Is Stoma Gear Worth the Investment for Active Lifestyles?

I am trying to decide if the Stoma Gear (protector/shield) is a good purchase. The cost is $120, and I want to make sure other people are happy with it before I make the purchase. I would love to hear from others who have purchased the piece. Do you have any suggestions regarding this appliance? I want to be able to wear a belt, hold my 1-year-old without causing problems, and participate in activities that could cause damage to the stoma.

Hi there

Initially, I worried that my stoma was vulnerable to damage. I lead a very rough and tumble life, including often wearing a tree surgery climbing harness that crosses my stoma area with hard buckles and straps, plus lots of heavy lifting of rough objects that rub up against my abdomen. I spent money on a couple of stoma guards but no longer use them. Now, I just wear a fairly sturdy elasticated stoma belt by Basko. It looks like a typical back support belt but has a hole to allow your bag to sit on the outside of it. However, I just wear it right over my bag and find it gives plenty of protection. Also, it helps hold everything tightly in place and keeps a nice flat profile so you can wear tight-fitting clothes. I find that if anyone notices it, they assume it's to support my back, which it also does, and is good for preventing hernias. You might think having a tight belt across your stoma would prevent it from working properly, but that's not so :)

A stoma looks so fragile, but I've found it not to be so.

Hope this helps.

Regards