Guide to Ostomy Accessories: Hernia Belts/Bands

Hernia prevention is something that all ostomates should know about, and hernia belts are an accessory designed to both prevent and/or manage parastomal hernias.
This video is part of a series explaining what various ostomy accessories are intended for.
A full article about this product can be found here:
www.veganostom...
You can buy hernia belts on Amazon (affiliate link):
USA: amzn.to/2xQR3zI
Canada: amzn.to/2ymsuOb
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[@adrianneshowaltermatlock961]

I was 26 when I had my colostomy surgery (stage III rectal cancer). I was not informed (that I can recall) that having an ostomy puts you at risk of developing a hernia. At 32, I developed a parastomal hernia. So far, I have been managing the hernia by wearing support garments and/or a hernia belt (details below), and trying to postpone hernia repair surgery as long as I can. I did not notice my hernia for 6-9 months after I developed it, so I'm not sure what specifically might have caused it. I DO recommend to anyone with an ostomy to try wearing a hernia belt from the start, before getting a hernia. I know the science on all this is still developing, but some studies have shown that this can help prevent a hernia in some people. Regarding what I wear for my hernia: some days I wear a 3" Nu-Support belt w/ a 2-3/8" opening. I had originally purchased the 6" belt thinking 'the wider the better,' but I am pretty short and it was jamming into my ribs uncomfortably. Other days I wear 'shapewear' that I bought from Target. It's basically Jockey brand slimming underwear. I found that in order to achieve the right amount of pressure to keep my hernia in, I need to wear 2 at once: a very high-waisted one folded down, and then a mid-rise one layered over the first. This is much more comfortable to me than the hernia belt because the material is softer, irritates my skin less, and doesn't ride up. The limitation is that it is so tight it can cause my bag to leak. The way I make this work is by doing colon irrigation once a day. I know this is not an option for all colostomates, but I HIGHLY recommend learning about colon irrigation if you have enough of your colon left. (I still have my ascending, transverse, and descending colon because my tumor was in my rectum). I am still learning to cope with having a hernia, and will notice it protruding about 1-3 times a day. I lay on my back, relax, take deep breaths, and use my hands to push the hernia back 'inside', then put my hernia belt or shapewear underwear layers on while still laying on my back. It is going on 1 year since I had a bowel obstruction (which is how I found out about my hernia), so this seems to be working ok. I have stayed out of the hospital and been able to be mostly as active as I was before. A far from ideal condition, as I have noticed an instance recently that I am pretty sure enlarged the opening that the hernia protrudes through :-( but overall, working pretty well.

[@VeganOstomy]

Thank you so much for sharing! I agree that patients should try to wear a hernia prevention belt from the start, but I believe costs are the reason why many do not (it was a factor for me, since they cost around $200 over here and insurance coverage for them is... complicated). Best of luck to you!

[@marynlyn]

Miss your presence on KZbin. So valuable.

[@VeganOstomy]

Aww. Thank you 😊

[@TheFrontButtYouTuber]

Great video!

[@VeganOstomy]

Thanks, Meg =)

[@timandersonwildman6138]

Very helpful especially the rolling computer screen with brands on the left side that helps a lot to get me going.

[@VeganOstomy]

Thanks for watching!

[@wandaannk]

Another great video

[@silhouettepiano___]

Hi this is vijay from India...when i done my rectum surgery of stoma no one told me how to take care if stoma ...and after 3 month's my stoma become big it because harniya...after a long time doctor told to use harniya belt..now its very big ..

[@BillBrogan]

Hi there. I have a Peristomal hernia which appeared soon after my surgery on 8/21. The size of a small grapefruit half, I can’t keep pants up without suspenders and a belt is not an option. I wear a custom hernia belt which is a huge necessity. Stretch waist pants and tops that conceal the suspenders are my wardrobe. I am 76 years and grateful cancer appeared later in my life. Any tips are appreciated. Thanks for your help.

[@VeganOstomy]

Hey, Bill. I don't have a hernia myself, so my experience is limited. I'd invite you to ask on my support forum, as I believe we have members who may be able yo share what works for them. It's at www.veganostomy.ca/community

[@arlenegeiler9294]

How long do you recommend wearing the peristoma hernia support belt? How many hours a day?

[@VeganOstomy]

I would ask your stoma nurse, since hermias can be complex and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. If you're wearing one to prevent hernias, then you can wear them as long as you're comfortable.

[@greenakalra312]

Hi... From where can I get brochure of these hernia preventative belts? Can you suggest me something online? For brochure.

[@VeganOstomy]

Hi Greena, Hernia belts are available everywhere, but you may have different brands available in your country (not sure where you are from). I have a list of companies who do offer Heria belts that you can search for here: www.veganostomy.ca/ostomy-clothing-manufacturers/ I suggest contacting the ones near you for more information. Take care!

[@DanaCook60]

My daughter has worn one of these for years now. It is not daily but frequently & At first was just to hold her appliance on but now she has a hernia so it is medically necessary. Insurance has never paid for her hernia belt but it was worth to pay out of pocket because It actually saved here leaking & having to yet change another ostomy. She has no insurance Now so we have to rely on ostomy closets for help as we have to pay for everything out of Pocket.

[@VeganOstomy]

+Dana Cook I'm sorry to hear that this wasn't covered by insurance, but I'm glad that it benefited your daughter.

[@sheilamead4396]

I would like to find atoma nurae!

[@VeganOstomy]

What country do you live in?

[@matrix26uk]

My wife had her illeostomy reseated to the opposite side. A hernia has appeared at the old site. Is there a support belt available for this?

[@VeganOstomy]

Hernia belts are usually fitted and custom made for each patient depending on the company used. I suggest that your wife see a stoma nurse about getting a support belt. I wish her all the best.

[@matrix26uk]

@@VeganOstomy thank you

[@blahcomments4218]

So does a stealth belt prevent hernias or no, or is it just supporting the ostomy site but not preventing hernias? I see they have different stealth belts.

[@VeganOstomy]

I would say no, but they may be able to support one that already exists. Usually, you'll want a belt that has a firm backing to prevent hernias.

[@blahcomments4218]

@@VeganOstomy Thanks brother. I am trying to avoid one, but when I weight train, it's hard type of style. What do you mean by firm backing? I seen the nu-hope, where it's white with a hole and a plastic ring around the stoma? However, are they good for weight training AKA body building?

[@TedCurran]

On the "Custom" area of StealthBelt's website, it looks like they can make you a custom hernia StealthBelt. I have a prolapsed stoma (it sticks out too far sometimes), and I've been wearing a NuHope hernia belt that my nurse ordered for me. It works but it's kinda' ugly and somewhat uncomfortable. It looks like StealthBelt is going to get back to me and let me know what's possible, but YES they do appear to make hernia belts. (I gave all the excess information because it seems there are a few different types of hernias people get, so I'm trying to figure out if you can use the same belt for a prolapse as you would for a peristomal hernia).

[@averysmom488]

I have to wear mine in order to keep the stoma "lifted" in order to pass stool due to hernia causing blockage causing chronic constipation!. Has anyone else experience this?

[@VeganOstomy]

I believe I have some forum members who experience the same. Hernias can cause blockages, so it's not surprising to hear.

[@averysmom488]

@@VeganOstomy i am heading to emergency now!!!

[@VeganOstomy]

Noooo. I hope it's nothing too serious. 🤞

[@tailorhu1485]

Hello I need size 60 is no in my country of Iraq

[@elceelcevet6998]

In our country they make us hernia ostomy belts exactly for our size after doc 's prescription. There is special prosthetic company dealing with sewing of all kinds of supporting belts and orthesas . Maybe you can find something similar in Iraq.

[@lisasmith3981]

And pain pain and more pain

[@VeganOstomy]

Pain is not normal, so if you are experiencing any, please speak with your stoma nurse or doctor.