PARASTOMAL HERNIA

Hi Inanna,

If there was one thing that was told to me when I had my stoma, it was about parastomal hernias, and I think it should be standard practice that we all should wear hernia support. I have a hernia belt - it's a wrap-around and fastens with Velcro so I can easily put it on, take it off, and adjust it if necessary through the day. I used to have a lot of pain with the hernia but since wearing the belt, I don't have that any more. We only get 2 on prescription per year, but that's nowhere near enough as anyone will tell you that elastic loses its elasticity over time. I have purchased more throughout the past year at my own cost, but it's a price worth paying.

Hope this of some help to you.

Linda :-)

Hi Linda 

Thank you so much for your helpful response.

I do not have a hernia but just wondering if prevention is better than a cure 

Has anyone worn hernia belts without having a hernia?

Inanna xx 

Hello Inanna

Thank you for posting this, as this has been on my mind too. I had not heard anything about hernias and the risk of further damage post abdominal surgery, until I saw it mentioned on the forums. I am 4 weeks post op, and am up & downstairs, going for walks and doing a bit of gardening. But I am a bit concerned that I may have overdone it, as I have swelling above the stoma. Have no idea whether this is post-surgery swelling or not. Obviously I hope that it is and that it will go down. I don't have any pain, it's just a little awkward.

I have, following a recommendation from LB61 been online to Vanilla Blush, and they have knickers and vests for support, as well as hernia support. I have just ordered some to try out, because I want to feel more confident and give my abdomen more support, before I extend the length of my walks.

I wish I had been told about the high risk of hernias before leaving hospital, because I would have been more cautious about exercise in the first couple of weeks. Hopefully everything's okay though, and bodies are amazing at healing.

I have also heard that some people wear 'shapewear' next size up, to provide light abdominal support. Probably worth checking in with your stoma nurse for additional guidance.

Best wishes

Hi Silver Birch

I do hope it is not a hernia, they can be painless but apologies if i am wrong

I have ordered stoma briefs which are supportive of hernias,  they are level 2 from Comfizz.

If it was not for this forum  i would know next to nothing.

You are very active after such a short time after major surgery x puts me to shame

Inanna xx 

Hello Silver Birch and Inanna,

Feeling a little bit unkind for mentioning the 'hernia' thing.  I got warned endlessly about it by my Stoma team and assumed everyone else did as well so I apologise for any upset.

First thing I have learned  - hernias are not inevitable.  Two years on I don't have one and am working on avoiding one.  Exercise is a really important part of this but, dare I say it, Silver B, in moderation to start.  I have been lucky to be part of a trial scheme run with Macmillan by my local gym.  A group of cancer survivors/patients, we meet up once or twice a week for an hour of cardio-vascular stuff (bikes and treadmill) and circuits using resistance bands and small weights overseen by our specialist trainers.  I hope the scheme gets rolled out across the country because it is a joy.  My physical stamina and strength have returned after being virtually bed-bound with anaemia followed by emergency surgery when the cause was finally identified and, mentally, the company has been encouraging and uplifting.

If you haven't got the scheme where you are get a cattle prod under your teams or speak to Macmillan.  I can't recommend it enough.  In the meantime, may I suggest 'The Bowel Cancer Toolkit' by Sarah Russell?  She has a full progressive exercise regime in photographs and instructions many of which I have been using to improve core strength - and that is the key to not having a hernia I am told.  It also discusses mental health, diet, lifestyle changes and, best of all, the writer is a medical professional and has a stoma herself so knows the problems.  It is widely available and up to date with the latest ideas.

I use support wear for housework and gardening now as well as exercise, and, yes, I am doing my resistance band exercises in the house.  My doors may not outlast the lockdown.  But take things steadily.  Bowel surgery is a major issue.  The body takes time to heal without the added complication of this little pink pet we all have.

Hope I haven't lectured.  In case you hadn't guessed I am a teacher and far too prone to moving information around, even where no one asks for it.  But it is nice to talk and if it helps.....?

All the best to both of you.  Take care

Hi LB

I think your advice was very helpful and not at all unkind.

I will be chatting to my stoma nurses.

Inanna xx 

Thanks LB61

I think it's really interesting the different approaches everywhere - and the different things we are told, with the same/similar medical condition. I was rushed into hospital and had emergency surgery, I had four nights in hospital following surgery and then came home. My main problem was actually sitting up and getting out of bed for the first week or so, and that was where I felt most pressure and pull on my abdomen. I had no idea that hernias were a risk, or how much care was needed following abdominal surgery. Also, I have a high pain threshold, so I was off painkillers completely within a couple of days and have been on zero medication. So I have discomfort, but no pain.

I have asked, on the phone, stoma and district nurses about exercise, and I have just been told to do what feels comfortable. What I have been looking for are exercise suggestions specific to my current needs - and focused on rebuilding the abdominal muscles. I have just found four simple exercises on the coloplast website, which I will start to do regularly.

I do hope that swelling, is simply post-surgery swelling. Being on this forum has taught me a lot already, and I now have support wear on order etc. And I have now ordered the book you recommended - which looks great, and I look forward to receiving it, so many thanks for sharing this.

Best wishes.

Just glad I could help.  This is not the simplest thing any of us have ever done. Enjoy the book.  And take care

Glad to help. Take care

Hi LB61

I have just linked you into this conversation https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ileostomy_and_colostomy_discussions/f/ileostomy_and_colostomy_discussions-forum/200061/swelling-above-stoma---hernia

If you have anything to add to member Stevejhb I'm sure he would appreciate the benefit of experiences.

LB hope you have the time to be of further assistance.

Many thanks

Ian

CC

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