UOAA Discussion Board

I’m new on this page. I’m getting desperate. I have crohns disease and had to have my colon removed. I’ve had a stoma for about 6 years. The first 3 years were fine. I developed a peristomal hernia and have had 6 surgeries to repair them now. The surgeon moved it to the other side just this past May. The hernia twisted snd blocked my bowel. It just happened again 2 weeks ago. I didn’t recognize that I had a blockage and threw up for several days before I went to the ER. The surgeon made it clear this last emergency surgery was temporary. Well it turns out they’ve all been temporary! This last time was brutal and I can’t keep doing this. My surgeon is doing some research and I do trust him but I’m wondering if I need to go to a bigger city (Seattle) and get a second opinion. Has anyone else been through this? Y surgeon has used mesh, steel and plastic and pig skin. Had anyone resolved this issue? I know it’s not likely but as I said, I’m desperate.

I have had 3 peristomal hernias requiring surgery. They have used the biological (pig) and artificial meshes. You are right it is not ideal! It seems they work ok for a ,few months and then we are blocked or it strangulate. I would seriously consider a doctor with perhaps a variety of experiences. You will see improvement. Hang on things will get better.

Cellabellar degeneration 2011; Revision 2012; hernia repair 2013; hernia repair 2015; numerous blockages , ileus 2019

I've had a colostomy for about 16yrs now, cancer survivor. First surgery 2004 to remove tumor & rectum. 2nd surgery to repair peristomal hernia in 2014, 10 yrs later. It was pretty big when I finally got it fixed & surgeon used pig mesh. My surgeon is a board certified colon rectal surgeon. Can I assume yours is not? What does your surgeon mean by "temporary" & months? Sorry combining 2 responds into one.

Do either one of you wear a hernia belt? In my situation, temporary means years. I am a power walker, have been for 15 years. Surgeon figures my walking is probably causing the hernia to grow, but as he put it, I am not going to ask you to stop, the benefits of walking out weight the hernia problem. He also assumed it would return over time, & after 6 yrs you can see it now. Not as bad, but there. I also wear a special back belt when out walking for extra protection. If I opt for hernia repair again, he will reposition stoma on right side of stomach. Still up in the air about that.

From my limited knowledge, surgeries create scar tissue, scar tissue can cause blockages. You have a higher chance of having a blockage the first few years following these type of surgeries. I did a few times over a couple of years. It's been years since my last one, can't remember when the last one happened other than years ago. Guess some of the scar tissue will resolve itself & go away.

Are either one of you over weight, I'm not talking a few pound, but 30+ pds. Guess being over weight can increases your chances of getting a peristomal hernia. Also avoid lifting anything heavy.

Best advice, if you don't already have one, get a board certified colon rectal surgeon & a special ostomy hernia belt. And if you think you are having a blockage, walking is suppose to help clear it up.

Hope this helps.

nickolas