Pregnancy Pillows: A Game Changer for Ostomates at the Chiro

One thing I have struggled with since my ostomy, is having to go to the chiropractor, or a massage therapist.  Lying flat on the chiropractor's table is extremely uncomfortable on my ostomy, and having any pressure put on me has made it even worse.  I've feared leaks, or even damage to my ostomy, although neither has happened.  I simply haven't gone for a massage since my ostomy, and I've avoided the chiro unless I've been in severe distress.  I have a new chiropractor, who recently enlightened me that there is a thing called a pregnancy pillow, and it's a game changer!  It's basically a rectangular pillow, with a big hole in the middle, meant to accommodate a pregnant woman's bump, but it works equally well to accommodate an ostomy, so no pressure is put on your abdomen during the process.  It's excellent!  I have not enquired whether massage therapists also have this item in their arsenal, but I'm thinking they very well may.  Anyone else know? Anyway, a good tip for ostomates who may have been avoiding the chiropractor.

Terry

After my last surgery, my abdomen was left open. I couldn't lay flat, so I got a pregnancy pillow, propped it in front of a couple of other pillows, and was so comfortable. Then just recently, I got my adjustable bed.

Cool beans!

Support around the stoma with no pressure on it.

Could sleep with it as well.

My chiro... adjusts me while sitting. That too, is a game changer.

 

Hmmm... most chiropractors these days have a drop-section table, used for pregnant women. The center section of the table drops down to eliminate pressure on the stomach, and you're adjusted normally. If your chiro can't adjust pregnant women, you might want to find one that can... they're plentiful. Of course, if what you're using works... stick with it.

;O)

This is a new chiro I'm seeing, and he does adjust pregnant women, (and patients like me with an ostomy) with the pregnancy pillow.  Maybe I wasn't clear in my post.  I don't know about a drop down table, but the pregnancy pillow works well.

Terry

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

Hello

I go to the chiropractor monthly for a tune-up and have no issue lying on my stomach; obviously, I empty beforehand. I have used both the drop bench and the fixed bench.

Thanks for the information  Terry. Did you order off Amazon?

Hi,  I haven't ordered one myself, as my chiropractor has one that he uses for his patients.  I would like to go for a massage though, as a treat, something I haven't done since my ostomy.  I don't know if pregnancy pillows  are standard equipment with massage therapists, but I'm planning on finding out.  If they don't use them, it might look into getting one for myself, and just take it with me to appointments.

Terry