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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kenc | @kenc | Jan 8, 2022

Have sought the advice of a colorectal surgeon or GP?

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)

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.

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)

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.