Ileostomy surgery(Damn You Ulcerative Colitis!)… Any tips on hiding my ostomy bag?
Sun, May 08, 2011 8:43 PM
I’m 24 years old and a little less than two weeks away from [finally] divorcing my colon! When most people here about my upcoming surgery, they drown me in sympathetic looks and give me this “aaawwww, you poor dear!” spiel. The truth is, my current quality of life is what’s unbearable and deserving of sympathy; the surgery is a [temporary] corrective measure and a long time coming!
So, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of great ways to disguise the bag. I figure ‘spank’ type material would be perfect, but I’m not familiar with any legitimate sites. Since I’ve been diagnosed I haven’t really been able to enjoy swimming, so I was hoping someone might have some pointers for me. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Joined May 19, 2010
Mon, July 11, 2011 6:17 PM
Reply posted for Moments83.
Without knowing what kind of irritation you have you can try dusting skin with stomahesive powder (dust off excess powder) and topping with Cavalon No sting skin barrier. Then cut out a washer to fit the size of your stoma from Hollister Hollihesive skin barrier. Place that directly on the skin over the powder and then place your wafer on top. The powder will help heal irritated skin and absorb moisture- the No sting will seal in the powder , and the washer gives an extra layer of protection on your skin. when you remove your pouch check the back and see if you have any areas of wear- you might have some undermining of stool that is causing irritation. Hope that helps.
Joined Jul 6, 2009
Mon, July 11, 2011 8:51 AM
Reply posted for wildcat.
Thanks for the information on Ostomy Secrets. I will look at their products and see what they have for everyday use.
I've used a couple of the Stealthbelts and they've been effective for swimming and going to the beach (especially the main product which velcros around the waist).
I still have issues with skin irritation around my stoma, I'm trying to find different barriers or gels to help combat this. When its irrited, it bothers me and ditracts me from normal activites. Sometimes something pressing on my wafer makes the issue worse. I hope I can find something to help that.
Joined May 29, 2011
Tue, June 28, 2011 5:22 PM
Reply posted for Rent1Rent2.
I've had an ostomy for four years and the best thing I ever did was figure out that wearing the bag horizontally works best for me and to keep it in place, I cut the torso out of a kid's small UnderArmour compression shirt and where it like a girdle. This does a great job of holding everything snug (even while running a half-marathon and refereeing basketball games) and I find that the UA breathable material is a lot more comfortable than the bands/belts that are made of natural material.
Good Luck!
-Mike
mtmcdaidJoined Nov 4, 2008
Tue, May 10, 2011 12:54 PM
Reply posted for Rent1Rent2.
I am 28 years old, and have a temporary ileostomy. I wear Belle Bands from the maternity section. Target sells them. They come in white, nude, and black. You can wear them under your cloths or over your pants. They are great.
Joined Dec 14, 2010
Mon, May 09, 2011 10:10 PM
Reply posted for Rent1Rent2.
Ostomy secrets sells a lot of different wraps, lingerie and swim wear, They have a web site and there are videos of their products for view. There is a wrap called Carefix Stomacare Classic it's a mesh like wrap and costs about $7- very nice for summer. They have the Plus version which is like a spandex material and is about $50. You can get them at most medical supply centers (edgepark medical). Insurance does not cover the "nice to have" stuff and there are usually no returns on these items so be careful about sizing. There is also the Stealth belt ($90). You can google these items and see if you like. The Stomacare classic looks like gauze in the ad- but not in person.
Joined Jul 6, 2009
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