Dear Laura,
I had emergency ostomy surgery last march. I have a peristomal hernia the size of a breast. Is that normal? Thanks so much.
Best Wishes,
Manny
Hi Manny,
Large hernias are not uncommon for people who have ostomies, but it is not necessarily normal. A hernia, according to Healthline, occurs when part of the intestines push through the muscular abdominal wall. The stoma is essentially a medically created hernia. It creates weakness in the abdominal wall. Due to this weakness, hernias are not uncommon.
Talk to your surgeon to see if he or she thinks it is okay to leave the hernia as is, or if he or she believes it should be repaired.
I would also suggest investing in a hernia belt (like the New Hope Hernia Belt). This will help support your hernia and prevent it from getting worse. Many practitioners and manufacturers suggest putting on the hernia belt while lying down in bed, while the hernia is not protruding as far out of your body. After correctly applying the hernia belt, you can get out of bed and walk around feeling like your hernia is secure and supported!
Please let me know if you have any other questions!
I hope you’re happy and healthy!
-Laura
For more information, see related ostomy issue articles and ostomy resources here:
- Abdominal Adhesions
- Intestinal Blockages
- When to Contact your Doctor With Stoma Complications or Peristomal Skin Issues
Shield HealthCare | Stronger with Shield
How do you explain what an ostomy is to someone?
Thank you for this information about the peristomal hernia. I have a peistomal hernia and have contacted my surgeon and G I doctor but
receive no answers. My stoma has a burning pain and causes me to not feel well. Some days the intestinal prolapse is quite extended and
if I lie down it sinks into my abdomen. My colostomy surgery was August 11, 2015. I feel the surgeon is avoiding repair surgery and will not
discuss this with me. Also, I am a senior, but an active senior. Apparently I also have an infection. I feel so helpless. Is this what life is like
after a colostomy? Thank you so much for your information.
Can you sleep with a prolaspe hernia all night