right, they come back - I have 2 right now and am just dealing with them.  I too have a bump on the right side, but hide it as best I can.  Besides that, having hernias removed can often turn out to be major surgery and very dangerous.  My doctor won't do it unless absoutely necessary.  He told me it could end up being more complicated than my regular ostomy surgery and believe me, I'm not going to go through that again if I don't have to.  Think hard about that - I understand about clothes not fitting properly.  I have to wear my jeans bigger because the waist must be bigger because of the bump and tightness is not good for an ostomy.  I wouldn't jump into that unless it's causing you alot of pain or complications.  That is just my opinion, others may not agree.  I'd look into it first.  You take care.

Shirlgirl

Thanks for all the advice, but I have made the decision not to have the hernia removed...There is no pain associated with it, so I will just have to deal..The probability of major complications are too great and the fact that it could most likely return is another deterrant.  At my age (73) who cares if I have a large protrusion on my belly.  It is what it is and that's it...Vanity will have to take a back seat...Take care everyone.  Keep up the good advice...



Flo