This topic is about finding comfortable and practical clothing options after having a colostomy. The person who shared their experience is dealing with some challenges due to swelling and the placement of their stoma, which affects how their clothes fit. Here are some helpful tips and insights for managing clothing with a colostomy:
1. Pants and Waistbands:
- Wearing pants below the stoma can feel too low, while wearing them midway might feel awkward. Finding pants that fit over the appliance is difficult.
- Consider using ostomy wraps or belts from places like OstomySecrets or Stealth Belt for support and comfort.
- Light compression or hernia belts can help hold the appliance close to the body.
2. Leggings and Stretchy Options:
- Try tights, skinny jeans, or loose leggings paired with a long tunic or A-line top.
- High-waisted leggings with wide, flat waistbands can secure the pouch comfortably.
- For colder weather, wear leggings under dresses.
3. Alternative Clothing:
- Sweatpants, gym shorts, or PJ bottoms are gentle on fresh incisions.
- Jumpsuits can be a good option as they eliminate waistbands, though they may be less practical for restroom use.
- Consider knit pants with soft, yoga-style tops that don’t bind the stoma.
4. Underwear Choices:
- High-waisted briefs can cover and support the bag, while mini-brief cuts sit below the stoma.
- Ostomy-specific panties offer extra security for longer outings.
5. Concealment Tips:
- Use prints, darker colors, and non-tucked tops to distract from any bulges.
- Bag covers can hide the output in translucent pouches.
- Keeping drainable pouches flat throughout the day can reduce their profile.
6. Incision and Comfort:
- Place soft padding, like a foam bra cup, between the waistband and healing incision.
- Use mild compression wraps to prevent clothing from rubbing against surgical sites.
7. Long-term Practices:
- Once healed, colostomy irrigation might allow for using stoma caps or going without a pouch for periods.
- Confidence will grow over time, and experimenting with different brands, cuts, and sizes is important.
These suggestions aim to help manage the challenges of dressing with a colostomy, making daily life a bit more comfortable and boosting confidence.
See full discusison