Ileostomy operation yesterday

Hi AllyL 

I bet you’re glad the op’s done now and I hope you’re going to feel the benefit as you go forward.

The issue of using additional products to support your bag should get a lot of different responses, but you’ll find that we are all unique in how we handle this and there is no one size fits all answer. 

I have 2 bags because I have a colostomy and urostomy, and my preference is not to wear any extra type of belt or extra support. For me, having 2 stomas, I want to minimise what I need to use-I don’t want a belt or anything else round me to add to what’s already there, as I’d find it restrictive. 

I use extra adhesive around my stomas to ensure a good “stick” when I put my bags on, and then use special strips which I stick to my skin around the bag to make it feel even more secure. I wear normal underwear and have not felt the need for any specialist stoma underwear. I find these things help give me confidence and I’ve been living with stomas for more than 5 years,

It might be a bit early for you, since you only had surgery yesterday, to make decisions on what you might need. Maybe see how you cope over the initial couple of weeks? 

I’m sure you’ll get other answers recommending specialist underwear and belts, but I am just speaking from my experience and how I manage 2 stomas.

Sarah xx

I think waiting a bit is good advice Sarah.

When I get home I will put some clothes on and see how it all looks. 

Not bothered in the house and garden, but would like something that gives a smooth silhouette when I go out.

I am sure I will be asking a million questions about the bag and how to make it secure.

I might even run something up on the sewing machine.

Bye for now xx

For my colostomy it’s a bit different in that I don’t drain my bag but change it when it starts to fill. I’m able to use a very neat bag, which is also produced in 3 colours which helps with what I wear if I wear light clothing. While my bags are empty, they are smooth to my skin but obviously when either bag starts to fill up, it does look “lumpy” until I change or empty. Certainly I’ve seen bag covers online which you can put over bags of any sort, so you may be able to make something yourself.

When I first had my stomas formed, I did use a drainable bag for my colostomy as my output was very loose, but that doesn’t work for me now as output is firmer with the colostomy. Often things are a case of trial and error as we go along, so I’ve tried many different things over the years!

I hope you’re feeling ok today as you begin your recovery and feel free to ask as many questions as you need to-we’ll be happy to share our experiences.

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,I wear normal underwear too and only put a stoma belt on when I’m gardening or doing anything heavy.I don’t think I would want a belt otherwise.I didn’t change my wardrobe much but did add tunic tops which are comfy over the stoma.I suppose we all find what works best for us.Love Jane xx

It's going to be trial and error until I get something that feels comfortable and works with my lifestyle.

Feeling a little tired this morning, but a little water and some light food has made me feel better.

The bag is getting emptied by the nurses, but feel confident I could manage it myself. They are measuring fluids so best to let them get on.

Thank you for the support.

Ally xx

I was just looking at the stoma belts and I thought they would be great for gardening and DIY stuff.

I think some higher cut knickers to start with.

Thank you for the support Jane.

Ally xx

Hi Ally,I expect you will have lots of replies as we all have our own ways of managing with a stoma.I remember going through my clothes and trying everything on when I first came home from hospital.I had lost so much weight some clothes had to be recycled.I added tunic tops and kept the comfy stuff and let the more clingy fabric clothes go.I have a urostomy.I think something that is easy to shove in the washing machine is good.I have been lucky not to have many leaks but I did have a few at the beginning.Best wishes for your recovery.Love Jane x

Hi Ally,Unfortunately you can get hernia’s following stoma surgery so a belt for heavier jobs makes sense even if it feels restrictive.I’ve managed to avoid a hernia so far.Take it easy,surgery is so tiring.I think you do get more confident with a stoma over time.I found it easier to manage at home than in hospital.X

I’m with you on the tunic tops Jane. I would never have the confidence to wear any kind of short top nowadays so everything I wear is longer line so the bags don’t show. Yes, we all need to find what works for us that’s for sure.

I can understand you using a support belt for any heavy work. I’m still scared of getting any type of parastomal hernia as I’ve seen how difficult those have been for friends to deal with so I’m very careful not to lift heavy things and we get someone in to do the garden now.

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,I preferred longer tops as I am long in the back like my late dad so have stuck with them.My sister Sarah suggested tunic tops as she sells them in her shop so got me some with staff discount.A while ago a customer with a stoma came in and Sarah ended up helping her choose a suitable outfit.It’s important to feel comfortable.Xx