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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@dancing1

Can I use your comment in my ostomy newsletter that I do for Northern California...You have a great attitude! Sometimes no surgery but coping gracefully with a good sense of humor is best option!

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Yes, of course. Sharing is a good thing. Living with my ostomy for 10 years, I would be happy to contribute any info regarding my experience. This is a great website! Discovered it while checking for something else. One link to another link, so on and so on. I have shared the Mayo Connect site to friends and family. sher99 to dancing 1 and landj526...not sure how to address to and from?

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@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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Can I use your comment in my ostomy newsletter that I do for Northern California...You have a great attitude! Sometimes no surgery but coping gracefully with a good sense of humor is best option!

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@kenc

Here is another one sold by Amazon: Corsinel StomaSafe Plus Ostomy/Hernia Support Garment Light 3216 by TYTEX (Beige, S/M) 33.5" - 44" Hip Circumference
Visit the Corsinel Store

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Thanks so much! Have a great day!

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@jbcisandi1

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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Here is another one sold by Amazon: Corsinel StomaSafe Plus Ostomy/Hernia Support Garment Light 3216 by TYTEX (Beige, S/M) 33.5" - 44" Hip Circumference
Visit the Corsinel Store

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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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@kenc

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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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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@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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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

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@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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@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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