Today is Veterans Day, and I want to start with two words: thank you. To every veteran reading this, and especially to those of you living with an ostomy because of your service, thank you for what you gave. This post is for you.
How Service Can Lead to an Ostomy
Most people assume an ostomy comes from disease, and many do. Mine came after major surgery for Crohn's disease. But a lot of ostomates got theirs a very different way.
About 725,000 to 1 million Americans live with an ostomy, according to the UOAA, and most come from disease. But injury is a real part of the story. In Iraq and Afghanistan, about one in three service members with colon or rectal wounds needed a colostomy, according to a review of combat colorectal injuries in Surgery.
In combat, injuries to the abdomen and pelvis can damage the colon or rectum, and surgeons sometimes create an ostomy to give the body time to heal. A study in Military Medicine followed U.S. veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who had colorectal trauma, and blast injuries were the most common cause among those who needed an ostomy. Many of those ostomies were later reversed, but not all, and every veteran's path is different.
You do not have to be in a war zone, either. Mayo Clinic notes that injury to the colon, such as from an accident or gunshot wound, may require a colostomy. Car accidents, falls, and violent injuries all bring people into our community, often with no warning at all.
However you got here, an ostomy after an injury can feel sudden and unfair. You did not get months to prepare. You woke up with a new body and a long recovery ahead. If that is you, you are not alone, and life can absolutely be full and active again.
Why a Good Ostomy Belt Matters After an Injury
After my own surgery, the thing that helped me get moving again was knowing my pouch was secure. A good ostomy belt supports the weight of the bag without compressing it, so it stays in place while you walk, lift, drive, train or play with your kids. For a lot of veterans, getting back to physical activity is a big part of feeling like yourself again, and that is exactly what the HIRO Ostomy Support Belt™ was built for.
At one point in my journey, I had the privilege of meeting a Navy SEAL who was living with an ostomy. We talked about how he ended up with one, and what stuck with me most was how excited he was to get back to being active after surgery. For someone with an incredibly active life and career, having the right kind of support belt was key. Hearing that from him meant a lot, because it is exactly why I design these belts.
As a martial arts instructor, I also got to touch hands and lightly spar with him a little, which was a true privilege for both of us. It was a lot of fun and really interesting to train with someone with that level of real world combat experience.
If you are active, my ostomy belt for sports page goes deeper, and the sizing guide helps you find the right fit.
Veterans: You May Be Able to Get HIRO Belts Through the VA
Here is the part I most want every veteran to hear. If you are enrolled in VA health care, you may be able to get a HIRO ostomy belt through your local VA, and many veterans pay little or nothing out of pocket. The VA provides medical supplies and equipment through its Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service when a VA provider prescribes them. Depending on your eligibility, copays may apply for some supplies.
How to get started:
- Ask your VA ostomy nurse. The VA can order HIRO belts directly from us. Your nurse just needs to place the order for you.
- Ask about more than one. Having a few belts to rotate makes a real difference, so ask your nurse about ordering several.
- Reach out if you need help. If your nurse needs our information, contact us and we will make it easy.
Why You Want More Than One Belt
Think of your ostomy belt like socks and underwear. You would never own just one pair. Having several belts means one to wear, one in the wash, and a spare ready to go, so you always have a clean one and a backup when you travel or have a long day. Rotating belts also helps each one last longer.
To every veteran who has served, and to every family that served alongside them: thank you. If you have questions about getting a belt through the VA, reach out. I read every message myself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can veterans get an ostomy belt through the VA?
Yes. The VA can order HIRO belts directly from us. Ask your VA ostomy nurse to place the order for you.
How many belts can I get?
That depends on your VA team and your needs, so ask your nurse about ordering more than one. Having a few lets you rotate them.
What kinds of injuries can lead to an ostomy?
Combat injuries such as blasts, gunshot wounds, car accidents and other trauma to the colon or rectum, along with diseases like Crohn's, ulcerative colitis and cancer.