New member looking for advice

A long while ago I supported a pupil with their stoma and we used a stoma band which came in at different depths and different levels of support. I know M&S do the underwear and I imagine they will expand their range over time but it might be worth trying a band in the first instance to see if that works for you. 

I am not an expert in the field but also have a friend who recently had a stoma and she purchased both the underwear and a band to see what felt good for her. 

Maybe get a coupe of options to begin with to find what works for you. 

Hope that helps a little 

MelanieRose

Thanks for taking the time to reply. That's useful advice and I'll certainly look into it.

Silly thing is that in a couple of months I'll be sorted and probably wondering what all the fuss was about. 

Thanks again.

Regards,

Mike

Hi Mike,

I'm a bt late to this. I'm female and use M&S pants now and find them a cut above others I have used over the years, plus cheaper, well made and easily  washable. By now you may have found other suppliers but, if not, if you Google there are a number of them. Or ask your stoma nurse.

I think the M&S mens' may seem highwaisted but you may find that is to cover the bags - some stomas are quite high. You'll know by now how you feel about yours.

One thing to bear in mind is the elastane content of the material from which they are made. During chemo I had a reaction to the drugs and found pure cotton was more comfortable for me as I am allergic to latex. That is less important now so I am OK with the M&S one - higher content -  even in this heatwave. The elastane helps keep the bag on even when a bit overfull. Others manage with ordinary underwear  perhaps with a waist belt that attaches to the loops on the side of the day bags. You can get a free sample from your bag supplier or your stoma nurse can add the belts to your prescription.

Hope this helps. And you might find the bladder cancer forum useful too. There are many of us on there with urostomies. Plus the Urostomy Association website if you haven't already found it.

All the best,

Latestart