Helping my friend with exercise, nutrition and clothes

Hi Bex111, my husband has a colostomy, different but still has to wear a bag. HUGE  life change.  Your friend must have a stoma nurse who will help him build up his confidence with the bag and how it will react.  He should be referred to a dietician because there will be certain foods that will / won’t benefit him, so use those resources. When he’s ready to go out, he might benefit from taking what we call a ‘grab bag’ should there be any mishaps. He will get to know a ‘pattern’ of how he will be as his chemo goes on too. He will have some low days as he comes off steroids. His nurses will be able to advise him on that.  Warm comfy clothes are good and maybe upper layers so nurses have access to his arms but he can throw a cardigan/ light zipper top around his shoulder during treatment if he needs it. 
sorry I’m not much help but that’s what we found.  The food thing was a bit of a nightmare to begin with but with support, you and he will get there. 
good luck x 

Hi You’ve had some great advice from Having a stoma bag can make you feel quite anxious and I always wore ‘big knickers’ as it supported the bag. You might like to point your friend in the direction of the Vanillablush website where they sell underwear that has pockets inside for the bag to sit in and you can have 6 pairs a year on prescription.

https://www.vblush.com/productdisplay/mens-navy-ostomy-boxer-pack-3

Thank you, this is all so helpful. A grab bag is a great idea. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Thanks so much for your reply.

Hi 

I also have an ileostomy, hopefully this will be temporary. My output is very liquid as I think is very common in an ileostomy and chemo made mine worse. I empty my bag quite often during the day as I don't like the feeling of it being full.

One thing I would advise to get is a mattress protector for the bed. I had a few leaks in the night and it just saves the mattress, it's easy to wash a sheet but a ruined mattress would be awful. There are lots of products that you can get if the skin gets sore, I find the barrier wipes and healing powder is invaluable.

The stoma nurses are very good and will advise on diet and products to try. They can add these to the monthly prescription. 

As someone mentioned you can get a prescription for underwear, I haven't got this but do wear "Bigger" pants and I tend to wear stretchy leggings or jeggings as they are comfy and easy to wear in the house. I supposes joggers would be good for a man to wear at home.

There is a special group for ileostomy and colonoscopy support and I had so much help on there when I had a few issues.

Hope your friends manages ok, it does take a bit of getting used to.

Take care and keep safe

xx

, 

Oh thank you for this reply and I hope you are OK. Your advice is all really helpful and things I would never have thought of. Sending you all the best for your recovery. 

You’re welcome x