What to expect at the stoma fitting appointment

Hi RoseInTheSun 

For me, I was just measured by the nurse for where my two stomas would be placed. They were asking about what I would typically wear so that they would know where my waistband would sit for example, and made me sit down, stand up and lie down to see the contours of my body.  Placement can be slightly different in the actual op as it depends what the surgeon has to work with. They just marked my skin with a marker pen. Everyone’s body shape is different with lumps and bumps etc, so they should want to see where the bags will sit. My appointment was very short, once they decided where they thought would be best and I had agreed. Literally it was “x” marks the spot on either side of my body. 

The nurses may give your husband a practice kit where he can pop a bag on his tummy and fill it with water for example to see how it feels and some people do like to have some time practising with them. I got some leaflets and pictures etc, and a rubber thing to stick on my skin to resemble a stoma. For me, I didn’t bother trying this but your husband may want to. In the event, neither of my stomas look anything like the pictures I’d been shown, and don’t protrude from my body at all, so if I had tried the “fake stoma” I might have been very surprised to see how I actually ended up! 

If I might suggest not using the phrase fitted with a stoma? It’s part of your anatomy so part of you rather than having something added to your body so it’s better to think about it this way. Some people have excellent support and advice from stoma nurses in hospital, but unfortunately my experience wasn’t like that so if you have any questions, make sure you ask them when you’re there. I was however very happy with how my stomas were sited on either side of my belly button, and I think they are very neat! They do not interfere with what I wear or my waistband so I’m happy with that. Obviously it might be easier for me as a woman because I wear elasticated leggings etc and a long top or sweater to cover everything, so I don’t have to worry about zips and buttons. 

Sarah xx

I was given the practise kit when I had my first appointment with the surgeon.I did use it and found it helpful to realise that no one could tell I had a stoma and that I could wear my usual clothes.

I wasnt measured until the morning of my operation when the nurse marked me up with a marker pen after asking where I wore my waistband and seat belt etc.it has worked perfectly and doesnt interfere with my clothing at all

Kath

Thank you both for your replies. Sounds very straight forward! I doubt he’ll get the practice kit as he’s being admitted the following day for pre op prep so won’t really have the time, but good to know they’ll work around his body shape to find out what works for him. 

thanks again!

sarah x