Richard’s Journey

Smiling doctor ready to explain colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy types | HIRO Ostomy Belts blog by O'Hamill Inc.
Types of Ostomy: Colostomy, Ileostomy and Urostomy Explained by an Ostomy Belt Inventor
The main types of ostomy explained in plain language: colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy, end and loop stomas, temporary and permanent ostomies, and continent options, with trusted sources from the US,... Leer más...
Warm mug on a wooden bath tray, a calm self care routine for healthy stoma skin | HIRO Ostomy Belts blog by O'Hamill Inc.
Stoma Care Tips for Healthy Skin and Peace of Mind From an Ostomy Belt Inventor
Practical stoma care tips from someone who has cared for his own stoma since 2008: what a healthy stoma looks like, cleaning, fitting your barrier, changing your pouch, showering, and... Leer más...
Open book with tea and flowers by a window, a calm evening routine for restful sleep with an ostomy | HIRO Ostomy Belts blog by O'Hamill Inc.
Sleeping With an Ostomy Bag: Bedtime Tips and the Ostomy Belt I Wear at Night
Tips for sleeping with an ostomy bag from someone who has done it every night since 2008: a simple bedtime routine, sleep positions, and why I reach for a lightweight,... Leer más...
Richard O'Hamill, ostomate and HIRO founder, holding weights | Parastomal hernia guide
Do I Have a Hernia? What a Parastomal Hernia Is and How to Lower Your Risk
What a hernia is, how a stoma compares, the signs of a parastomal hernia, and steps to lower your risk, from an ostomate since 2008. Leer más...
Woman wearing a HIRO ostomy belt facing the ocean in Hawaii | Colostomy reversal guide
Understanding Colostomy Reversal and What the Process Involves
What a colostomy reversal is, who can have one, timing, the surgery and recovery, from trusted medical sources and an ostomate since 2008. Leer más...
American flag on a pole against a blue sky with clouds, for a Veterans Day post about ostomy belts for veterans
An Ostomy Belt for Veterans: A Veterans Day Thank You
This Veterans Day, a thank you to veterans living with an ostomy, how service injuries can lead to one, and how to get a HIRO ostomy belt through the VA. Leer más...
The Little Red Bud, a red flower bud illustrating what a healthy stoma looks like. Photo by Rita Miramontes
What Is a Stoma and What to Expect in the Early Days
A stoma is a surgically created opening for waste to leave the body. Learn the types, what a healthy stoma looks like, and what to expect in the first weeks... Leer más...
Richard O'Hamill, founder of O'Hamill Inc., practicing tai chi at sunset
How the Right Ostomy Belt Supports Comfort and Confidence All Day
What a good ostomy belt does for you from morning to night, why hiding your ostomy backfires, and the 20 minute habit from my new book that rebuilt my confidence... Leer más...
Hollister two-piece drainable ostomy bags, one opaque and one clear, photo by Richard O'Hamill of O'Hamill Inc.
Clear or Opaque Ostomy Bag? Why You Don't Have to Look at It Every Day
I woke up from ostomy surgery with a huge clear bag and no idea there were other options. If that's you, here's your notice: you don't have to see your... Leer más...
Family and friends sharing a meal together around a table during the season of giving | HIRO Ostomy Belts blog by O'Hamill Inc.
The Season of Giving: Why We're Giving Forward at HIRO
A simple question from my children inspired HIRO Gives Forward: a weekly gift of an ostomy support belt to someone who needs one. Learn the story and nominate someone. Leer más...
Illustrated king seated on a royal throne, for a history of kings and ostomy surgery | HIRO Ostomy Belts blog by O'Hamill Inc.
The Royal Flush: Kings, Courtiers and the Surprising History of Ostomy Surgery
Did kings really have surgery so servants could wipe for them? The true story of Louis XIV, Henry VIII's Groom of the Stool, and how the ostomy was born. Leer más...
How to Change Your Life in Just 20 Minutes a Day book cover by Richard O'Hamill, founder of O'Hamill Inc. and HIRO Ostomy Belts
My New Book: The 20 Minute Habit That Rebuilt My Life After Ostomy Surgery
My new book, How to Change Your Life in Just 20 Minutes a Day, shares the simple daily habit that helped me recover after ostomy surgery, start a business and... Leer más...
Person wearing a black HIRO Performance ostomy belt by O'Hamill Inc. over light blue pants, standing outdoors near water
Why an Ostomy Belt Does More Than an Ostomy Bag Cover
An ostomy bag cover hides your pouch, but it can't support it. Here's why an ostomy belt does what a cover does and holds the weight too. Leer más...
Person wearing a black HIRO ostomy belt by O'Hamill Inc. under an open black jacket
Why You Should Consider an Ostomy Belt Instead of an Ostomy Wrap
Thinking about an ostomy wrap? Here's why a properly fitted ostomy belt gives you better support, a steadier seal and more freedom to move. Leer más...
HIRO Performance stoma support belt by O'Hamill Inc. held in hands
What to Look For in a Stoma Belt That Actually Stays Put
A stoma belt should stay put when you sit, bend and sleep. Here's what to look for in sizing, fabric and fit, from someone who has worn a belt every... Leer más...
HIRO ostomy belt by Richard O'Hamill of O'Hamill Inc.
The Ostomy Accessories Worth Having for Comfortable, Confident Living
Ostomy accessories that make daily life easier, from belts and barrier rings to stoma guards and covers. Here's the short list Richard actually uses. Leer más...
Richard O'Hamill, founder of O'Hamill Inc. and HIRO Ostomy Belts, healthy and active today after ostomy surgery
Should You Be Afraid of Ostomy Surgery? My Story, From Fear to a Full Life and an Ostomy Belt
I waited almost 10 years to have ostomy surgery because I was scared. Here is what I wish I had known about the real risks of surgery versus the disease. Leer más...
Stoma guard worn over an ostomy to protect the stoma during activity | HIRO Ostomy Belts blog by O'Hamill Inc.
Why a Stoma Guard Protects Your Stoma During Active Days
A stoma guard shields your stoma from everyday bumps, seat belts, and contact sports. Learn when one makes sense, how to wear it comfortably, and why pairing it with a... Leer más...
Group of people stacking hands together in support, representing the UOAA ostomy community | HIRO Ostomy Belts blog by O'Hamill Inc.
UOAA: The Ostomy Resource I Recommend Most as an Ostomy Belt Inventor
Why I send every ostomate to UOAA: trusted education, support groups, virtual nurses and advocacy, plus my own travel, swimming and ostomy belt resources. Leer más...
Healthy vegan bowl with fresh greens and tomato | HIRO Ostomy Belts blog by O'Hamill Inc.
Vegan Ostomy: An Ostomy Blog I Recommend as an Ostomy Belt Inventor
Why I point new and longtime ostomates to Eric's Vegan Ostomy blog for honest, practical tips on ostomy care, diet and daily life. Leer más...
Friends with arms around each other watching a sunset, a symbol of support in the ostomy community | HIRO Ostomy Belts blog by O'Hamill Inc.
Meet Christine Kim of Ostomy/Connection: A Longtime Voice for Ostomates, From an Ostomy Belt Inventor
Christine Kim has shared ostomy stories, gathered resources and helped ostomates connect since 2015. Here's why I point people to Ostomy/Connection. Leer más...
Richard O'Hamill of O'Hamill Inc. wearing a HIRO colostomy bag belt
How to Wear a Colostomy Bag Belt: Daily Tips From 17 Years as an Ostomy Belt Wearer
How a colostomy bag belt actually keeps your pouch secure, plus a simple step by step for putting one on, from Richard O'Hamill, who has worn an ostomy belt every... Leer más...
Bunch of green bananas growing on a banana tree in a lush Hawaii valley | HIRO Ostomy Belts blog by O'Hamill Inc.
What to Eat After Ostomy Surgery: An Ostomy Diet Guide From an Ostomy Belt Founder
An ostomy diet guide for what to eat after ostomy surgery, from the first low fiber weeks to a balanced diet again, with guidance from surgical nutrition experts, leading hospitals... Leer más...
Richard O'Hamill, founder of O'Hamill Inc. and HIRO Ostomy Belts, in 2008, very thin from Crohn's disease, holding binders of medical notes shortly before his ostomy surgery
How Ostomy Surgery Saved My Life: The Story Behind HIRO Ostomy Belts
Crohn's took me from 200 pounds to 134, and eventually to a meeting with a hospice nurse. On October 8, 2008, ostomy surgery saved my life. This is how it... Leer más...
HIRO Performance Vertical ostomy support belt by O'Hamill Inc., designed by Richard O'Hamill
Finding an Ileostomy Belt Built for Comfort and Security
Ileostomy output is faster and looser, so the right belt matters. Learn what makes an ileostomy belt comfortable and secure, vertical vs. horizontal styles, wearing it day and night, and... Leer más...
HIRO Performance Vertical stoma support belt interior by O'Hamill Inc., designed by Richard O'Hamill
Why a Stoma Support Belt Makes Daily Life Easier and More Secure
A stoma support belt solves the small daily worries that add up. Walk through a normal day hour by hour, see the signs you could use more support, what to... Leer más...
HIRO Performance ostomy support belt by O'Hamill Inc., designed by Richard O'Hamill
How an Ostomy Hernia Belt May Support Parastomal Hernia Care
A parastomal hernia is common and often manageable. Learn what it is, the signs to watch for, how an ostomy hernia belt works, when to wear one, and how to... Leer más...
HIRO Performance Horizontal ostomy support belt by O'Hamill Inc., designed by Richard O'Hamill
Leakage and Skin Irritation: The Complete Guide to Ostomy Belts, Barrier Rings, Brava Strips, and Pouching Systems
A five part breakdown of ostomy belts, barrier rings, Brava strips, and pouching systems: what each one does to prevent leakage and ostomy skin irritation, and the layering method that's... Leer más...
A large group of people gathered inside a big church | HIRO Ostomy Belts blog by O'Hamill Inc.
Living With an Ostomy: My Leak Story and How an Ostomy Belt Helped Me Handle It
A leak is something almost every ostomate faces eventually. Richard shares his own first experience with one, why a support belt made the difference, and how to protect your skin... Leer más...
Richard O'Hamill wearing HIRO ostomy wear by O'Hamill Inc. at a water park
Can You Go to a Water Park With an Ostomy? My Story and the Ostomy Belt That Saved the Day
Can you really enjoy a water park with an ostomy? Richard shares the solo trip to Schlitterbahn that tested him, the close call that proved his gear could handle anything,... Leer más...
Richard O'Hamill playing tennis wearing a HIRO Performance Horizontal ostomy support belt by O'Hamill Inc.
Can You Play Tennis With an Ostomy? A Real Answer From an Ostomy Belt Wearer
Wondering if you can play tennis with an ostomy? Real advice on tennis and racquetball with an ostomy — from someone who's played the whole match. Leer más...
Richard O'Hamill, founder of O'Hamill Inc. and HIRO Ostomy Belts, traveling in Europe in front of a palace
Traveling With an Ostomy: Packing, Airport Security, and the Right Ostomy Belt
"After nearly thirty years with Crohn's and seventeen years wearing an ostomy — including cross-country trips and travel across Europe — I'm sharing what's actually worked for me on the... Leer más...
Richard O'Hamill of O'Hamill Inc. wearing a HIRO ostomy support belt under an open blue shirt
How to Choose an Ostomy Belt: A Guide From 17 Years in the Industry
A practical guide to choosing the best ostomy belt for your life: sizing, vertical vs. horizontal, and what to look for, from Richard O'Hamill, inventor of the ostomy support belt... Leer más...
Richard O'Hamill, founder of O'Hamill Inc. and inventor of the HIRO ostomy belt, performing with fire swords
About Richard O’Hamill: The Ostomate Behind the HIRO Ostomy Belt
About Richard O’Hamill In 2008, I underwent life changing surgery that left me with an ostomy, and a decision: I could shrink my life to fit my circumstances, or I... Leer más...