Check with your state laws. Many states will wave the seat belt law if you carry a letter from your Doctor certifying you have an ostomy and seat belts are detrimental to the operation and safety of the ostomy.

Hi Charlotte,

Thank you for your comment.

Even if I had the legal right to not wear a seatbelt, I would still wear one with a seatbelt guard because the risks of not wearing one far outweigh any benefits to comfort or convenience.

This has come through to the wrong person

Thanks, I had no idea how I was going to function in "the world" but your video has given me several ideas.

Thank your for the comprehensive information, it's very important and I'm sure life-changing for many.

I'm wondering if you know of any manufacturers that make products for children? I can find little information online for children living with ostomies.

Hi Reefsider,

There are pediatric products like wafers and pouches that are designed for children, but you don't really come across accessories or clothing for kids with an ostomy. I'm not sure if it's a matter of the demand not being high enough or whether the products simply don't work the same for a child.

It might be worth inquiring with one of the manufacturers who makes a product you're interested in to see if they can custom make one for kids.

Thank you for your prompt reply. Most paediactric stomas tend to be short term so I can understand why companies don't go out of their way. My grandson has had 2 stomas for most of his life. He's about to turn 6. There's an understandable psychological impact and unfortunately increasingly severe bullying. I think some of the dressing products would be helpful.

Hey Reefsider,

Check these belts out: https://www.stealthbelt.com/

I've worn the adult version of these belts for years, and they help a lot with comfort and concealment!

At 6, he's too young for the UOAA Youth Rally, but I think it might be something to consider when he turns 11 - building up more confidence in the company of others can be life-changing: https://youthrally.org/

Coveralls, kilts

Help is an understatement! You’ve completely lifted our spirits by making daunting post surgery prospects so much less formidable. I can’t thank you enough! This is a bounty of useful, encouraging information. Thanks again for sharing it.
Caroline

Glad I could help, Caroline! :)

Thank you! My dad just had surgery and this is very helpful!

You are most welcome, Susan. I hope that your dad is doing well.

Hello, my husband just had an ostomy bag put in, is his stools supposed to be soft or hard. It fluctuates with him. The nurse said it should be a little runny but that doesn't seem right to me.

Hi Stacy,

I hope that you and your husband are doing well.

Do you know if your husband has a colostomy or ileostomy? There is no right and wrong consistency with output, but generally speaking, colostomy output can be drier and more formed while ileostomy output can range from quite runny to pasty.

Sometimes it depends on what foods or beverages are consumed, how long it's been since surgery, how much of the bowel was removed, etc.

Unless it's causing problems, there's no real need to worry too much about it.

Wow! This was so helpful. Just got a colostomy last week and have been struggling with what to wear. There are some great ideas here, things I didn't even know existed. Thank you so much, VeganOstomy for taking the time to put this together. You certainly helped this guy!!

Glad I could help, John :) Good luck with everything!

Just bought a few pairs of Denver Hayes Classic Fit Khakis. Described as "Sits at waist". Flextech waist. A bit stretchy.

For comparison my 505 Levis hit my stoma right at the waist band. Fairly uncomfortable. Especially when sitting or riding. Even with my weight loss.

The Khakis waistband sits just above the edge of the seal ring on my 2 piece appliance. They are much lighter build at the waistband, softer and some stretch. Much more comfortable. The stretch aspect seems to keep them up well, without having to be too tight. Comfortable when seated too.

Got them on sale at Mark's.

My dad will have a colostomy next week. It was a difficult decision for him but the only option to attempt to extend his life. I cannot thank you enough for this collection of practical, useful and invaluable information for those of us venturing into the unknown. I am so excited to share your information with my dad!

I wish your dad all the best, Amy. I hope you find all the information you need on the site, and feel free to ask any questions you or your dad has on our community forum (www.veganostomy.ca/community).