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Any suggestions on dealing with an incisional hernia with an ostomy?

Posted by jbcisandi1 @jbcisandi1, Jan 7, 2022

I got my colostomy in June, and got an incisional hernia around October. The hernia is very large and cannot be repaired. I tried a support belt but it didn’t really hold in the hernia. Someone suggested a tight corset or tummy control underwear. I want to hold the hernia in because I can only wear leggings and tunic tops now, but I don’t want to restrict the colostomy. Any suggestions?

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 7, 2022

Welcome @jbcisandi1, I'm tagging fellow members @candywocrn @engelee and @jstanhill, who may have some suggestions for you.

I'm sorry to hear that the hernia cannot be repaired. Can you share a bit more why the support belt didn't work?

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1 reply
jbcisandi1 | @jbcisandi1 | Jan 7, 2022
In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome @jbcisandi1, I'm tagging fellow members @candywocrn @engelee and @jstanhill, who may have some suggestions for..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Welcome @jbcisandi1, I'm tagging fellow members @candywocrn @engelee and @jstanhill, who may have some suggestions for you.

I'm sorry to hear that the hernia cannot be repaired. Can you share a bit more why the support belt didn't work?

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Thanks! I’m hoping to find a support belt or something that will hold the stomach in a bit, in addition to supporting the hernia without restricting the colostomy function. It would be great to wear normal clothing again, and, to be honest, it’s hard to keep positive when I look down and see this Hugh stomach.

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1 reply
sher99 | @sher99 | Jan 8, 2022
In reply to @jbcisandi1 "Thanks! I’m hoping to find a support belt or something that will hold the stomach in..." + (show)
@jbcisandi1

Thanks! I’m hoping to find a support belt or something that will hold the stomach in a bit, in addition to supporting the hernia without restricting the colostomy function. It would be great to wear normal clothing again, and, to be honest, it’s hard to keep positive when I look down and see this Hugh stomach.

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I also have a hernia located under/behind the stoma. While having osteoporosis, a double whammy creates a rather large stomach, especially with a 74lb frame. I deal with this by wearing tummy covering clothing. The suggestion of moving ostomy to the right side is not an option! (mine). Surgery has not been mentioned to remove the hernia. I was told it would grow back. Living with an ostomy can have its drawbacks, it certainly beats the alternative. While looking down at my stomach (not far these days), I dig down and bring out my sense of humor....and live with it. So, yes. Lots of chuckles.

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2 replies
kenc | @kenc | Jan 8, 2022

Have sought the advice of a colorectal surgeon or GP?

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1 reply
jbcisandi1 | @jbcisandi1 | Jan 8, 2022
In reply to @sher99 "I also have a hernia located under/behind the stoma. While having osteoporosis, a double whammy creates..." + (show)
@sher99

I also have a hernia located under/behind the stoma. While having osteoporosis, a double whammy creates a rather large stomach, especially with a 74lb frame. I deal with this by wearing tummy covering clothing. The suggestion of moving ostomy to the right side is not an option! (mine). Surgery has not been mentioned to remove the hernia. I was told it would grow back. Living with an ostomy can have its drawbacks, it certainly beats the alternative. While looking down at my stomach (not far these days), I dig down and bring out my sense of humor....and live with it. So, yes. Lots of chuckles.

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Thanks so much for reminding me to keep my sense of humor! I do have some tunic tops. Colostomies are challenging for sure!

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jbcisandi1 | @jbcisandi1 | Jan 9, 2022
In reply to @kenc "Have sought the advice of a colorectal surgeon or GP?" + (show)
@kenc

Have sought the advice of a colorectal surgeon or GP?

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Yes, I have discussed this with my surgeon. He provided a wrap, but it only supports the hernia. It doesn’t hold in my stomach at al. Thanks for responding.

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1 reply
Jason Rebholtz | @msgtrebholtz | Jan 9, 2022

Just curious why you won't switch your ostomy site?
I have a work out belt from Mr Colitis Crohn's. It's made by a guy named Misha who is a personal trainer in England with a permanent ileostomy (same as me). I have at least a thousand miles on mine. Really holds my core and ostomy secure when I run and work out.
Good on you for keeping your chin up and funny bone intact.
Doc

REPLY
kenc | @kenc | Jan 10, 2022
In reply to @jbcisandi1 "Yes, I have discussed this with my surgeon. He provided a wrap, but it only supports..." + (show)
@jbcisandi1

Yes, I have discussed this with my surgeon. He provided a wrap, but it only supports the hernia. It doesn’t hold in my stomach at al. Thanks for responding.

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I purchased a couple of items online that provide support to the mid drift, especially when wearing a relatively form fitting dress.

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1 reply
jbcisandi1 | @jbcisandi1 | Jan 10, 2022
In reply to @kenc "I purchased a couple of items online that provide support to the mid drift, especially when..." + (show)
@kenc

I purchased a couple of items online that provide support to the mid drift, especially when wearing a relatively form fitting dress.

Jump to this post

Thanks for responding kenc! What sort of items did you buy? We’re they a wrap or something else? I can’t find a wrap that really holds in the hernia enough so that I can wear jeans. I appreciate any suggestions!

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1 reply
kenc | @kenc | Jan 10, 2022

You may want to review this on Amazon: Ostomy Support Garments Ostomy Underwear for Women Stoma Bag Cover Colostomy Bag Cover Hernia Support for Men (26"~40" Waistline)

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