Hi Heather,
Nice to hear from you again.
First off, if you want the k pouch done in OZ and have a surgeon who is willing to assist, I may have a solution for you. PM me if you are interested.
Next, I started using the ball around 2010...just around the apex of my hernia troubles although I have had some more since and had them fixed, I have not had any problem with the ball causing them. That said, I am probably 100% mesh inside by now!
I would suggest firstly, to go slow. Not to jump or bounce too much (I actually use it to 'bounce out' my blockages...slow rhythmic bouncing helps to ease the knots and get things flowing). If you already have a ball, then great, I have a medium sized one that allows me to sit on it with my feet flat on the floor. Any larger and I would not be comfortable rolling around.
Next, if you feel any stress, pulling or strain or if any of your hernias burn or feel like they are getting worse, Stop!
Finally, even soft movements and breathing helps. So sit on the ball, move slowly back and forth and side to side, slide down with your feet up against a wall or the sofa and rock...all of this works wonders without putting the stress and strain of crunches on your abs. You will feel the improvement without the pain but again, you must be around my age, possibly in menopause which means that your muscles are getting thinner and are more likely to herniate, so be careful!
Let me know if you need any help, I can give you a tutorial!
Sharon