Seven weeks post op. illeostomy. At home, self sufficient, almost ready to go back to work. Take down in June.

I would like to start working out, running, cycling, paddling; but I don't feel real confident about bag staying on firmly.

Can anyone tell me if their is a support appliance, some kind of brace used for sports and to hold in place. I've seen a few advirtised in medical supply catalogue.
Also saw special underwear. Would love to hear suggestions.

Eric

Hi Eric,

The only thing I use when excersising is caution regarding overdoing the abs.

As far as supporting the bag, I always wear close fitting lycra underwear and found that to be enough support on it's own when working out. I wear my bag at an angle across my belly so that the load is spread should the bag start to fill. I also spray antiperspirant deoderant under where the bag sits (not the wafer) and this helps with perspitation. I used to make cloth backings which I made by using a bag as a template and just cut around it and then cut a hole where the bag attaches to the wafer. I would simply thread the bag through the hole and the cloth backing would sit between the bag and my skin. However I haven't done that in ages since I discovered the antiperspirent deoderant trick.

However, if you are thinking of taking part in any contact sports you might want to purchase a stoma guard which is a cup-like appliance which sits over your stoma and protects it from knocks.

Good luck and take care.

Shell

I found the supportive underware a life saver! It has made cloths fit better and given me bag support when exercising and intimacy, too. I use the products from http://www.options-ostomy.com/ My insurance covers it as well.

Posted April 06, 2008 08:49 PM Hide Post
Hi

I am very active as well.

I suggest wearing the thin white Hollister or other belt for most sports;
And for very physical activity, I ordered a protective belt from 'Sto-Med" to wear over the white one-it has a protective 'cup' in front and is made to order.
They have many other great products for pouchers!

I wear those spandex-bike-type shorts under regular shorts and tuck the pouch in there, I use the velcro/closure kind.

Good luck, Good Health