Page 4 - OASC July 2021 Newsletter

Among questions and comments by Group Members:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
How do I know if I have a hernia? Will a hernia cause discomfort?
a) You need to be assessed by an NSWOC. Usually it presents as a bulge right below the stoma or off to the side. If you are very active that can put more stress on the area: vacuuming, gardening, snow shovelling, grass cutting will affect your core muscles and things can pop.
Comment from Mo Parkes:
I know 7 OASC members here have hernias from not wearing a belt and even just bending down to do up their shoes. So if you have any concern, get an appointment with nurse Jenn Brewer to check you out. Her contact info is in every issue of our newsletter.
(see p. 13: Do You Know Your Ostomy Nurse?)
How long does it take to make a belt?
a) I come to your house, measure you, and in an hour’s time, you’re wearing your belt. Men are straightforward, women have a few more curves. If things change, I come back and make adjust- ments no charge.
Comment:
I’ve had a belt on order through Shoppers for a couple of months (comes from California). Meanwhile, I wear a different abdominal belt but I have to wear an adapter belt over it because it keeps tearing open. See Hernia Helper ad p. 7 for Gord’s contact info. He can usually come within a week.
Testimonial:
Gordon came to my home a month ago. He was here for an hour and I had my ostomy belt. It fits beautifully. — Ed Gould
Comment:
Gord is making Marsha MacDonald’s new hernia belt at her home this past month.
I had a parastomal hernia and prolapse repair in March and feel much better. I want to wear a belt all the time 1) to prevent another hernia and 2) to help push my recessive stoma forward, so less leaking. I’m short and the hernia belts I buy always dig into my thigh.
a) For shorter people, I adjust the band for the hips to make it more comfortable, because if it’s not comfortable, it’s no good. Before I leave your house, I make sure you can do your usual activities.
Do you come as far as Aurora?
a) Yes. I come from Hamilton.
What is the cost?
a) $140. If it’s more than 2 hours away, I charge a small surcharge for distance. [4]
cont’d on page 5...