“Chances are you’ll have to experiment with totally different techniques to really feel snug, and that may generally result in altering how you reside in some methods,” says Dr. Shukla. “Discovering methods to be ok with your self is a part of that.”
Listed here are some clothes ideas to assist bolster your self-confidence when you will have an ostomy bag.
1. Concentrate on Adjustability
Having an ostomy does not must imply throwing out your present wardrobe. Your favourite items can usually be adjusted or modified to allow them to be extra snug with an ostomy bag. That might embrace elevating the waistband or stitching extra material right into a garment like a shirt or gown to accommodate the bag, for instance.
“The important thing to adjusting or styling is that the clothes should be breathable,” says Gaylyn Henderson, who began experiencing signs of Crohn’s illness in 1998 and wanted an ostomy a number of years later. Since then, the 41-year-old Atlanta-based mannequin has lived with an ostomy bag. She particulars her experiences in an Instagram account, @gutlessandglamorous, and does modeling tasks that always prominently characteristic her ostomy bag.
“All through the day, your ostomy equipment will develop,” she says. “Because of this, your clothes should be capable of do the identical. Go for comfortable, versatile supplies that transfer together with your physique.”
2. Take into account Patterns and Textures
Past the supplies you select, you need to take into account the seen points of your clothes and the way they work together with your ostomy bag. For instance, textured materials, darkish colours, ruffles, and patterns may also help conceal the define of an ostomy bag, significantly compared to materials that hug the physique, says Henderson.
3. Go Excessive-Waisted
As a result of an ostomy bag is normally positioned close to the stomach button — and generally barely decrease — clothes that has a excessive waistline might be useful, says Henderson. That is as a result of objects like pants, skirts, and swim bottoms might be secured above the ostomy bag, which helps preserve it safe, she says. Excessive-waisted underwear can supply extra assist, too.
You too can put on high-waisted leggings or tights beneath pants or attire to make sure safety, however chances are you’ll have to empty the bag extra usually, since it might not be capable of develop as a lot as it might underneath looser garments, says Henderson. The identical might be true for tighter pants.
“Very quickly after my first ostomy surgical procedure, I used to be sporting denims that did not have any give or movement and I had an accident. It was mortifying, though nobody else knew,” Henderson says. “Since then, I keep away from tight waistbands which will lower round or close to my stoma.”
4. Put on Layers
You do not want to have the ability to peel your self like an onion, however sporting only a couple layers can present additional protection and extra confidence, says Henderson. That might imply layering a protracted tank prime or shirt beneath a long-sleeve shirt with a blazer or sweater on prime, for instance. This could camouflage an ostomy bag, even when it is beginning to get full.
5. Don’t Shy Away From Garments You Love
Having an ostomy doesn’t have to impede your vogue selections, says Henderson. Chances are you’ll have to make changes, however these ought to lead towards selecting garments that make you’re feeling joyful, not away from that feeling.
“Do not be discouraged in considering you’ll by no means be capable of put on your favourite clothes items once more,” she says. “Vogue is with the ability to put on what you need and being snug and assured. If you happen to really feel good, you look good. Experiment with totally different items, and see what suits you and your persona greatest. Mixing in isn’t at all times in model.”
The Takeaway
- Having an ostomy bag can usually convey adjustments in physique picture and self-perception.
- Clothes selections may also help each psychologically and virtually by supplying you with a sense of confidence about dressing with an ostomy bag.
- Consolation is essential when selecting garments when you will have an ostomy bag, however making it your model is essential as nicely, so search for what you want and experiment with totally different items.
