I have looked on the internet for covers, but to me, they were expensive and not knowing if it would be something I would use often or be beneficial for me in any way, I was not willing to pay the price. I was always interested in making a cover because the clear pouch we are all given at the hospital was so unappealing. With this in mind, I made my first pouch cover.
I have some material that I was given from a friend who knew that I liked the character displayed, but it wasn't enough to make more than maybe a pillow cover, so I saved it for whatever might come into play. And thus, my pouch cover was created. Keep in mind I am not a seamstress of any sort, but it is a relatively easy design.
I have worn it twice so far, and the first benefit I found is that it seems to be good for keeping the pouch looking new. I do not see the "pills" that I see after wearing for a few days, which I think came about from lifting and tucking in my shirt. The second benefit for me is the Velcro opening of the pouch now has an extra cover, even though it was rolled and tucked within itself before. This has made a difference because I do not have that poking I used to feel on my leg.
As far as the negative things I have found, it does nothing to help keep the air from building up within the pouch and may even hinder it from escaping. Which still leaves me looking like I am concealing something under my shirt. I am not sure, but I also think it does not help me to feel any more comfortable on hot summer days and may even be keeping the heat closer to my body than if I didn't have a cover.
I guess I will keep this blog open for now as I have not had enough experience with my cover.
Update: I am still happy with my cover but decided to make some changes in the opening to make it much easier in case of a blowout. But before I go that route, I made a "pouch pocket."
I think this is even better than the cover. I have worn it for almost a month, and it is working out much better in the sense that it is completely out of the way when I have to burp or empty my pouch as it is connected to my undergarment and slides right out when needed without much effort. Another plus is that it gives more support than the cover could ever because it is designed completely differently but yet still covers the pouch.
I hope to get back to make the different opening in the cover to see if it helps in any way.
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Hi Crossley. Ya know, I think it’s all about feelings. I don’t mean the pain feelings which could control everything. I mean the feelings inside our heads, our hearts and even our souls. I mean the feelings of who we are now compared to who we were; how we accept our situation or maybe we don’t. My wife asked how I felt and I said, “like crap”. She asked what hurt and I answered, “Nothing hurts, well, everything hurts, I don’t know, It all sucks.” That was a long time ago. You question if your feelings are normal. How normal is it to relocate your butt hole to your belly where it’s usually in the way of your belt and, you know. But that’s where we are and for lots of us we are so much better off than we were before, physically. Emotionally, psychologically, well, that might be a different story. I believe talk therapy is wonderful if we could find a real empathic or sympathetic listener. So guess what! I found MAO and began “talking” with a keyboard with some of the wisest, kindest most sympathetic and compassionate folks on the planet. Regardless of where we’ve been, lots of folks here have been there and worse places and found their way back healthier and happier. We really do help each other.
Keep “talking”,
Mike
Thank you, Bill. When I see my colon doc after the holidays, I am planning on asking questions about irrigation (as well as other things) and if it is right for me.
Learn about the physical and emotional benefits of using ostomy accessories.
If you have an ileostomy, can you irrigate? If so, how often would you have to do it?
Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister
I believe you are right. Thanks for replying. I was so sick when I was operated on that I was given no choices and little information. My ILO nurse is miles away and groups are also a long distance away. So much appreciate any information. Thanks again.