With all of the things to concern Ostomates, hernia susceptibility frequently goes by the wayside. We worry about what to eat, what to wear, what will cause an obstruction, how often do we change our appliance, ah, the list goes on and on. But by the very nature of our stoma being created surgically, our risk for hernias is far greater than we recognize.
A few months ago, our Union County Ostomy Support Group had the valuable pleasure of listening to Pam Hughes, our WOC Nurse, who has a keen interest in hernia risks and prevention, as is relates to ostomy. The presentation helped us to understand that anyone having had abdominal surgery has a risk of hernia, since the rectus abdominus, the main abdominal muscles are compromised. Add the fact that a hole (our stoma) is actually created in the abdomen for the exit of stool or urine, and the muscles become even weaker. That weakened area around the “hole” has the potential to develop into a parastomal hernia.
The parastomal hernia is the most frequent complication following the construction of a stoma, occurring in approximately 50% of ostomates. It is a type of incisional hernia that allows protrusion of abdominal contents through the abdominal wall defect, which was created during the ostomy formation.
Pam showed us that it was incumbent upon us to prevent hernias from worsening with the proper exercises and support garments. We learned to be proactive and take control of our need to be mindful of our risk factors. It was a wonderful presentation and one she has repeated several times to different groups.
I was so happy to be able to hear it again at the Northeast Regional Conference of Wound and Ostomy Continence Nurses. Those attending were professionals, not ostomates, so their questions and concerns were different than ours. And it was compelling to have the experience of knowing that those who are trained in providing our care are getting this very valuable information from such a skilled and knowledgeable advocate! Pam is one of our Rock Stars, and we love her!
Additionally, I was made aware of Vanilla Blush, an ostomate-owned company that has a mission of preventing hernias with their clothing. The workout wear, as well as the sexy underwear, are all based on hernia support, as well as recognizing stoma placement. Brian Macker is the USA Sales Representative, and I encourage all ostomates to at least have a conversation with him on looking great while preventing and supporting our hernias. He, too, is an ostomate, as are all who work for this forward-thinking company. You can reach out to him at: brian@vblush.com.
Ahead of the most treasured holiday of the year, the one in which we give THANKS for all we have, I want to wish you a great one! May you be grateful for many, many things, not the least of which is our health and for all those who are doing whatever they can to keep us smiling!
