Parastomal Hernia

Oh Moira-that sounds so difficult for you. One of my friends is currently waiting for surgery on her 2 parastomal hernias as she’s finding it so hard to do even simple things like bending and it’s very painful for her. 

I hope t you’ll hear from someone with relevant experience-I’ve always been concerned about developing one, but it’s difficult to avoid things, even lifting heavier things than I should as my partner has a herniated disc! 

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,

I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself to tell the truth! I though that once I had my second hip operation, I'd be able to walk around great! The operation was fine, no problems, then I got gastro enteritis and just one thing after another, so I couldn't do my physio! Now, that darned hernia that seems to grow and grow! Can't walk, can't sit, can't bend, all I CAN do is eat and that doesn't help! Thanks for listening to me moan Sarah, for heavens sake be careful to avoid getting one, your poor partner, a herniated disc is so painful!

Moira x

I’d be feeling sorry for myself too, Moira. I’m very sorry for my poor partner after this going on since May last year, and the pain has been terrible. 

You were doing so well after your hip op but it seems one thing after another happens to us. Now it’s back and fore to hospitals again, nhs and private this time and it would be nice to get a break!

Sarah xx

Wow! That is tough! Have as many pity parties as you want... you deserve to be heard. 

My surgery was recent (5 months ago), but I developed a parastomal hernia almost immediately. I was advised to wear a belt 24/7 and so far it hasn't gotten worse. 

I don't have a lot of pain but when I notice pain it is during times I need to remove the belt. So I think the belt is helping. 

Good luck! 

Hi Susan,

Thanks for replying! I'm not usually so fed up but this has got me down! My hernia developed pretty quickly too but it wasn't very big, not like now! 

Does the belt stay in place ok? I have visions of it ending up in a lump around where I used to have a waist! They aren't cheap but I'll definitely think about getting one!

Moira x

My belt has holes in it where you pull the bag through and the pressure from the belt not only helps support the hernia but also holds the wafer snug against your skin. It's not going anywhere; the stomas keep it in place. 

I bought my first one out of pocket but I'm hopeful that insurance will cover a second (you do need to wash it from time to time!) I'm not familiar with the British health care system but I'd think you could get one there. 

If you message me privately, I will give the brand names that were recommended to me. I'm not sure if  it's ok to post that publicly.