Hi Ana,

Welcome to the forum. 

That's an interesting request, actually. Most belts for ostomates are meant to support the front, not the back, but I can see this as being important. 

What country do you live in? I'll see what I can find if nobody else knows a supplier off hand.

Hi Ana . Welcome to the group .

@veganostomy I wrote you on one of your videos. I am also looking. We need to start some kind of awareness on this. If you have gone thru many GI surgeries you may be like me. I lost all muscles use on the right side of my abdomin. Not only does this make my stoma protrude it has caused me to developed scoliosis. My curves are now over 58 degrees due to muscle loss. If someone would make a good LSO or TLSO for those post abdominal survey with ileostomy or colostomy options it would sell. I know of about 10 just in my area needing a back support or brace. I an a former orthotist. LSO is lumbar sacral orthosis. TLSO is thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis.

@brian-b

Definitely let various manufacturers of ostomy products (especially companies who already make hernia support belts) know that this is something you are looking for. They need to see demand before they offer products, and I do agree that more awareness should be given to this problem. 

@veganostomy  Hi everyone...i need help with back support as well...i have an ileostomy.

Posted by: @amrbsn2000yahoo-com

I’m looking for a custom back brace for one of my ostomy patients. Does anyone know of a company that makes custom back braces for ostomates? 

I needed one after an injury, hit a huge bump at speed on my tractor. What I found worked very well for me, was to get a commercial back brace, and cut a hole in it for my ostomy. Sealed the loose threads etc with some fabric glue. Works great and held up very well for the month that I wore it. Keeping it safe if I ever need it again!

@brian-b ...Thank you for clarifying what the initials stand for! Thats Very helpful. 

@grammyof5 ...from grammy of almost 7 now! lol! Welcome to VO!! I too have had some spinal issues that seem to have worsened some after my abdominal surgeries so I'm listening closely here! 

Let me suggest, if you wish, start a new forum of your own telling us your story or a bit about you so we can  give you a proper VO welcome. Its always good to have a new members here.   

This topic is one that is highly relevant to me. I am on a wait list for a fusion revision after fracturing my chrome-cobalt rod at L4-5 and breaking many of my sacral pedicle screws. I fractured T3 due to rod rigidity and have developed a nasty kyphosis.  I am fused from T4 to S2. I have an ileostomy which needs frequent appliance changes due to a number of medical issues. I've had 5 revisions in the last 2 years. Needless to say the need to constantly lean forward to service the stoma is making my back worse. After my upcoming surgery, i fear that this movement will jeopardize the healing of the fusion. It can take up to 6 months or more (I am almost 70 and have osteoporosis) for a stable fusion. What sort of brace can I use? I live in Quebec and custom braces can be free with a prescription. I appreciate any advice. Thank-you.

@wnorm I'm so sorry that you're going through that. 

I like the idea that @goatherder came up with about using a traditional back brace but modifying it to work with a stoma. Do you think this is an option for you? 

Even after all these years, I don't think I've ever come across a back brace product designed for ostomates, so DIY solutions may be the only option.

If you aren't able to make the modification yourself, it's entirely possible to have a seamstress do it for you. I think all they would need is the belt and your instructions/measurements.

@veganostomy 

Thank-you so much for your prompt reply. I wonder which traditional brace @goatherder used.It also depends on what level of the spine he was bracing.  My orthopaedic surgeon is "old school" and is always reluctant to prescribe anything. He said that they aren't usually helpful. He doesn't welcome dialogue. However, he is an excellent surgeon. My T4-S2 fusion complicates things. Before my ostomy, he prescribed a rigid plastic(?) brace (like a large, heavy barrel) that went from my underarms to my pelvis.It was totally useless. Even if I had a large hole cut into the front, any movement could have a negative effect on the stoma.

I could attempt most modifications as I sew and do lots of A&C. 

I also need help devising something like a periscope or mirror system to view my stoma (when changing the appliance) and still maintain a fairly upright posture for at least 6 months post-surgery; i.e. no bending or twisting.Even after this period, I am at a great risk from metal fatigue. That is a major reason why my hardware fractured. I use 2 extensible  mirrors on the bathroom wall just at and above stoma level, but this is not adequate.

@wnorm Mine was a typical neoprene back brace with rigid stays in the back and sides. I found that the lid from the type of peanut butter I purchase, was a perfect template to draw out a circle where I wanted the hole, then I used an exacto knife to do the cutting. I also do some sewing, and have made different hernia support and specialty belts as needed.

@goatherder 

Thank-you so much for your response. How high does the brace go? Do you have a photo of it? I have to find one that covers above T4 and is latex and neoprene free. I am quite allergic. The lid template is a great idea. I have tried a variety of hernia supports as I seem to be a hernia-magnet. I have had so many surgeries for peristomal hernias, prolapses, etc. However, they are very uncomfortable. I have a lot of adhesions and get frequent ER level blockages. These belt make things worse. I had my last surgery at the end of May.

@wnorm I have a bad hernia, but only wear the support belt if I'm on my tractor, bouncing around in the field. I'm in a wheelchair, so heavy lifting isn't too much of a problem, though I got my hernia digging a grave for a 400lb goat just a month out of surgery (boy was my surgeon mad!) 

Actually I'd ditched the neoprene, and got a nylon one, with stays, that once it's on, can then be tightened. Dug it out of my drawer for a quick snap:

@goatherder 

Thank-you for your response. I have had a number of belts like the one pictured.They are great for L4-L5 issues.  In fact, I did try to cut a hole in one of a few years ago. However I need something like a TLSO brace for all segments except cervical. I've attached the file. They need to be of hard plastic.

@wnorm That makes it difficult then. I would try instead of making a hole, I'd take my heat gun and use a bowl as a form to heat up the area of the plastic, creating a pocket for the wafer and bag to hang down inside of. I made my ostomy guard that I wear when I'm doing something that required protecting my stoma from impacts.

Home Made Stoma Guard Video

@goatherder

Incredible video. You really are talented.

@wnorm Thanks, hope it might give you some ideas.

Hi, GoatHerder,

You did an excellent job fabricating such useful protection plate for your stoma, 

and your video is very informative.

Congratulations!

@polgyver Thanks, I like to do things myself if at all possible, saves a ton of money!