A few clothes questions for ostomies.....

Hi Flower,

I'm not sure what a jumper is, but I wear a tank top under my shirt everyday. I used to wear one anyway, so it really is no different for me. The tank top acts as a security blanket because it helps hold the bag flat against my body. If my shirt were to ride up, the tank top would still be in place. They're always "in" too and you can get them in every color. I usually stick with white, because it acts as a layer too with my shirts.

Are you able to find longer t-shirts? Certain stores carry long, slim t-shirts like American Eagle. I have a long torso so sometimes their shirts are the only ones that don't show my stomach. There are plenty of options out there though. I would take a day and go shopping and try on as many different styles as you can to see what works best. Don't get discouraged, even in the summer(right after I got discharged) I was at the beach, going to concerts, and enjoying the weather. And I was very sick and in the hospital for a while.

I don't see any reason why you can't wear the shorts you normally do, unless the stoma sits at your waistline. My stoma is on the high side(right next to my belly button and down a bit) so I have to tackle it from both ends. Shirt and pants. It really goes back to the tank top though. Wear your normal shorts, put a tank top on that will cover the waistband, and then put your shirt over top of that.

I love horseback riding as well. I got out of the hospital in mid June and was back to horseback riding in September. I wore a tank top underneath of my shirt and everything was fine. Even with trotting I had no problems. You could even tuck your tank top in your pants to really keep things from going anywhere. I plan on getting back out there once the sun gets a little warmer.

I would go and buy a couple tank tops and see how they work for you. It sounds like they might be the solution to your problems. Even with playing tennis and running around the court, the tank top will hold snug against your body enough to keep the bag from jumping around.

Hi guys,
a jumper is a like a jacket/coat, that you put over your T_shirt when you get cold.

cheers.
amy.

Hi ya'll,

I'm glad everyone is talking about clothes today because that has been really bothering me today. I've tried everything on in my closet and I don't like the looks of anything around my stoma. I have a longer stoma and a bump around the stoma that could make me decide to become a hermit. What about losing weight? Think that would help? I mean I'm not obese but could drop a few. Does anyone use an ostomy belt to hide the bump? Well, I'm off to watch a high school baseball game. I'll start the hermit thing later.

Jennie

ok i have a few questions too! summer when u say u tape the top of ur bag, what kind of tape do u use? does it stick? do u have a one or two piece, that sounds like it might b a good idea for me i'm currently using two piece systems.

cecelia, what do u mean fold down the top of ur bag? can u elaborate on that?

And ash, i remember ur pics, remember u were the straw that made decide to go ahead and get the surgery, but i have a question, with the pressure on ur bag and stoma laying flat. do u have pancaking? like it all sticking at the top of the bag? does it cause problems for our bags if this happens?

Praying- The only time I've had pancaking(that poor food will never be the same!) is when I wear a pair of tights with dresses. Sometimes I don't fold the waist down, so it covers the bag instead of sitting just below it. I can tell when it's more formed and just sitting there, so I'll just excuse myself and kind of push it down to the bottom. I'll do it as soon as I feel it because I don't want it to work it's way out from under the flange. Thankfully those tights are black! Lol


Stacie- How come I never thought of this before?? I purchased a Bella Band when I was pregnant and still have it hanging around. Major brain fart! Thanks for reminding me.

yeah ash i wear the tights too! i actually was wearing them b4 the bag...i just sometimes do notice that if my output is a little thicker (which sometimes i prefer because the bag is lighter on me with thicker output).

where do u guys get the medical tape?
i clicked the the link for the bella brand, they look pretty cool, they also look like these things i bought the other day. theyr like the lycra tube bras, probably more suitable for those that are a little smaller up top. I'm pretty well endowed up top so i could never get away with them as a bra, but i just got them to see how theyd work if i slide them down over my stoma. Theyr not tight at all, come in all different colors, and were only 4.80 bucks a piece!

?

I hope you don't live in Perth, Flower_Petal cos you'd die wearing a jumper in the heat we've been having lately!

Try getting a tube top and putting it around your waist over your bag - that should flatten everything nicely and keep it in place for you :)

As for horseriding, I've ridden elephants and camels, but sadly, never a horse... yet! One day I'll get the opportunity though :)

Good luck from a fellow Aussie.

I second that Shaz, it's been smoking hot here in Perth lately.