The topic is about finding comfortable and stylish clothing options after having a colostomy, specifically focusing on wearing jeans. The person sharing their experience is a tall and slim male who used to wear 32-inch waist jeans before his surgery in August 2013. Now, he feels limited to wearing 35-inch elastic-waist chinos or sweatpants and is seeking advice from others who might have faced similar challenges. He is particularly concerned about the pressure on his stoma, which is located just below the belt line, and is curious about what stoma guards are and how they can be used.
Here are some helpful tips and insights:
1. Size & Style Adjustments
- Consider going up one waist size or even a "half-size" in jeans. Wearing shirts untucked can help disguise the pouch.
- Opt for pleated or fuller-cut trousers to reduce pancaking and hide any bulges. Boxers can provide extra room.
- A snug waistband below the stoma is generally safe, as stomas are more resilient than many people think.
2. Braces / Suspenders
- Replace belts with braces to allow the waistband to sit looser while still keeping pants in place. Wide varieties are available online and work well with both jeans and dress pants.
3. Stoma Guards
- These are dome-shaped guards that fit over the stoma to prevent direct pressure from belts. They also offer protection from pets, small children, countertops, and car seatbelts, and help avoid pancaking.
- Commercial options are available, and some people create custom guards if commercial models don't suit their needs.
4. Online Resources
- Searching "Ostomy clothing guide for men" on YouTube can provide visual demonstrations and additional tips.
5. Accessory & Technique Tips
- Rotate the flange into a diamond orientation to keep underwear elastic off the seal, which can prolong wear-time.
- Dust baby powder on the thigh beneath the pouch to reduce sweating.
- Adding a small amount of olive oil inside the pouch can help the output slide downward more easily.
- Regular colostomy irrigation, performed nightly, can keep the pouch stool-free for 24–36 hours, making clothing choices easier.
6. General Encouragement
- Many people with ostomies find that they can comfortably wear flat-front or even skinny jeans once they find the right size and accessories.
See full discusison