new to forum looking for advise

[37uclady]

Hi Everyone, I'm new to this forum and a new ostomate. After an exhausting 37 years with IBD UC I had my total proctocolectomy with ileostomy surgery Jan. 2019. In April I developed a small parastomal hernia.
I need a stoma protector and your advise as to what might work with what I'm currently using... Coloplast SenSura Mio small convex flip with a Nu-Hope hernia belt. I'm a curvy lady and had to cut the new hope belt for it not to flip on me.
I have learned so much reading your posts. Thank you for this forum.
37uclady

[sassie]

Welcome 37uclady, Your right there is lots of info here and someone will post you a reply as to what they use,i'm clueless as to what they use i also have a parastomal hernia under my colostomy but i cannot stand pressure on me anyplace so as of yet using nothing but elastic type panties and sometime a stoma belt....

best of luck, sassie

[37uclady]

Thanks for the warm welcome Sassie. Sorry to hear you also are suffering with your parastomal hernia. I don't like the pressure the Nu-Hope belt causes either but it's the only support I have and I need to wear something. The stoma belt for my barrier worked before I had my hernia but not now. I wish the panties were an option for me but unfortunately my ileostomy surgeon's placement of my stoma was not where I and my WOC RN had marked. It's high above where an panties would sit.
I know how uniquely different we all are as ostomates but there are so many of us that someone must be using what I am and able to recommend a good stoma guard.
I wish you luck in health and life
37uclady

[jstl]

Are you looking for a (relatively) hard plastic guard for your stoma or just something to add support? There are several of each available.
have you looked here?: https://www.ostomyarmor.com/
https://www.stomagear.com/
https://comfizz.com/
Once you decide what you're after, you may even find it on Amazon.

Some people who just want a little extra support use belly bands (the kind pregnant women use) or even light compression (body shaping) camisoles.
I have no personal experience with guards and protectors although I've had my ileo for 45 years. I hope someone with experience using the guards sees your post and can offer real-world advice!

[37uclady]

Hi jstl, Thank you for your response. I need more support so I looking for a hernia belt with a stoma guard. Ostomyarmour looks pretty heavy duty and bulky for me. I also looked at Stomagear and was going to order one from them before I developed my hernia but now I'm not sure if what they offer is the best fit for my needs. Thank you for recommending comfizz I had not heard of them until today through both you and Eric's forum at www.veganostomy.ca His stoma guard video reviews have been a big help. I will definitely check out comfizz. Thanks jsti I appreciate your help.
37uclady

[nickolas]

Hi and welcome.

I've had my permanent colostomy for about 15 yrs now. I too use SenSura Mio and a NuHope belt. I developed a hernia over time and had it corrected about 5 yrs ago. Mine is slowly coming back. I power walk and my surgeon feels that is probably the biggest reason why I have the hernia. But the benefits of walking outweigh the hernia.

When I am power walking, I also wear a special back belt to give me extra protection around my stoma. I got my back belt at storefront that sells medical devices. It's not the kind of back belt you would find at Walgreen's. I feel that has helped a lot in keeping my parastomal hernia at bay.

I've been told not to lift heavy items as that can add to the hernia size.

Hope this helps.

Nickolas

[37uclady]

Hi Nickolas, Thank you for your response. Nice to hear from someone with a hernia and using same products as I'am. I never thought of using a back belt for extra support great idea. I will be checking out my local medical supply store for a good back brace. I still need a stoma guard though. We are getting ready to remodel and I have bumped or grazed my stoma several times and I want to avoid any real injury. Everything is being packed in small boxes. It's twice the work but worth it because things are easier to move. I can't lift more than 15-20 lbs. the rest of my life.
Thanks for your help.