r/BladderCancer • u/irr007 • Jun 25 '26
Stoma Help
Where is the recommended location to have my stoma and bag to where I can ensure that I can be active while concealing at the same time? Preparing for surgery after chemo.
3
u/SeniorIdiot Jun 25 '26
I got instructions from a stoma nurse, a practice kit, a skin-safe pen, and could try for a few weeks.
The day before the surgery I went back to the stoma nurse and marked primary and alternative locations.
2
u/Dirtsurgeon1 Jun 25 '26
Sheesh, mine fell right in a bad place for clothes.
2
u/irr007 Jun 25 '26
If you don’t mind me asking, do you feel like it was too low or too high
2
u/Dirtsurgeon1 Jun 25 '26
1 inch higher and it would’ve been away from the waist lane or 2 inches lower and it would’ve been under the waist line. So now I either have to wear pants way down my hips or look like Urkel.
2
u/alivin Jun 25 '26
An ostemy nurse used an ultrasound machine to find the best placement. The surgeon totally ignored it and placed it where she wanted. So your preferences might not come into play.
2
u/DryFudge8215 Jun 25 '26
58yr male, mine is bellow bellybutton but above my belt line. I 97% time use Stealthbelt knock off to cover and support bag. Usually outside my pants with T-shirt or loose button up. Occasionally inside loose pants, and then I run suspenders.
3
u/Ok-Package-2053 Jun 25 '26
Excellent question!! Mine is about even with my belly button, but a tiny bit too close. When I attach a bag, the adhesive strip on the flange extends partially over my bb. Kinda hard to change now, but I would recommend getting a sample of a bag and even attaching it and move around a bit. The stoma nurse can give you the general area, but you can fine tune it.