UOAA Discussion Board

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.