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