This topic is about someone who is four weeks into recovery after having their bladder removed due to recurrent bladder cancer. They've been through quite a journey, including treatments like BCG, chemotherapy, and dealing with a pulmonary embolism. Thankfully, their follow-up tests show no signs of cancer, and their surgeon is happy with how their stoma looks. However, they are facing some challenges and are seeking advice on a few issues:

- They are experiencing painful bowel movements.
- They find it painful when hair is pulled out while removing the pouching system.
- They are struggling with feelings of unattractiveness and feeling "freakish" due to the new stoma.

They are particularly interested in finding non-obvious methods for hair removal around the stoma area. Here are some suggestions and insights shared by others:

1. Standard razor:
- Many people use a regular razor but avoid those with lubricant strips as they can affect how well the pouch sticks.
- Shave close to, but not right against, the stoma. Use tweezers to pluck any hairs that are very close.

2. Electric options:
- A small beard or sideburn trimmer can be used before every second appliance change. It takes about 30 seconds and can make removal less uncomfortable while improving the seal of the wafer.
- An epilator, like the Braun Silk-épil 9, pulls hair from the root, which can keep the area hair-free for longer and might be gentler than waxing for some people.

3. Other long-term or professional methods:
- Consider laser hair removal or electrolysis once you are fully healed and feeling stronger.

4. Additional low-cost ideas:
- Use disposable razors from the dollar store that don't have moisturizing strips.

5. Online resource:
- The Vegan Ostomy website, run by someone with a lot of body hair, offers detailed tutorials on shaving and grooming around an ostomy.