I just visited a surgeon. Not the one who performed the original ileostomy ten years ago but his associate, a young woman whom I thought I’d feel most comfortable discussing the current situation.
I have what looks to be a herniated stoma (a hernia in the stoma) and I wanted to find out what this means. She ordered a CT scan because she couldn’t be sure by feel. If the scan shows that there is a hernia it will also confirm where it is (on the wound or next to the stoma).
Boy, I’m glad that I’ve learned how to ask questions when discussing options with doctors. It’s only taken 30 years 🙂
So, this is what I learned:
1. Stomal hernias aren’t as simple to fix as other hernias (that are often day surgery). It requires at least overnight to several days hospitalization.2. It could be managed by cleaning out the infected area and inserting a highly specialized mesh or it could require a new site for the ileostomy. The surgeon won’t know until she’s in there (not easy for those who like to know what to expect).
3. Post surgery, if it’s the “clean up herniated area†route, there could be infection soon after which would require another surgery to close the stoma and create a new site .
4. It usually take about 6 weeks (and I know from experience you can never predict this stuff) to feel “normal†… for someone like me, with MS, it can also bring on flares.
5. This isn’t a life endangering condition so it’s important to tread carefully and lightly. My doctor told me that I shouldn’t wait until it’s the size of Rhode Island but I’m not making myself worse if I wait. I have a very busy schedule for the next six months ( a book coming out and a busy coaching practice) so I’m thinking I’ll wait on this.
While they’re at it, what about a tummy tuck where the belly bulges at the wound site? Hmm. Lemons out of lemonade? Has anyone done this and can share their experience? In researching this, I came across the BCIR technique. Anyone know about that?Rosalind
Phyllis says
I’m not the only one who is also ???ing this condition. I”ll be seeing my surgeons this a.m. for the same reason. Yes, I have heard of BCIR, however hardly info. other than it’s an internal pouch.
I:ll hopefully have more info for you after my appointments.
Take care,
Phyllis
Rick Clarke says
So………………a long time now has passed but how did that all go? I have a stoma and now it is herniated and surgury may have to be done. I am off to my Surgeon Sept 18th so we’ll see what he says. He was the original surgeon who did the operation 6 years ago.
Rosalind says
Hi Rick – Sorry so late to reply. Just saw this now. Yes, it’s been 16 years that I’m living with an ileostomy. I haven’t had any ‘major’problems although it takes a lot of self care and attention . . . and there have been many ‘mishaps’ with leaking over the years. I hope that you get that this problem resolves quickly and easily for you. Rosalind
Rick Clarke says
Thank-you Rosiland. Well……..been to the surgeon. He told me that yes surgery was needed. And yes just what procedure will depend on what he finds. He did speak of the mesh being done. A possibility that the stoma site may have to moved was also possible. I have had pain every day for the last year and a half but just figured I would live with it as I did not know about the potential for a hernia. After seeing an ET nurse and she looked at it she said….OMG Rick you need this dealt with sooner rather than later. ET nurses are awesome. Shoulda, coulda gone earlier but………………well I am a man after all eh? lol So now I am waiting to hear if a push from my GP could speed up the process as my surgeon said that it was “elective” ? surgery. WHAT ???? so now we wait again. Infections are always a possibility and that would delay recovery but I feel that seeing as I can’t seem to walk around for more than a couple of hours without pain that slows me down to a very slow walk I guess that SOMETHING should be done. So……….we’ll see what happens next. Rick
LARRY REID says
i am 4 months since my surgery. i am swollen outwards around my stoma. is this normal or what. my urologist not to worry, we must keep a check on the problem. how bad can this get.