hi guys
i got my j pouch and temporary stoma 2 months ago and after going back to work today i found it to be uncomfortable and a little painful . i'm a chef in a hot kitchen, and just wondered if there's any other chefs on here who can offer advice on wearing belts or stoma protectors to ease the sting around the stoma and make the working day a little better
thanks in advance
graham
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I found a device online that was kinda like a tube top for women but men also wear it, has a Velcro flap that holds the bag, tube helps protect the stomach site. Google, colostomy band and you will find it. Machine washable.
Alternatively; high waist unisex boxer shorts by Comfizz.
Similar in design n style, if not identical to cycling shorts but with additional support across the front, which supports the colostomy bag, holding it relatively flat against the body; also helps makes the bag less noticeable under clothing.
Different levels of support are available.
Comfizz also sells a range of waistbands.
If, like myself and you're in the UK; Stoma support wear from Comfizz is another product available on prescription via the UK's fabulous NHS.
There is a company called Nu-Hope Laboratories. They make ostomy belts that are wider than the usual thin, stringy 1 inch wide belts that cut into you, or ride up on your stomach. The Nu-Hope belt has a special ring that hugs and holds the flange / wafer in a 360 direction, not just on two tiny points on the side. The 360 hold allows you to feel your bag is on securely. You send them your waist measurements taken standing up, lying down, and they send you the belt.
There is also Stealthbelt.com. They make a neoprene waist band that has a special pouch to hold (and hide) your ostomy bag so it doesn't show under clothes and so the bag doesn't hang loosely. If you are bothered by heat and humidity, you can find cloth covers on Etsy. The cloth cover fits over the bag and keeps it away from your skin on hot, sticky days. You can empty your bag without removing the cover, that's the best part. Athletes use a stoma cap to protect their stoma. For people who want to cover their ostomy for intimacy, there is a site called wearclose.com that sells special covers. I did a lot of research when I still had my ostomy because I didn't know how long until I could have the reversal to my j pouch. I found all these interesting sites and helpful products, and I felt less vulnerable knowing there is so much out there to help ostomates. I'm managing with my j pouch, and I hope the above is helpful.
thanks guys for the advice and thanks for such a swift response, i've seen my stoma nurse today and ive got a level 3 support belt and hollister straps from commfizz im also looking into the stoma belt that goes 360 degrees round the stoma so thanks for all the info
