Post by sherry on Jan 26, 2014 18:13:38 GMT -8
Hi, at first when I had to start auto-cathing at the rehab centre, they adapted some of my pants for me. Basically they removed the zipper, opened up the pants down to the crotch and about two inches down each side of the pants and they installed velcro. That works pretty good but my pants weren't all stretchy material and so they became too tight for me with my belly flopping out because of the paralyzed lower abdominal muscles. Also being that my injury level is right about the waist and my skin is hypersensitive, I can't tolerate the material rubbing there.
The solution I found is to wear long camisoles under everything I wear during the day. Also when I lean forward to pick up the millions things I drop (about every second thing I touch it seems) my blouse, sweater or t-shirt raises and I hate having people see my diaper or skin that gets cold... I am forever lowering my clothes back down. Now when I buy tops, I try to only buy extra long ones so they will be more user friendly.
As for pants, I have bought one pair from this company in Toronto (Canada) who make clothes for 'seated people'. I just love these jeans!! They are lower in the front and higher in the back with more material also back there so they fit comfortably when you are seated. There is also an elastic at the waist to make getting dressed and undressed easier. I have ordered two more pair and can't wait for them to arrive. They sell skirts, blouses, coats, even wedding dresses. They also cater to men too. I don't auto-cath anymore, I install an indwelling catheter every morning and remove it at bedtime. I wear the leg bag at my abdomen so I have easier access to emptying it. Due to this, I don't need to have a zipper or velcro to open up the pants or have to wear skirts.
In the name of comfort, if I buy regular pants I have gone from size 6 to size 11 so that they are easy to get over my hips and not too tight at the waist when seated. And the material has to be stretchy otherwise I won't wear it.
Looking forward to hearing your tips and tricks in the clothing department!
And it is so much easier for cathing.
