Summer and illeostomy..

[gracifer]

So summer has finally arrived here in the UK and it's brought with it a new set of questions

I know there are such things as 'stoma control pants' but what is the best site to get them from and are they actually useful? Whenever I wear a dress or a skirt it seems to be quite pronounced, though I realise it's just me who thinks this way, and actually people I walk past etc probably don't even know.

Secondly, my bag seems to be spending it's time trying to peel away from my skin and is quite hard to stick, so I'm using those plastery type things around the edge. I just wondered whether this is a common problem?

Thirdly, I normally use cold water on my piece of gut to make it shrink, when changing the bag. Recently in the hot weather I've found this has no baring on it, and although I am changing it at the same times as before it does seem to be active like it seems to think it's back in my body due to the weather. Do you find in hot weather you need to change how you change it? Or am I just being silly?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Honey]

Hi there,
You are not being silly but have a genuine concern. I am not experiencing what you have, but I am sure someone else will respond to you who is. I am just sending you my thoughts and prayers that you will feel more comfortable soon. Best wishes.
:Flower:anda-wave-t::Flower:

 

[Absentminded]

I get my Stoma underwear from Comfizz http://www.comfizz.com/
I have the high waisted briefs and they are so comfortable and feel so secure. You can get up to six pairs a year on prescription from the NHS too. I don't have a Stoma anymore, but I do have a draining fistula on my abdomen which I have a Stoma bag over, so I still wear them all the time!
What type of bags do you use? I use coloplast one piece bags and they seem fine at the moment.
Hope someone else can offer some more advice.

 

[CheerBear12]

I always struggle with emptying in summer sweaty hands. It's way too hot for me

 

[gracifer]

Hey absentminded; Thank you so much for the website link! It's awesome - definitely what I was looking for! I use the OakMed one pieces, which have worked great before now especially as there good for sensitive skin.. When I have my next appointment with the stoma nurse, I'll bring it up if I'm still having problems... Thanks

 

[2thFairy]

It is a very common nuisance to need to change bags more often in the hot summer due to the bag not sticking. There are some skin preps that are sticky and may help some. You might also try some benzoin on the skin to help it stick more.

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Comfizz for sure!!!! I hate high waisted underwear but I wear their waist bands every day and their vests are really good!

 

[Absentminded]

I've got one of each of their waistbands and vest tops too, but couldn't get on with them as much as I have the briefs. I found the bottom of the waistband kept rolling up!

 

[Neko76]

Hey there, I don't know what appliance you use, but I use the coloplast sensura click with the convex flange for liquid output ostomies. Here in Ottawa the temp is 26 - 28C with the humidity it is close to 35-40C and I have not had to change a thing despite being constantly sweaty and hot. Also I wear a belly band instead of high waisted underpants. They keep my ostomy in place without feeling like I'm wearing my grandmother's undies. (I know they make somewhat attractive one's now but I just can't stand them myself). Basically it's just like a snug cotton tube top that I wear around my waist, they are generally made for pregnant women to keep the lower part of their bellies covered. I usually wear mine on the outside of my pants for the layered look, but it can be worn tucked in as well. The ones I order come in 18 colours which is great as well. I get them on eBay for $6-8 each depending on how many you order at a time. Also during the summer I can fold the band underneath my bag, inwards between the bag and my abdomen so I don't get as sweaty there (I don't find that the "cloth" covering of my bag does this well enough on it's own. Hope some of this is helpful.

Regards,

Kat

 

[Absentminded]

Oh yeah, you can get cotton bag covers on prescription in the UK. They really help if you get kinda hot/sweaty underneath the bag. I get a rash from the "fabric" of the bag, so always used these, I made a couple of my own too from pretty Cath Kitson fabric!!

 

[DJW]

Hey. I change my appliance more in the summer. My skin gets itchy so I know it's time. In the last year my skin has decided it does not like tape. Gets red, itchy and slimy. I was once told it was a yeast infection. I use coloplast protective sheets under the tape. I use Eakin Seals. The dr gave me a script for an inhailer. I "puff" the area, use stoma Powder and then dab with skin prep (dont wipe). Then I put the appliance on. I can get 5-7 days if I'm not to active...which I'm not during this flair.

 

[gracifer]

I just wanted to say thank you so much for recommending Comfizz - I ordered through prescription the other day and today got the first pair delivered, and there just what I needed Definitely going to make me feel more confident about going out in skirts and summer dresses now, so thank you very much, even I am going to suffer from that pesky tire of fat haha.
I might go and buy those cotton bag covers, especially now as I am going to the gym, I find my skin is getting itchier then usual & there's definitely a rash, which after reading DJW's post might be because of the same sort of thing, possibly a yeast infection.. but it's all worth a go.
But thank you for all your wonderful advice!! Does make it so much easier now

 

[Misty-Eyed]

I've got one of each of their waistbands and vest tops too, but couldn't get on with them as much as I have the briefs. I found the bottom of the waistband kept rolling up!

Which waistbands did you use? I one of the larger and smaller ones and the smaller one never rolls. I just like my little knickers! Did you see they were doing limited edition thong ones too? Don't think my barbie bum would be ready for those either!!!