Pregnancy Pillows: A Game Changer for Ostomates at the Chiro

One thing I have struggled with since my ostomy, is having to go to the chiropractor, or a massage therapist.  Lying flat on the chiropractor's table is extremely uncomfortable on my ostomy, and having any pressure put on me has made it even worse.  I've feared leaks, or even damage to my ostomy, although neither has happened.  I simply haven't gone for a massage since my ostomy, and I've avoided the chiro unless I've been in severe distress.  I have a new chiropractor, who recently enlightened me that there is a thing called a pregnancy pillow, and it's a game changer!  It's basically a rectangular pillow, with a big hole in the middle, meant to accommodate a pregnant woman's bump, but it works equally well to accommodate an ostomy, so no pressure is put on your abdomen during the process.  It's excellent!  I have not enquired whether massage therapists also have this item in their arsenal, but I'm thinking they very well may.  Anyone else know? Anyway, a good tip for ostomates who may have been avoiding the chiropractor.

Terry

After my last surgery, my abdomen was left open. I couldn't lay flat, so I got a pregnancy pillow, propped it in front of a couple of other pillows, and was so comfortable. Then just recently, I got my adjustable bed.

Cool beans!

Support around the stoma with no pressure on it.

Could sleep with it as well.

My chiro... adjusts me while sitting. That too, is a game changer.

 

Hmmm... most chiropractors these days have a drop-section table, used for pregnant women. The center section of the table drops down to eliminate pressure on the stomach, and you're adjusted normally. If your chiro can't adjust pregnant women, you might want to find one that can... they're plentiful. Of course, if what you're using works... stick with it.

;O)

This is a new chiro I'm seeing, and he does adjust pregnant women, (and patients like me with an ostomy) with the pregnancy pillow.  Maybe I wasn't clear in my post.  I don't know about a drop down table, but the pregnancy pillow works well.

Terry

How to Manage Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Hello

I go to the chiropractor monthly for a tune-up and have no issue lying on my stomach; obviously, I empty beforehand. I have used both the drop bench and the fixed bench.

Thanks for the information  Terry. Did you order off Amazon?

Hi,  I haven't ordered one myself, as my chiropractor has one that he uses for his patients.  I would like to go for a massage though, as a treat, something I haven't done since my ostomy.  I don't know if pregnancy pillows  are standard equipment with massage therapists, but I'm planning on finding out.  If they don't use them, it might look into getting one for myself, and just take it with me to appointments.

Terry

G-Day Terry,

You can buy a small round blow-up tube like a wheelbarrow wheel inner tube. Don't put a lot of air in it and try using it until you get the right amount of air in it. Put it in a pillowcase or wrap it with toweling and take it with you to the massage.

Regards, IGGIE

Thanks, Iggie. Do you know what they are called?

Terry

Try a company that sells products for handicapped people. See photo. Regards IGGIE

 

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It's a butt donut. You won't find it at Dunkin. 🤣

Hi, I can so relate as I was being treated for low back pain. I had to lay on my belly while they injected me, and the pressure on my bag caused a disconnect between my body and bag. What a mess. They gave me a towel and sent me home. Ick!

That's terrible!  My chiropractor said I could order a pillow like his online.  I'm going to write down the name of it on my next visit, and I'll post it here.  

Terry

Terry, after a year of healing, I resumed Shiatsu massage. He put a pad above and below my "little buddy." The bag hangs in the empty space.

I tried my first massage since my ileostomy. The massage therapist had never worked with anyone with an ostomy, and didn't really know how to handle it. I suggested trying a pillow above and below my abdomen because I had read about that idea here, and that worked pretty well. I was in a hotel room, so there were a lot of pillows. That might not work in another setting, so maybe getting a pregnancy pillow and bringing it with me is the answer. I do want more massages!