Re: Swimming
Posted: 2023-04-16 00:38:33
Hi Lorrie,
I had a colostomy March 2022 and my husband had put in a nice spa tub for our private use. I was still terrified of using it and leaking, but I trailed many warm baths prior to this new situation and noticed how my appliance reacted. It really didn't do anything beyond a normal shower of the edges turning a bit soft and melty to the touch - but it held! I have not had a problem even once with the exception of "air" entering my pouch and making my bag turn into a Barbie size floatation device. I have tried using a few bathing suits and tops to see how it reacts and I have never been able to get away from a bulging look (mainly due to hernia) and I can't say I would be comfortable around other people at a pool. I tried lounging around the public pool when we went to Kauai but held close to my towel. We are going again and I will "test the water" again but I think I am experiencing my 3rd hernia and my stoma had to be relocated last time far up into my rib cage under my breast so I'm back to looking like a pregnant senior citizen again, may opt to stay in our private area but I am going to try to get some sun! I also would suggest trying hernia belts because they keep you snug under your clothes and bathing suit.
I am still really new at this myself. I was petrified of food choices, what to eat, not to eat, ever AGAIN?! You've GOT to be kidding?!! I can eat nuts today! I am eating so many things I never thought I could again but just take it slow, chew more than you ever thought you would and drink water, take your miralax with apple juice (diligently if this is part of your menu), enjoy YOUR favorite smoothies. When my body is feeling on the constipated side I curb my "I can eat anything burgers and junk" menu eating light and search the food lists for things to eat that relax my insides, and when I'm on my "runny wave" I get to enjoy a rice krispie treat (bulks your output) or banana. This works for ME. Just because I have a bag (I call her my Sister because it's easy to say in public to my husband "I need to check on my sister, she sounded upset..") my IBD did not go away. My body is still acting like my body before my surgery but I don't need to take 3 showers a day & wash my clothes or have anyone (hopefully) ever need to clean up after me. But these hernias are brutal so please let your husband continue to help you even AFTER you feel healed and energetic. My last surgery I was in the hospital for 10 days, my dog never thought I was coming home again. "Hollywood" is my 3 yr husky-blend service dog. I get the ground floor so he can come see me. We have a hobby berry farm with veggie garden & I have over 4000 flower seeds this year all single-handedly maintained. I can't imagine life without my gardens.
You'll get the lingo down soon enough. It takes some time, there is so much to learn. I am lucky to have both a Wound Clinic team of totally FAB nurses (who BTW told me I don't need to poor water into my bag each time twice I empty it to clean it but I do so religiously before adding my deodorizer. THEY don't have one, what would THEY do?! I want to know I feel and smell as fresh as I can between changes.) Get a good hand mirror. Once your husband sees you have arrived at your comfort level you may not go back to having his help until you really need it again. You got this!! I only have one good hand so it's been a bit of a challenge for me (I make many typos) and my hubby of 40 years this year couldn't be better but he's all about self sufficiency. We'll see how that plays out someday if he needs surgery!! : )
Until next time:
walk, walk, walk if you can't do anything else. Looking forward to hearing how your swimming adventures grow.
Happy Spring everyone!!
Fiona.
I had a colostomy March 2022 and my husband had put in a nice spa tub for our private use. I was still terrified of using it and leaking, but I trailed many warm baths prior to this new situation and noticed how my appliance reacted. It really didn't do anything beyond a normal shower of the edges turning a bit soft and melty to the touch - but it held! I have not had a problem even once with the exception of "air" entering my pouch and making my bag turn into a Barbie size floatation device. I have tried using a few bathing suits and tops to see how it reacts and I have never been able to get away from a bulging look (mainly due to hernia) and I can't say I would be comfortable around other people at a pool. I tried lounging around the public pool when we went to Kauai but held close to my towel. We are going again and I will "test the water" again but I think I am experiencing my 3rd hernia and my stoma had to be relocated last time far up into my rib cage under my breast so I'm back to looking like a pregnant senior citizen again, may opt to stay in our private area but I am going to try to get some sun! I also would suggest trying hernia belts because they keep you snug under your clothes and bathing suit.
I am still really new at this myself. I was petrified of food choices, what to eat, not to eat, ever AGAIN?! You've GOT to be kidding?!! I can eat nuts today! I am eating so many things I never thought I could again but just take it slow, chew more than you ever thought you would and drink water, take your miralax with apple juice (diligently if this is part of your menu), enjoy YOUR favorite smoothies. When my body is feeling on the constipated side I curb my "I can eat anything burgers and junk" menu eating light and search the food lists for things to eat that relax my insides, and when I'm on my "runny wave" I get to enjoy a rice krispie treat (bulks your output) or banana. This works for ME. Just because I have a bag (I call her my Sister because it's easy to say in public to my husband "I need to check on my sister, she sounded upset..") my IBD did not go away. My body is still acting like my body before my surgery but I don't need to take 3 showers a day & wash my clothes or have anyone (hopefully) ever need to clean up after me. But these hernias are brutal so please let your husband continue to help you even AFTER you feel healed and energetic. My last surgery I was in the hospital for 10 days, my dog never thought I was coming home again. "Hollywood" is my 3 yr husky-blend service dog. I get the ground floor so he can come see me. We have a hobby berry farm with veggie garden & I have over 4000 flower seeds this year all single-handedly maintained. I can't imagine life without my gardens.
You'll get the lingo down soon enough. It takes some time, there is so much to learn. I am lucky to have both a Wound Clinic team of totally FAB nurses (who BTW told me I don't need to poor water into my bag each time twice I empty it to clean it but I do so religiously before adding my deodorizer. THEY don't have one, what would THEY do?! I want to know I feel and smell as fresh as I can between changes.) Get a good hand mirror. Once your husband sees you have arrived at your comfort level you may not go back to having his help until you really need it again. You got this!! I only have one good hand so it's been a bit of a challenge for me (I make many typos) and my hubby of 40 years this year couldn't be better but he's all about self sufficiency. We'll see how that plays out someday if he needs surgery!! : )
Until next time:
walk, walk, walk if you can't do anything else. Looking forward to hearing how your swimming adventures grow.
Happy Spring everyone!!
Fiona.
