When we discuss ostomies in this post, we will be referring to either an ileostomy, colostomy or urostomy. It is important to note that every individual who needs ostomy surgery is different, so every story and need for surgery is very personal to that person. No two stories are the same. It is also important to note that there are other ostomies such as a nephrostomy, but in this post, the ones shown below are the ones we will explore.
Image credit to Hollister
Colostomy
A colostomy - where part of the large intestine (colon) is diverted through an opening in the abdomen (a "stoma" is formed).
Reasons for needing a colostomy include (but aren't limited to) Cancer, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Birth Defects, Diverticulitis, Spinal Cord injuries, Hirschsprung's Disease and trauma.
A colostomy can be temporary or permanent.
Ileostomy
An ileostomy - where part of the small intestine is diverted through an opening in the abdomen (a "stoma" is formed).
Reasons for needing an ileostomy include (but aren't limited to) Cancer, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Birth Defects, Diverticulitis, Spinal Cord injuries, Hirschsprung's Disease and trauma.
An ileostomy can be temporary or permanent.
Urostomy
A urostomy - is formed in an operation to remove the bladder. To make a urostomy, the surgeon removes part of your small bowel (ileum) and joins the two ureters to one end of it. They bring the other open end of your bowel out through a small opening in the skin of your tummy. The opening is called a stoma. Urine now leaves the body this way.
Reasons for needing a urostomy include (but aren't limited to) Cancer, Birth Defects, Painful Bladder Syndrome, Chronic Kidney Infections, Interstitial Cystitis and Incontinence.
A urostomy is permanent.
Having two ostomys
Some patients require two stomas. This is usually the case with an ileostomy or colostomy, combined with a urostomy at the same time. This is often referred to as being a "double bagger" in the ostomy world.
You can read about Rachel's story here, who has an ileostomy and a urostomy.
How do our products suit those who have had ostomy surgery?
Our supportwear varies depending on many factors including colour choices, sizes, support levels, depths, materials, price and of course, your needs.
Clinical trials have shown that incidences of hernias decreased significantly when wearing Comfizz support garments and was published in the British Journal of Nursing (BJN) in 2014.
First things first, our products are designed to not stop your ostomy working so the right size garment should not interrupt your ostomy doing its job!
We offer a choice of 3 different support levels. Level 1 is our lightest level of support and level 3 is our firmest level of support, usually designed for holding hernias, protecting hernia repairs and also for strenuous exercise such as heavy weightlifting.
Confidence, security and support are what we aim to bring to you through our support wear. Some of our key product features include:
- Reducing the ostomy bag dragging sensation
- The ability of the material to flex and mould to your body
- Breathability through our materials
- Hernia prevention and management
- Minimising ballooning and bag bulges through compressing your ostomy bag throughout the day and holding it in one place, whilst enabling your ostomy to function as normal
- Biding you more time should you have an ostomy bag leak by helping to contain it
- Can be worn overnight (specific products only)
We are always looking at how we can improve our products and also have an understanding of our customers and their needs and ostomy life in general. We also have family and staff members who have/have had ostomy surgery.
A more detailed blog post on our garments can be read here.
Is an ostomy for life?
We have another blog post "is an ostomy for life?" that delves into why you may need an ostomy, and what ostomys can be temporary or permanent, as well as some interesting ostomy statistics. Our Social Media and Marketing Specialist, Amy, also shares her experiences on living with a permanent ileostomy.
Disclaimer: As always, this post is from our Social Media & Marketing Specialist, Amy's, experience of living with a permanent ileostomy, Crohn's Disease and from what she has researched. Nothing in our blog posts should be taken as medical advice. It's always best to consult a medical professional if you have queries or concerns.
Other reads
- Sleeping with an ostomy
- Get to know Comfizz' customers
- What stoma supportwear can I buy as a Maid of Honour?
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