Seat belts and stomas.

[JP66]

Just wondering if the pros on here have a recommendation as regards Stoma Guards or something similar to use with an automobile seat belt.

[susan f]

Hi, I've had my stoma for over 20 years and haven't had a problem with the seatbelt. It fits over my hips, so it doesn't impact the stoma or my appliance. I guess it crosses the bag, but even when the bag is full, it hasn't been an issue.

What issue are you seeing with your seatbelt?

[NEskier]

I'm with Susan F. Never had a problem with regular seat belt/shoulder harnesses.

I see lots of 'ostomy' stuff .... protectors, special clothing etc and applaud the marketing efforts. In 40 years I have never worn special clothing or devices. I expect there are those who need extra help or support. But my approach to most stuff is start with less and find out if I need to add anything. And I'm pretty fit (cardiac surgery aside ....boooooo) and teach Pilates, ski, race sailboats, walk/jog. Used to lift weights since there was no one pre-internet groups to tell me not to. Everyone IS different, this is just my experience.

[JP66]

I'm definitely jumping the proverbial gun here as I'm not scheduled for surgery until next week on May 30th, but online I saw a couple videos were the seat belt fell right on top of the stoma so they were recommending a guard. Clearly I need to wait and see if my stoma ends up in that situation or not. Hopefully not

[ron in mich.]

Hi JP66 you need to talk with your surgeon or nurse on stoma placement for sitting/ standing so it isnt right on your beltline.

[Shamrock4806]

The lap portion of the belt isn't likely a problem as the bag can be put over it.

It's likely the cross belt that's the problem and having a larger body...

My suggestion is to put a thick cushion behind your back and see if this moves the cross belt away from the stoma area.

[GeorgeS]

My only issue has been the lap belt. I usually untuck the poutch so the belt is undeneath. The hard part is getting the edge so it doesn't rub the skin or worse, the flange. So I usually curl the belt so the edge is down in a horseshoe shape. If I'm wearing a belt to hold my pats up, I try to tuck it along that or other clothing.

If I forget, it can trigger movement for me as it's like a button. Too much pressure covering my stoma will cause pancaking and this will too.

[Shamrock4806]

I was having shear damage to the paste area around my stoma and I'm thinking it might be caused by the lap portion of the seat belt. I'm still wearing my seat belt though.

It's been difficult, if I sit up too straight I get shear damage, if I recline and slouch more I get less but the lap belt becomes a problem.

Lap belt is slightly out of the way now but still engaged.

[Shamrock4806]

Okay I'll probably void my warranty but I used some water proof tape to bind the lap belt portion to the should belt portion so both are crossing my upper chest and completely avoiding the illeostmy bag area.

It's the best I could do. If that belt breaks the bag all hell would ensue and I carry customers..the stink, despite additives, would be horrendous.

But I have determined that the belt hasn't been causing my issues.

[Mysticobra]

Never thought about it.
Mine is above my belt line.
Never had any issues.
Stoma would have to be placed pretty low to hit the lap portion on the stoma.
Lap portion is well below mine.
Some may need protection.
But I see alot of ostomy stuff that's truly not needed.
The only thing I use outside of the house is the waist band.
And that's just to cover the top of the bag so I can't see the let's say shadow of the top of the bag. Outline. Not shadow. It's not used for support.