Very unlikely I realize, but is there another LEO here patrolling with an ostomy?

[millergun]

I ask because I had surgery Feb 1st to remove an advanced tumor. I have returned to patrol on a limited schedule because I am still receiving chemotherapy injections. My last injection is scheduled for June 26th. I'm out a week following each injection then work for two weeks up until the next......

Point Blank modified my vest and trama plate free of charge due to my new ostomy because I cannot have it compressed.

I'm figuring things out dealing with it but also it's been a real challenge,,,, physically and mentally. If anyone here is functioning on duty with an ostomy, I'm looking for advice regarding vest improvements, gear, protection barriers, ECT. It's a very rare thing for an officer to patrol with but maybe there's someone?

Basically I have an area below my left rib all the way down to the duty belt open without protection. I'm still trying different ostomy appliances now having moderate success.

Any experience with it or ideas regarding this, I'm interested.

[Greg Nichols]

Wow, that's a different question.... I'm going to have to think on that one for a bit.

How did they modify the armor?

[millergun]

They basically removed ballistic material giving breathing room and seamed the edges plus notched a corner from the trama plate that covers center chest.

[Sam Spade]

Much respect to you.

Can you go to a hard plate shaped to fit? A local source does compressed kevlar that can be used as rigid panels and I *think* it can be shaped. https://www.spartanarmorsystems.com/ Ignore the ar500 silliness and just contact them directly.

[Greg Nichols]

They basically removed ballistic material giving breathing room and seamed the edges plus notched a corner from the trama plate that covers center chest.

Oh I don't like that idea. I'd look more at like a horse shoe of padding on the back side to create a pocket behind the armor so it doesn't press on it. I agree with Sam that it might be easier to work with rigid armor like ESAPI plates and figure out how to hold it away from the affected area.

[millergun]

I appreciate the input.

I like the thought of the formed hard plate.

[Forklift]

I like the formed hard plate idea as well.

Much respect for doing what you are, most wouldn't..

[smd]

Have a read of this article, the item towards the end of the article might be of use underneath a vest.

http://www.disabledpolice.info/product-review-ostomy-armour/

Regards

[Papa]

I like the formed hard plate idea as well.

Much respect for doing what you are, most wouldn't..

All of this.

True grit.

[millergun]

Have a read of this article, the item towards the end of the article might be of use underneath a vest.

http://www.disabledpolice.info/product-review-ostomy-armour/

Regards

Thank you for this!

[millergun]

Thanks for the links and comments.....

I've requested a 4x8 plate to cover the opening that I can use a spacer with to gain room..... Much of this will be trial and error yet.

I'll continue studying other possibilities for the future and I know I'll buy a couple of different products with time.

I just want to return to my normal function as much as possible.

[choirboy]

Bro, I salute you. Guys like you give bragging rights to the badge.

Choirboy

[coastalcop]

Have an extended family member with the bag who wears a life jacket on the boat. He took the anti fatigue foam and cut a shape around the bag and inserts it under the life jacket (tensioned neoprene zipper life jacket ) seemed to work for him. Hope that helps

[Greg Nichols]

Have an extended family member with the bag who wears a life jacket on the boat. He took the anti fatigue foam and cut a shape around the bag and inserts it under the life jacket (tensioned neoprene zipper life jacket ) seemed to work for him. Hope that helps
That's kind of what I was thinking when I said a "horse shoe" of padding.

[blastjv]

Damn! As badass as you must be, dealing what that and still patrolling, I would think that bullets would just bounce of of you!!!

Maybe look for a semi-rigid 'case' to contain the bag and keep if from being compressed under your regular armor?

Best of luck in your recovery and thank you for what you do!

[millergun]

I made a pouch stitching it to the opening on carrier with upholstery thread and inserted .5" of high density foam with a provision cut. Then I simply stitched the cloth cover that came on a curvered class 3 ballistic plate. So far this is wearing well and the area is now protected from hard impacts.

[millergun]

A few days ago I spent some time refining my one of a kind vest.

The modification is hardly noticeable through the uniform shirt at this point. I’m also using an additional protection ring that attaches directly to me and not the vest. This all provides real protection and I’m able to work without a distraction.

[Papa]

Ingenious and well-executed.

Good hunting!

[Johnny C!]

Thank you for your continued service
to our community.

True Grit, indeed!

God Speed.

John

[chad newton]

Just hang that shit off your duty belt. That’s bad ass, just saying....

[millergun]

Just hang that shit off your duty belt. That’s bad ass, just saying....

Ha!

I prefer not to carry on duty, but if I’m forced to briefly, I prefer to conceal carry.

[chad newton]

Ha!

I prefer not to carry on duty, but if I’m forced to briefly, I prefer to conceal carry.
Lol... I hope everything gets better for you. More of a man then me, I would have begged them for a desk job. I know staying at home isn’t an option. Disability only pays so damn much...

[millergun]

Lol... I hope everything gets better for you. More of a man then me, I would have begged them for a desk job. I know staying at home isn’t an option. Disability only pays so damn much...

Thanks man, it’s working out for me and not bad as it sounds, I am still a healthy individual.

I once had cancer but it was killed then removed and my desire to live didn’t go with it......

I eat to live rather than living to eat and that makes my condition workable......Exactly correct about the disability, I’m still “more active” than some and only have four years remaining.