The topic is about someone preparing for ileal conduit surgery due to a neurogenic bladder from multiple sclerosis. They are curious if they need to switch to special "ostomy underwear" or if their usual cotton Hanes briefs will still be suitable after the surgery.
Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:
1. **Wait and See Approach**
- It's often best to try your existing underwear first. You'll have a better idea of your comfort needs once you know the stoma position, pouch size, and how your healing progresses.
2. **Regular Brands Usually Work**
- Many people with ileal conduits or colostomies continue to wear regular cotton underwear like Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, and Jockey.
- Some choose to buy one size larger or sometimes one size smaller to avoid tightness across the stoma or to keep the wafer snug.
3. **Positioning the Pouch**
- You can tuck the pouch inside high-rise briefs or boxer-briefs for support, or let it hang outside low-rise or bikini styles to prevent compression and leaks.
- Men who prefer support for their genitalia often choose snug briefs, while others prefer a looser fit around the pouch.
- Long tops, frilled fabrics, shawls, or leggings can help disguise the outline of the pouch, and maternity jeans offer a soft, stretchy panel over the appliance.
4. **Double-Underwear & DIY Adaptations**
- Wearing two pairs of underwear can help: a cotton pair next to the skin and a stretchy brief over the pouch to spread output, absorb sweat, and hide any bulge.
- You can sew in a pouch pocket by adding an inner fabric panel or nesting one pair of briefs inside another for a low-cost holder.
- Some people create their own support using seamless high-waist leggings or cut-down yoga pants.
5. **Lubricating & Deodorizing the Pouch**
- Adding a few drops of baby oil, olive oil, or water after emptying the pouch can make the contents slide out more easily.
- Olive oil is preferred by some as it avoids the tail-end seal breakdown that can occur with baby oil and does not harm the stoma.
- For odor control, some use mouthwash or Tic-Tac mints.
6. **Cleaning & Laundry Tips**
- For clothing stains, a mixture of one part Dawn dish soap to two parts hydrogen peroxide, soaked for at least 15 minutes, can be effective.
- Frequent washing keeps cotton briefs comfortable, and some people carry spare underwear for emergencies.
7. **Commercial Aids & Supplies**
- Products like Aqua Seal by Costa Medical provide a supplementary barrier over the wafer.
- Attiva Liners are disposable, flushable pouch liners for two-piece systems.
- Online sources for discounted underwear include ustradeent.com and topvoucherscode.co.uk.
8. **Early Post-Op Comfort**
- Right after surgery, many people avoid any waistband until the incisions and stoma site heal, opting for loose gowns or housedresses instead.
9. **Long-Term Outlook**
- Many people with ostomies, ranging from 10 to 50 years, report minimal complications while using everyday underwear once they find the right size and style.
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