How to Better Conceal your Ostomy Pouch

Hi,

First post on here, so please be gentle. I was wondering if anyone has found a way of keeping that darn bag out of the way when they are having one of their most intimate moments? I've used techniques such as holding it under a t-shirt, etc... What do you do? It can just plain get in the way sometimes...

Thanks in advance.

Ok, I am having a heck of a time here. How do you guys out there wear jeans or slacks with a belt and your shirt tucked in? I have fought this long enough. I gotta know. I feel like a slob with oversized t-shirts worn outside my britches just to cover my bag, and tucking it in when I wear jeans and slacks with a belt just isn't working...

Ladies, I have been searching for the perfect post-ostomy pants for three years. I don't like anything tight across my stoma, so I always buy bigger to allow for bag expansion. I'm looking for all-day comfort, but I have not been successful. Right after my ileo, I had some pants from Jjill that worked pretty well. They were a very soft knit with a top kind of like a yoga pant. Alas, I need a la...

I don't know... I'm sitting here looking at this hole in my abs and find myself really tempted to stick my finger in there to see what it feels like. Anybody done that? What does it feel like? There are times when my stoma itches, like when I eat very rough fibrous food... and I'm tempted at times to take my bag off and stick my finger in there to scratch it. I'm betting most physicians would s...

Hello all,

I've had my ileostomy since 8/21. There is still a lot to learn, but one area that I'm struggling with is clothing! I know it's really not earth-shattering in the grand scheme of life, but...I am a fashionista and I long for my normal clothes. 
I can't seem to wear anything non-stretch. Do I need to alter or buy a size up? Any advice?? 

Hi, I am trying to contact anyone who lives in the UK Blackpool area to ask them about swimming pools suitable for us with a stoma.

     I wish I knew what to do in order to go swimming or attempt to go swimming with my kids in a swimming pool?.  I heard its best to go swimming only in the ocean or lake........that is one thing I would like to do

Hi,

I was on my high school swimming team long, long ago.

But now, wearing an ostomy bag, I'm afraid to. I don't want to have any leakage in the pool.

Any ideas on how to prepare for pool or beach swimming?

Thanks,

Rod

Hi there.

Brand new to the forum, and I have a quick question. Do I have to go out and purchase all new underwear, or can I stick with my comfy cotton Hanes?

My ileal conduit surgery is scheduled for 3/6, and I believe my diagnosis is a neurogenic bladder caused by my underlying condition of multiple sclerosis.

In advance, thank you!

I have started to play golf again after having my illeostomy for 2 1/2 years. I have never tucked my bag into my pants, EVER. I wear long shirts. Does anyone here tuck in their bag? Any golfers here tuck in? I'm wondering if it's something I should try. I've never tucked cause I've always had a fear of poking a hole, having the bag come off and I wouldn't even know it. And God knows what else c...

Hi everyone, I still can't figure out how to wear pants. If I wear them too low, it pushes up on the adhesive when I sit and loosens the base. If I wear them just above my ostomy bag, they pull down on the stoma and I get blisters at the base of my stoma. Can anyone explain to me how they deal with wearing pants? If the pants are too tight, then how does the stool make it to the bottom of the b...

Trying to find high rise pull on jeggings appropriate enough for work and blue jeans for play.

My weekend was incredible. Never felt more "normal!" (Had a seven year hiatus)

The Massage: I chose 50 min Aromatherapy. I lay on my stomach and back, did nothing different w/ my bag. For the comfort of the very accepting young masseuse (I offered, she didn't care), I put a small towel under and over my bag, on my stomach, then on my back. I have a bad back, curvy spine, but she was light on i...

Swim suit season is always a trigger for most people - the image they have of themselves showing more skin. Some people are comfortable in a bikini, others prefer a one-piece, and others the tankini.

For both girls and boys with an Ostomy - how are we to handle being in a swimsuit while also being socially acceptable.

My take on this subject is having the attitude of - be yourself. I don't...

I am planning to go snorkeling in Lake Superior. Can I swim without a bag on?

Hi everyone, I'm a month in today basically. I'm looking for help in finding wraps for swimming/showering and concealment. I'm currently using a Convatec 2-piece pouch on my ileostomy wearing it vertically but am going to switch to horizontally, which seemed easier when I tried it in the hospital. So, I'm looking for a belt/wrap for concealment on that part of my request for help and suggestion...

I know this sounds like a stupid question, but I have a two-piece bag. I change the wafer thingy once or twice a week, and the bags I just put on, take off, and throw away. No mess, no nothing, nice actually. But I love to swim and get scared that if I swim, I have to wrap it and do all of this silly stuff in fear of it falling off. Does anyone have any ideas? I've got 2 boys who love to swim, ...

In the brief 22 months I've had my ileo, I have been asked at least a hundred times, "What's that bulge under your shirt?" And on perhaps 8-9 occasions while in a store, I've been accused of stealing something. But the last time I flew to Guam, the airport checker was frisking me and grabbed my bag. He asked me to lay it on the table. I thought about it for a few seconds and asked him, "Do you ...

I recently had surgery (2 months ago) to remove my colon after a 30-month Crohn's flare. I am looking for advice on wearing my dress pants and casual attire. My stoma is located about an inch below my belly button. I can wear my pants just below the stoma, but they restrict the flow into my pouch. My current wardrobe of pants does not work wearing above the stoma. Any suggestions would be great...

I know I can't wear a regular swimsuit over the ostomy bag, but what can I wear that is comfortable and doesn't look too bulky around my waist? I have tried swim shorts with t-shirts, but the t-shirts tend to blow up around the top of my torso with the movement of the water. Any ideas from women who have been swimming with the bag would be much appreciated.

Hazel.

I am going to finally get released in a couple of months back to the gym. I had a permanent ostomy in March and many complications, but I am so ready to go back to my life again.
Question: If you have experience in swimming, what do you use? Your regular bag or do you know of any bags made for swimming?
Question: Has anyone who runs or works out used anything at the gym to cover the pouch because...

I would like to know if anyone with an ileostomy or a colostomy knows how they deal with their setup while being immersed in a bathtub or swimming pool. I have had my setup since 1997, but I just haven't accessed helpful information because I had lots of little illnesses and recently became more computer-savvy. I have a huge avid love for swimming, and this has been greatly lessened since my su...

Wondering if anyone has had a tummy tuck while they had an ileostomy. After a year of leaks and daily bag changes and skin breakdown, my surgeon, with the assistance of a plastic surgeon, is going to perform a tummy tuck in an effort to make the pouching surface flatter and hopefully fix my issues. Has anyone had this experience?

Hi there ladies, I just wanted to bring up the topic of sexy underwear. I have a few questions. Do you girls miss the sexy underwear lingerie companies such as Anne Summers and La Senza offer? I've noticed there are a few companies out there that offer "sexy" ostomy underwear, but am I alone in thinking that the underwear on offer is pretty, and, well, want for a better word, safe? The color sc...

This is my first stoma summer and I just bought a new one-piece swimsuit yesterday. I am wondering for those of you who swim, do you have to change to a new bag that same day or not too far after? I know the wafer is meant to absorb moisture, so if you have moisture on the inside from the stoma and also on the outside from the pool water, it would lessen the stickiness to the skin, right? Pleas...

Hi, I've got my first holiday since surgery six months ago booked - going to Florida in a month or so. Most of the trip is based around watersports.

Are there any products I can get, like waistbands, bag covers, etc., that will keep my bag dry when swimming, or at least cover up my scars above the waistline of my shorts?

Any feedback is welcome.

Cheers.

Hi everyone
I would like to know has any one out there used pouch covers and were they any good or just a wast of time .
I am thinking of getting some so would like your feed back on this.

many thanks Angel xx

I've recently ordered a water proof Ileostomy belt cover, but it is not due to arrive until July 7-28. Can't wait to get back into the pool again. Is it okay to swim with just the appliance in place, heard they are waterproof, with hydro colloid strips in place?  And can a hair dryer be used to dry it afterwords?

Here is another great video I found on YouTube:

I'm pretty new with my ileostomy and I need feedback from people who tuck their bag under their clothing. I fear doing this because my output is pretty thick and I'm concerned about it not making it to the bottom of the bag. I usually wear leggings that aren't very tight at the waist. Should I be concerned or will it be ok if I tuck my bag?

Was in my daughter's swimming pool for 2-3 hours last Sat. First time in 3 years since my stoma was installed. It was great. My wafer is fine, as a matter of fact, I am still wearing the same one today (Wed). So come on people... Enjoy yourselves!!!

My surgery for rectal cancer is scheduled for October 9, and I will emerge from surgery with an ostomy. Naturally, I have a lot of questions, and my learning curve will be very steep. But my immediate question is about clothing to wear with an ostomy. I would like to go shopping before the surgery if possible, but I'm not sure about what to buy. My typical work attire is khakis and a button-dow...

My ostomy is right on my belt line and about two inches to the left of my navel. I cannot wear jeans high enough to go above the Hollister two-piece. And I do not want the bag inside my pants anyway. So I have settled for Blue Mountain Utility Jeans from Tractor Supply Company - because they seem to have what I consider a Mid Rise which makes it a bit easier to wear the belt about 2-1/2 inches ...

When I change my bagging system, I have difficulty getting some thick and dried up poo off my skin. It's  typically close to the stoma. I wipe and wipe and scrub and scrape. Not fun. It makes the irritation and discomfort worse. How do you mates clean around your stoma? The wet stuff wipes off fairly easily but the dried-up thick gunk just does not want to come off. Any tips, products, etc wou...

Hi..just wondering if anyone is handy with a sewing machine to whip up a couple of cover for my colostomy bag

please..

tania

Hi all, I was just wondering if anyone else out there has ever been given any guidance on swimming or doing Aquafit with a large (well, the size of half a melon!) hernia? I am desperately trying to lose weight and am now trying Slim Fast as I can't eat any green veg or normal diet foods, but I thought some exercise might help and as I am so restricted with that as well (bad heart means I can on...

My best friend is crafting ostomy bag covers for me. However, the part that fits over the top half of the bag keeps popping off and then the cover falls off. :(  how do covers "fit"? Elastic or....?

So I was looking on Amazon for pouch covers when Looking Forward mentioned them in her post. They are expensive! So I thought I would whip up a few to see how it goes. They were so easy and took no time at all. A mask is more difficult! I put a pic of the ones I made in my pics here. It will not let me download them into this post for some reason. Says it is not allowed. Anyhow, if you sew at a...

Hi Folks, i have been donated over 1000 pairs of Comfizz stoma support underware, i am at a loss as to what i should do with them.

There are Mens unisex boxers M/L and L/XL, and ladies briefs M/L and L/XL, both styles come in black and white, all new still in their packages and they are actually very very comfy lol. (i'm test driving a pair now lol).

Now in my opinion they do not fall under t...

i am trying to hide my stoma bump and bag bump.some days it seems it sticks out more and i dont know what to wear!! Help please!!Ive had this since Dec and i am very concious of this bump!!

I had my colostomy in August 2013. I was a jeans man, tall and slim built. Has anyone else encountered a problem with wearing jeans? The colostomy was a life-changing event in a lot of ways. This is only one of my issues. Currently, I only wear elastic waist chinos or sweatpants. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks, Dynodon

Hi and thank you for the tips on irritated skin.

What is everybody doing about swimming? Is there a good cover to wear?

Hi

I have had my ileostomy bag for 4 years now and I am about to get married. This will be my first time having sex with my ileostomy bag. I am just worried about it getting in the way while we are having sex. Please advise on your experience. I did buy an ostomy belt, however, the bag is still sticking out. I would really like to not worry about it getting in the way.

Thanks for anything you...

Hello there, everyone.
Once again, I'm compelled to ask a question about how some of you handle a particular situation, i.e., swimming.
My mother had irreversible ileostomy surgery almost 2 years ago. Before she had the surgery, she enjoyed going to the local YMCA to swim. During the first year, she had some accidents in the form of the bag leaking or falling off. She now thinks she can no long...

Hi all,
Does anyone know where to get a swimsuit? I'm due to go on holiday later in the year and have never managed to get a decent swimsuit that actually hides the bag. I did buy one from a company in the UK who make ostomy products, but it was no good and really old-fashioned. Any suggestions are welcome. I wish I was good at dressmaking; I'd do it myself.
Isabella

I'm rather new at this and would like to know how others handle swimming when they have an ostomy--especially men? My wife and I are going on a cruise in about 2 weeks, and I am really anxious about swimming. My colostomy is high on the left (above the beltline). I normally use Sensura 2-piece. It has been suggested that I use a short-sleeve wetsuit, but I think that would be awfully hot in the...

Can anyone please suggest where I can purchase underwear etc at a reasonable price?  thank you< >

Hi all,

Just wondering if there are any ostomates who have travelled to Israel and swam in the Dead Sea. I know they warn people not to open their eyes under the water there because it is so concentrated with salt. 

I wanted to know if anyone has swam in the water and felt any pain/severe stinging around their stoma due to the strong salt? I'm planning to swim/float there on my trip to Israe...

I have had a really difficult time wearing jeans. Someone mentioned they buy their jeans at the maternity shop. They said that the stretchy top part is more comfortable. Have any of you ladies out there ever done this before? How did it work for you?

Has anyone come up with anything to waterproof their appliance? I've heard about using pink tape. Anything else?

Also, any suggestions for traveling? I'm going on a Viking cruise and scared to death of leakage during the night.

Hi, I have read several different posts in which people recommend different Yummie Tummie products, Spanx products, and other similar items. I am not sure which one to get or which one works best, and these are things I don't think you can try on. My main issue is that when my bag starts to fill up, it's all in the bottom area and getting fatter and fatter. Also, when I wear jeans, the surgeon ...

Hi again!

I have only had my ostomy for a little over 8 years and am still trying to figure things out. For years, I have avoided certain activities for fear of the appliance leaking. One of those things is swimming.

My appliance doesn't like to stay on when it gets wet, so I have been avoiding swimming. But I love swimming. Does anyone else have this issue? What do you do to avoid it coming of...

I know I saw something before about what guys wore, but can't find it. My husband wears depends when he goes out and he feels confident. No problem when he's wearing sweats. But if he's wearing regular pants and depends, there are 2 tight things pushing on the stoma and when output comes it starts leaking out the side of the flange and can turn into a mess. He has an ileostomy so he has more fr...

The idea behind C&S Ostomy Pouch Covers was developed for me over 30 years ago. Here is my story.

At the age of 17, I was diagnosed with Chrons disease and endured the pain and heartbreak of slowly losing my large intestine. When I was 19, I underwent my first surgery and wound up with an ielostomy. I was devastated and thought that my life was over. My self confidence was non-existent. The t...

Does anyone have any experience using the Stoma Tuck bag holder and if so, positives and negatives?

Here is a link to the device: https://www.stomatuck.com/theproduct

I'm tempted to give it a go as it's only $50 but at the same time, I've spent a fair bit over the last 5 years on various things to try and make my active life easier, some with success, some not so much.

Thanks, Gang!

Bryan

I shower Daily and a year 1/2 ago bought a $60 Shower Guard. Worked great but after the first year or so it was falling apart. So I spent another $60 just to leave it in a hotel a few weeks later. So I decided to try and make my own and it works great. Keeps the Bag almost completely dry. So I thought I would share how I made it. Bought all the stuff from Amazon but you could probably get it at...

does anyone use a ostomy bag cover? I just ordered one off of Amazon. I am looking for something to muffle the sounds of crinkling that the pouch makes. It sounds like plastic because ofcourse it is. Also I don't really want to share with the world what is in my pouch at any given time. Others think it's worth the money?

Lee

I had an ostomy eight months ago and I'm ready to get back in the pool. Any suggestions from swimmers about how to keep the appliance waterproof? I am wondering if I will need to change it more often because of being in chlorinated water. Thanks in advance for the advice!

Does anyone know where I can buy men's underwear with a pouch for my stoma pouch.  I live in Canada and would like to order the underwear in Canada.

 

Thank you

Phil

My stoma is coated brown.  I called my stoma nurse, but she didn't seem to be too concerned.  Said it was probably a "fluff" and she could probably just scrape it off.  It has spread and is now covering the complete stoma.  I tried washing it but it wouldn't come off.  I have a great concern and would like to know if anyone else has had this experience and knows of the cause.  I just had ...

For those with a colostomy but no hernia, do you wear (a) support belt or wrap (b) support underwear (c) ostomy underwear with no support (d) regular underwear? If you wear support underwear, where do you get them? If you wear ostomy underwear, where do you get them? I live in Canada.

Is it possible that tight clothing (stretch jeans) would be harmful for an iliostomy?

Hello I not hady ileostomy long. I'm just wondering can I go swimming ? Or do I need wear certain things ?

I really need to get back to exercsing, but the best one for me is swimming due to joints.  Has anyone worn a stealth belt?

Does anyone know of something that actually works for swimming? When I bath or swim my skin barrier loosens. Does anyone know of a way to keep it dry during wet activities?

Had ileostomy places 3 weeks ago doc ok with swimming. 4 months ago I had 2 total knee replacements so I'd like to get back to some water therapy. I'm reluctant. Any tips for getting back to the pool? Is there a specific bag I need? Suit? Bag cover? Thanks!

Holidays
Hi all, I will be going on holiday in a few weeks and need to get some swimwear (shorts) that will cover my stoma. Does anyone have any ideas where I can order them from?
Only had my operation 2 months ago, so none of last year's will do. I need some with a high waist.

Hi ALL:

I recently signed up for this site and have had an Ileostomy since December 2010.

I have read so many postings about others asking questions on how to keep their appliances on while bathing, swimming, and showering. I hope the info below can be of help.

I've had a huge issue with my wafers not holding due to my body chemistry that causes sweating, which in turn causes the wafers to l...

Great article about swimming and pouches with ostomy...

https://www.coloplast.ca/en-CA/bb-landing-pages/sw imming-with-an-ostomy/?utm_source=facebook&utm_med ium=cpc&utm_campaign=CP_CA_EN_FB_NA_OC_NA_Info_Tra ffic_Swimming-ostomy&utm_content=CP_CA_EN_FB_NA_OC _NA_Info_Traffic_Swimming-ostomy_EngC-60d_Single+i mage_23851437694000513&utm_term=23851437336700513& fbclid=IwAR0lHC6NPd4Lst4jPnOY3R9VWUn11MO...

Just saw this mentioned in someone's reply to a question. Had never heard of a "plug". It sounds like it would be advantageous for intimacy.
Comments?  

Hi,
my stoma is quite high (above belly button) & I was wondering what the men on here wear when swimming. It is not really practical to wear high waistband swimmers (would look REALLY stupid)
Thanks

Is it best to use one? What brand is best

Any competitive swimmers out there? I just started a swim class to build endurance and ability to compete in Triathlons. I have had my osteomyelitis for 28 years and just got back in the pool in 2016. Big step for me. Any advice? My biggest scare is changing in a locker room. Not quite ready to bear it all.

I do trail races (2 marathons) with no issues, but the swimming scares me.

Hi everyone....thanks so much for answering my questions. Bear with me as this is new to me......What is the best way to secure my bag so I can get in the pool?

can anyone help me find cheep pouch covers or patterns too make pouch covers? thank u

can you buy and open ended one size fits all pouch cover?? what do you have to measure? ty

First summer with an ostomy I use to swim every day how do you get enough supplies to do that?

Good morning folks, very new and looking for suggestions on mens everyday ileostomy underwear…I need high waisted as my stoma is just above my belly button…many thanks

I have a very thick output and when emptying the bag it is often left stuck together with out put…I empty everything that I can get to the bottom of the bag but the bag remains flattened. Will it still work? My Ostomy nurse said not to change the appliance except every other day. Is this ok thanks for any help Sunshine 

 Is there a way to tuck in the tail of a Hollister Ostomy bag?  Other brands seem to have pockets to tuck the tail in, but can’t seem to figure out if there is a pocket on the Ostomy brand bags…..

I haven't attempted swimming with my ostomy yet.  I've seen special bathing suits and various kinds of equipment such as belts, etc.  Can anyone give me tips/suggestions on what to get?  I want to start swimming for exerise and I also love to travel so I'm thinking about swimming and sunbathing for leisure as well.

Wonder how to fit pants with ostomy?  Also wondering if anyone has any experience with Stealth Belt?

So Happy to have found this site!! To share information, and support with like minded people.

Can anyone tell me if swimming is ok with a stoma bag? Any tips?

 Thanks 

Hi guys,

So I have a wedding to attend in March (so lots of time to prepare) and it is a formal event. So even here in the most southern tip of darkest Africa (yes, we are having power outages again), formal means jacket and tie as opposed to khaki shorts and sandals.

The problem is, does wearing your tux shirt hanging loose to conceal your Jiffy bag (or as I refer to mine - Sakkie), still clas...

I have been in the pool a lot this summer and it seems like every time I change my appliance, I have a rash on my skin. Not sure if it's caused by the swimming and chemicals in the pool or maybe just because it's wet for a while.

I do my best to dry the wafer off after getting out of the pool, but it's impossible to get it totally dry. I can't change the appliance every time I swim because I go...

I'm in treatment for rectal cancer and am worried I'll end up with a bag. Having been a competitive swimmer since age eleven and still in the top five in my age group in the area, I wonder if that kind of activity would still be possible?

i have been looking for some plain but study bag covers. just want to mention amazon has the best. comes in a pack of 4.. very nice material

Hi all,

So I'm a youngish female, and I wanted to figure out a way to wear a two-piece bathing outfit to the beach and the pool and whatnot, but I wasn't super impressed by tankini options because they tended to show a strip of stomach in exactly the wrong place as well as not come far enough down my leg. I just wanted to share what I eventually hit on doing, because it's worked really well fo...

I've only had my ostomy around two months. I am an elementary teacher of 30 4th graders so I am pretty active throughout the day.

I wear mostly leggings with tunic-length shirts and have been letting my bag hang outside my pants, yet under my shirt.  Some if my pre-surgery shirts are not long enough to hide the bag so I can't wear them. I feel like my leggings are a bit too tight to tuck the ...