Ileostomy operation yesterday

That’s nice your sister was able to help out. Feeling happy with what we’re wearing is so important to our mental wellbeing.

Sarah xx

Sarah’s colleague fetched her as she knew I had a stoma and thought Sarah might be able to help.Sarah was happy to assist and the customer was confident and pleased with her new clothes and had a good shopping trip.xx

 Ally I agree with everything that has been said.All I can add is that I wear cotton briefs with full sloggi knickers over the top and that seems to keep everything nice and flat.the only garments I have found doesnt suit are skirts or dresses cut on the bias as they tend to cling but thats just a personal preference.its early days for you yet and you will soon find out what suits you and your lifestyle.

Kath

Hi Jane

I'm on strict orders to rest, so the power tools have gone away.

I also start chemoradiation soon, so will be getting all the rest I can.

Ally xx

Hi Ally

I use an Iliostomy bag that comes with loops on it for a compatable soft adjustable belt. I also put the bag on the radiator, while in the shower, to worm up, not too hot, which helps to activate the adhesive prior to changing it.

This works for me and I'm back riding our horses and have an active outdoor life.

I hope it goes well for you.

David

Thank you David I will take a those bags.

Great idea about warming the sticky tape.

Ally x

I think the full brief idea is the way to go in the early days Kath.

Thank you for the double knicker idea.

Ally

It depends so much on where your stoma is placed. I have two: colostomy and urostomy. Both my stomas are placed very high, roughly 3 in or 8 cm above my bellybutton and right inside my rib cage. 

I wear a hernia support belt 24/7. The belt sits entirely above my waist and is stabilized by my rib cage. I love it and feel more comfortable wearing it. These things are really individual.

Lots of people talk about using a tight camisole or tank under their clothes for a higher placed stomas. Underwear or knickers that pull up high are often preferred by those with lower placed stomas. 

As you can see, we're all different in terms of shape, size, stoma placement and what we feel most comfy and confident in so it's great that you've had such good ideas from everyone and a whole range of options.

I just use support pants. Light to medium control most days but slightly firmer ones on the days that I'm looking after the wee granddaughter who's 2 (for lifting her up) or on the very rare occasion that I wear a dress - just to feel a bit more confident and supported. I bought stoma pants initially but the pocket isn't in the right place for me to be comfortable with them.

In the early days I went for comfy bottoms like leggings or shorts (it was summer) and t-shirts but soon got back to the stuff that I wore beforehand. As its an ileostomy I try to empty before it gets too noticeable. Also, as I had a fair few leaks early on I wore cheap black cotton pants next to my skin/pouch as an extra layer and support pants over the top. Output doesn't wash out very well so if it was bad I could throw the cheap ones away! It was a short term fix.

You'll soon find what works best for you, both in terms of what sort of pouch you prefer (stoma nurse will sort you out with samples) and a routine for looking after the stoma. You seem.to be quite at ease with it already which is a good start.

Good luck with it all and a speedy recovery. x

Mine is on a level with my belly button, so guessing low.

Guessing a hernia support belt could be beneficial when I do work in the garden.

Thank you

Ally