Support garments

Hi Angelite and welcome to the group.

I had a different surgery-not APR-but I do have two stomas as a result of mine. It’s good to read that your recovery is going well and I can understand you looking for support garment information as this progresses.

I haven’t looked at the Comfizz site for a while, but did in the aftermath of my surgery, and my understanding was that up to 3 items were available on prescription.

However, I don’t have any experience of the process of ordering them on prescription as I didn’t feel I needed them. I have been able to both change stoma suppliers and my prescription and ordered different things over the years as things evolved for me. Stoma nurses are connected to specific supply companies in my experience, for example my original nurse in the community was linked to Fittleworths, but that didn’t prevent her making changes to my prescription, so I can’t confirm if your stoma nurse is correct in what she says.

Others in the group do use support garments, so hopefully my reply will bump your post and it will be seen by someone who has experience with the process with Comfizz.

All the best as you continue to recover from this major surgery, and I hope you will have some helpful answers to your question.

Sarah xx

Thank you Sarah for your kind response and information.

Hi Angelite,

I also have a permanent colostomy following APR surgery for a very low rectal cancer in 2021.  I do have a small hernia following a nasty chest infection (lots of coughing!) at the end of 2022.

I get support vests (Vanilla Blush - very comfortable) by asking my stoma nurse.  If she approves, she then sends the request to my surgery for a prescription which is then sent to my suppliers (Coloplast Charter) and I receive them in the post.

I live in Hertfordshire and am permitted 2 per year.  The procedure might be different where you live.

I wish you all the best.

Kind regards

Jane

Hi Jane,

Thanks for letting me know, that's really helpful and it's wonderful to hear from another APR survivor - it's quite an experience isn't it!  Sorry to hear about your hernia, I hope it doesn't cause too much discomfort, I've heard they can be difficult to avoid sometimes. I live in the North West so as you say, perhaps different areas vary in both provision and process for prescription support garments. I'll take a look at the support vests on VB based on your recommendation.  Thank you

Hi Angelite,

It certainly is an experience!  Mostly my stoma (George) and I get on fine.  He is like a toddler - no sense of responsibility, does what he wants when he wants and leaves me to clear up the mess!  Actually, that is doing him an injustice because as time has gone on he is much more manageable.

As far as support wear goes, I think it depends on what the formulary in your health area approves.  If you live in Scotland, for instance, I understand that they don't fund any.  But if I were you I would try and find out what your local formulary permits, and if they do, push it hard with your stoma nurse.  In addition to the two very comfortable vests I also buy another 2 each year so that they can be washed more often.  The stoma nurses are reluctant because they are expensive - about £35 at the moment I think.

My hernia is a bit uncomfortable and sometimes aches.  I'm sure it came about because of my dreadful coughing with my chest infection.  Try and make sure you hold your stoma if you cough or sneeze etc.

I look forward to hearing how you get on.

Best wishes,

Jane