Elastic Waistbands and Stoma Discomfort: Seeking Advice

Replies
10
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181
CowboyH
Dec 08, 2024 4:19 pm

I have a heck of a time with the waistband on my pants pressing against my stoma.  I try to wear it above or below but it's a constant problem.   How do any of you relieve the pressure of your waistband at the stoma site?   I would appreciate any suggestions.  

Thank-you, 

CowboyH

Hugo
Dec 08, 2024 5:00 pm

I use a stoma guard that attaches to my colostomy pouch.  

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Littlefish
Dec 08, 2024 6:08 pm

Agree with Hugo. My standard is a StomaDome guard stuck on the pouch under a Stealthbelt.   See Stomadome.com

Bill
Dec 08, 2024 6:29 pm

Hello CowboyH.

I have a problem with the waistband on my ‘pants’, but, as you are in the USA, I am assuming that ‘pants’ to you, means ‘trousers’ to me. 
The waistband on my trousers was a constant problem (as you describe) and it took me a while to realise that neither above nor below the stoma was going to resolve it, which (for me) meant that I needed to find a way to have it go directly on top of the stoma.
This was achieved by making my own baseplates so that I could attach either a stoma guard or a 90-degree waste bend inside the bag or irrigation sleeve.
These devices have worked well for me over several years and they allow me to wear an adapted belt directly over the stoma without interfering with the output. It also allows me to exert pressure around the area of my stoma (to accommodate my hernias.) without any drawbacks of blocking output.
It is my belief, that each of us needs to experiment with stuff until we find a solution that suits our different needs. 
If we can find a solution with manufactured devices, then we can think ourselves fortunate and stick with them. However, if the standard stuff doesn’t work, then (up to now), there doesn’t seem to be anyone willing to make bespoke devices. This leaves us with options of putting up with the problem or adopting a DIY approach to sorting the problems out, and DIY is the approach that I have taken. 
I hope you can find a solution to your problems soon and I hope that others will chip in with their own suggestions.
Best wishes

Bill

 

xnine
Dec 08, 2024 7:59 pm

One size larger and suspenders.

 

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amkevergreen
Dec 08, 2024 8:19 pm

For what it's worth... I just went commando at home...

TerryLT
Dec 08, 2024 10:41 pm

Hipster pants, capris, shorts, have been the solution for me.  I've had lots of my pre-ostomy pants altered.  Because fashion is so fickle, and hipster pants are almost impossible to find now, I've purchased pants with high waists and had them altered too.

Terry

warrior
Dec 09, 2024 1:14 am
Reply to amkevergreen

I doubt he will be accepted well walking into k- mart like that. 🤦‍♂️😆

oldtimer
Dec 09, 2024 3:33 pm
Reply to Hugo

Never heard of one of those.  Learning something again.

Marjatta
Dec 09, 2024 5:18 pm

I have found that a wider waistband distributes the stretch of the fabric more evenly on and around the stoma, instead of a narrow waistband that digs into your gut area.

Are these dress pants or sweatpants? Do you have an ileostomy or colostomy? 

Also, are you using a flat baseplate or a convex one? I use a convex so that I never have anything directly over my stoma.

Once this group puts our heads together, I'm sure we'll find you the best solution possible. Welcome to the forum, CowboyH!   

M

xo

txostomater
Dec 10, 2024 3:21 am

I have tried a wide variety of solutions. High-waisted Public Rec pants (original) with an extra couple of inches on the length are a great option. My favorite by far, and the highest rated, is the Stoma Shield Stoma Guard. It comes with a belt, but I often use it as it clings to my Coloplast pouch and stays there, allowing residue flow while protecting the stoma. It can be worn under jeans, dress slacks, shorts, bathing suits, and is quite useful during intimacy as well. I give it five stars.

Bud