Stoma Hernia Repair: Unexpected Results and Recovery

Hi, I have just had a "stoma" hernia repair, and I was horrified to see the end result. My stoma seems to be inverted whereas prior to the operation it was a nice protruding bud. I am praying that once the swelling is down, it will be back to normal. I had it repaired as it was causing the stoma to invert and the "pooh" would then leak under the wafer. Sometimes it is better to let sleeping dogs lie than to fix. Needless to say, it is very painful, but Dr. says in 2 weeks it will be OK. He has also prescribed a "hernia support belt" that I must wear once healed daily for 5 weeks to help strengthen the tummy muscles.

I recently had a hernia repair as well. Don't panic... the repaired area will flatten out and start to look normal after a few months. I had a terrible time getting mine to seal right after the repair. Be patient and be prepared to change your regular routine until you find out what works "now" for a reliable seal.

I had to switch my barrier to a different brand with a smaller "footprint", started wearing an ostomy belt 24/7, and that solved my leak problem. My surgeon cautioned me not to put on any weight and not to lift anything. You might want to be very careful with your diet, avoiding just about anything with fiber until everything settles in. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Was your hernia under your stoma or next to it, like in the middle of your body?

I have one which I hate, which is right next to my stoma, and in the middle of my body (waist-line), and it is not a small one either.

Without getting too gross, it looks like the size of a baby's head, without arms, legs, or body, and I am very self-conscious about it, so I am always trying to hide it with my shirts or a sweater.

When I asked my doctors if they're going to remove it, or shrink it, they tell me that unless it grows more or is painful, they're not going to do anything for it.

I don't think the hernia belt for ostomy patients will help mine because it's not under my stoma but next to it.

Any thoughts on this problem?

Sydney