From my understanding, artificial mesh is permanent, whereas biological mesh gets absorbed by the body to form a new inner lining to the abdominal wall. The absorption can take several years which is why it is important that long term studies are completed regarding the success of the repair because at the 1 year mark the biological mesh is probably still there, whereas at 5 years it will have been absorbed 

That's fascinating, Sarah! 

Hi Donna, I am so happy to hear that your surgery went so well. Do you know how many hours the surgery took? Its great that you don't have much pain or discomfort. Do you notice anything else as a result of the surgery ie any difficulties that no longer are a problem? 

All the best to you during your recovery period. Please keep us up to date. 

Hi Carolyn,

The operation took about an hour and a half. It is major surgery and there is pain afterwards, but I can control it well enough with Tylenol.  The Oxy pills they gave me make me throw up ( really uncomfortable to do!). So, as long as I stay out ahead of the pain, I am fine. I am walking around the house well now and can get up out of bed with out too much discomfort. My husband did install a bar ( what we call a geezer adaptation) next to the toilet and that helps a lot. Much safer too, and we have a hand rail in the shower.

I haven't noticed any changes yet, but I wouldn't expect too. It will hopefully, just be the absence of the illium escaping through the hole. It was a small one too, maybe the size of a nickel or quarter. He says the illium escaped like an octopus! ( great image, huh?). Good to get them while they are smaller.

And, Sarah... it is not a biologic mesh. Its Some kind of plastic? I guess there are lots of different kinds and they choose depending on the nature of the repair. I am pretty sure it is permanent, but I will ask him how long it is supposed to last.

Thanks for the good wishes.

Thanks for the information Donna - Somehow my surgeon doesn't want to do it now. She said 2 hrs. I have the same problem with the octopus - was in hosp 2 weekends ago with it again - 4 x now.

I'll keep researching - take care. 

Yes, My surgery was scheduled for two hours or less in the OR. I think mine went pretty smoothly, so maybe it was quicker. I agree, going to ER with it four times is PLENTY.  Believe me, I feel your pain & anxiety.

I always worry that it seems to feel just like a blockage ( or so I think...not sure I have ever had a blockage), but its really worse.  Since you can't take precautions like chewing more or avoiding certain foods.

Good luck to you.  Its good to keep trying to learn more  it until you get better info about your case in particular.

Thanks Donna. The blockages are very painful - apparently the octopus just pops out - a mechanical problem - and all one can do is go to hosp, have iv, pain meds, nausea meds, nothing by mouth and wait it out - may be 3 or more or less days . Each time it varies - apparently there is nothing that causes it - not exercise or food or anything to avoid it and it comes on very quickly so can't be away from hosp very easily. I usually have to go in about 20-30 min - mine is small too so it does sound a lot like you. I don't have to go to ER but they always threaten that - "we'll get a surgeon to look at you" but I know my surgeon doesn't want to operate on me since I had such a horrific time when I had the ileostomy done. 

Posted by: VeganOstomy

That's fascinating, Sarah! 

This article is a good introduction to the different mesh.

In brief the biological mesh is expensive, but substantially reduces the risk of infection and damage to the colon, it is good fr covering very large areas. Downside is that, it is not as strong, it can stretch as it degrades and there are no long term studies. How it works long term is all down to how it is intergrated into the body, some people have great success  

Artificial mesh is cheap, readily available, strong, long lasting, but has a higher risk of infection (which is key for bowel surgery) and can erode the bowel if it comes in contact.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4477030/

Great choices! and fun. I need surgery for my hernia and twisted bowel but noting I have heard is very encouraging really.

Hi there,

First off, I want to say thank you to Eric for the information you share on your website.  I've learned a lot and really appreciate your honest reviews of many different products.

I, too, have a question regarding hernia support, specifically the types of products and when to wear them.  I am 4 weeks post-op (ileostomy) and do not have a hernia, but have read so much about those who do have them.  I have looked at a number of sites and have seen a number of different products.  When one talks about the need for hernia support products, do they mean on a day-to-day basis or more like during exercising?  I like the idea of the stealth belt, but from what I've seen it doesn't seem to have what I would think would be the level of hernia support that something like the EZ-Wrap Belt from Respond (UK - N. Ireland) would have.  At the same time, I couldn't imagine wearing the EZ-Wrap Belt for more than a workout, whereas the stealth belt looks like something that could be worn all day.  Also, I have a hernia support belt that I've had since well before my operation and it looks very similar to the the EZ-Wrap Belt.   Do you think that would suffice for working out at the gym or should I be looking for something that is "designed" for ostomates?  I don't want to be spending money when I don't have to and the prices of these products become less attractive when I convert back to Canadian dollars (and add shipping costs).

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

Hey Jonathon, welcome to the forums. 

I think that for the most part, unless you are at high risk for developing a hernia (i.e. Overweight, older, past history of hernias, did not have your stoma site marked before surgery, etc.) I believe the usual recommendation would be to use one when needed, like during workouts or heavy lifting. 

But because so many people report developing a hernia quite easily (like after coughing), you can't be too safe. 

The best types of hernia belts are the ones that apply a somewhat firm pressure to the area around your stoma. Several that I've seen need to be custom fitted so there are no gaps around your flange. 

Products like the StealthBelt do not prevent hernias, but that Ez wrap product you mentioned seems to be made for hernia prevention so it would be a better option. 

I personally don't wear a hernia belt, but if I started doing heavy lifting then I would consider getting one (probably one from Nu-Hope). 

Comfort isn't something that hernia belts are known for! 

As far as prevention goes, I've read over and over that strengthening your abdominal muscles will almost always be a good thing (when done mindfully!). Proper lifting techniques will also help. 

Feel free to ask more questions. Many of the others who have commented on this thread are more familiar with hernias than I am. 

Hi again,

I am nearly recovered from my hernia surgery ( May 25th). Its been a bit painful, just so you all know. O.K. with BIG tylenol anyway. I am doing much better after a week back home.  I have started to take short walks too in my neighborhood. My follow -up doctor's appointment is tomorrow. I will share what I learn.

I just wanted to add to Eric's post above. I had none of the  risk factors for hernia development other than my age. I was 67 when my illiostomy was installed ( nearly two years ago).  From what I gather, most occur within two years of the initial surgery.

But with all things ostomy, I am sure more research would be useful.

Hi Dona, 

I'm really glad to hear that you're nearly recovered! That didn't take too long, right? =)

Re: Risks. The Cleveland Clinic put out some info about hernias (general hernias, not ones specific to ostomates) and they said that over 5 million Americans have developed hernias - they are more common than you'd think! 

Thanks Eric,

Yes, feeling better ( i.e. less pain) every day. Thank you. I am getting ready to go see my surgeon this morning ( fresh bag for me...does anyone else always do this prior to Dr. visits?).

RE: hernias in general. You are right they are very common. Most of the 'regular' kind are much easier to fix as they don't involve a stoma ( I like to think of it as a 'through-hull...in boating parlance). My husband had a repair for an ingunal hernia. The most common kind for men. His repair of a few years ago went very well. (outpatient surgery).

More from me re:surgery ( I know you are all waiting on the edge of your seats for this report! ha).

Anyway. Tomorrow it will be two weeks since my surgery for the peristomal hernia.

 I went to the doctor a couple of days ago and he said I am doing great ( well ahead on the recovery curve), so thats good. I am feeling almost back to normal now. Going for hour long walks again. I will swim soon.  The repairs went well. Just one more visit to him in a month. I am down to a couple of Tylenols a day, mailny at night.

I asked the surgeon and yes, the material ( mesh) is permanent and I will fully recover and can do more physical things whenever I want.  The pain is really less each day and I can pretty much move around normally. Personally I feel MUCH better as I have stopped worrying about my illum leaking out through the hernia.

Below is a link to the type of mesh I have. Also, note that there is a video at the bottom of the page  of an actual hernia repair. Not peristomal , but Ventral ( in the abdominal muscle wall ,they often occur near incisions). The material of the mesh is called biomaterial, but it is NOT biologic. (Its made of the same things as Cheetos & Doritos and twinkies i.e. plastics etc.) Not really, maybe?

I enjoyed watching it, but if you are squeamish, maybe not.:

https://www.goremedical.com/products/synecor

Hey Dona,

I fixed the link for you :) 

That's a pretty cool looking mesh! Way more "modern" than I had seen in the past!

I wish you continued success with it - and keep updating us =)

Eric, thanks for the fix and the good wishes.  It is a pretty cool thing and the surgery video is pretty awesome...now I know how they attach it! Its good to be unconscious sometimes.

Thank you for sharing Donna. I am so happy that you are recovering well. I appreciated the information about the mesh and watched the video. I am going to get a 2nd opinion in July so haven't entirely ruled out a repair. My situation is almost identical to yours. 

Please keep in touch.

Carolyn

Thanks Carolyn,

That is good to hear you will be seeking fore information about a possible repair of your hernia.  It NEVER hurts to have more questions or information about something.

It is too early to say if mine worked, but I am really optimistic. As I said before, that is the main benefit to my brain right now.  It is two weeks today for me, and while I still have a bit of pain and am careful moving around, its O.K. an managed with Tylenol.

 This was not a pain free recovery, but bit by bit I have improved. 

If you opt for it, one piece of advise is get a grab rail installed next to your toilet! Very helpful for post surgery.. and safer too.

One question, what exactly is a twisted gut like you have? I can imagine (yikes!) but I really don't know.

(And, I am glad you found the video interesting. I really liked seeing it too.) Let me know how you are doing.

Hi Donna

Thanks for writing. I am glad we are able to keep in touch. What was the main problem with your hernia and octopus? did you have a blockage then? Also what kind of diet were or are you on with your ileostomy? Do you have any restrictions? 

My surgeon did a scope and I had CT scans. She said the "knuckle" or "kink" which occurred at times was just random and not to do with anything - neither food, movement etc but just because there is 15 ft of ileum there - it pushed forward - made a hernia and there is a wee gap between the stoma and the abdominal skin - where the bowel will get stuck in. One can't see it or do much about it. Two surgeons said, just get a hernia belt and you'll be ok. But she said it wouldn't help because it is right up against the stoma. 

But because I am 75 and had a thrombosis x 3 in my hepatic vein afterwards and was therefore on warfarin, I had a major life threatening bleed from a duodenal ulcer no one knew I had. They almost didn't revive me. Then they really had to watch the warfarin and get the right balance for clotting and bleeding. I was in hosp for 5 weeks - until last April. 

Now, I'm not sure if food doesn't block up the area which kinks because it happens only in the evening 3-4 hrs after supper. So now I'm nervous to eat "in case". I don't find its much of a way to live - always worrying. 

You must be so happy to have yours fixed. Like you say it has to do with the brain as well. That's for sure. Do you have an ostomy group locally? Where do you get your support, your supplies and advice. How did you choose what appliances to get etc?

I will see the GI consultant 20 July at a teaching hospital 100 miles from here. My surgeon is happy to send the scans and reports to him so he can see what he thinks and then find a surgeon. He is actually head of GI but does't operate himself. I have been seeing him for 8 years or so even though I have a GI up here. I always wanted 2 opinions. 

Where in California do you live? I live in Huntsville which is northern Ontario - with lots of trees and lakes. Before this I lived in the UK for 30 years working with a charity. I came back in 2005. 

Thanks for keeping in touch and take care. Carolyn