Swimming with an ostomy

[ciminera301]

I am going into a pool for the first time this weekend. I had my colostomy in January this year and use a 2 piece drainable pouch. Any suggestions on how to best prepare for this event will be appreciated. For example, do I need to use any special cover-up or tape?

Thank you,
Linda Ciminera

[ot dave]

If you search swimming with the search function, you'll find a lot of topics that have already been started on this topic, but here is what I contributed to a post a couple of years ago:
If it is just a one day/night event, I typically don't use anything extra to keep the flange/appliance on. However, if I know the flange is going to take a lot of abuse (like a week at the beach), I like to use Sureseals. They help keep the flange secure during that type of use without any problems. They are a little tricky to get on, but once on, they stay put, and would even help contain a breach of the flange.
As a guy, I wear a compression shirt under a rash guard shirt when I go swimming. They help keep everything in place, and they help conceal the ostomy.
Get out and enjoy that water!

David

[JerryNYC]

Dave, I don't understand why you find Sure Seals tricky to put on. How are you putting them on and do you use a 1-piece or a 2-piece appliance? (It makes a difference.)

[ot dave]

Dave, I don't understand why you find Sure Seals tricky to put on. How are you putting them on and do you use a 1-piece or a 2-piece appliance? (It makes a difference.)

I use a 2 piece system. I have a hard time seeing all the way around my stoma/flange due to my hernia...also, I'm a bit OCD, and like it to be perfect! My wife assists me the couple of times a year I use them, so it's not a big deal. I'm able to do it myself, but it is tricky, and if I don't get it just right, it bugs me the entire time I wear it!

[JerryNYC]

It should work with a 2 piece system, although there are some who try to put the Sure Seal on AFTER they have attached the pouch. I don't understand this because it involves trying to thread a sticky Seal up from the bottom of the pouch to the wafer and stick it on around the flange. (Good luck with that.) I have no problem pressing the sticky Seal directly to the wafer BEFORE I attach the pouch. Is this what you are doing?

[ot dave]

It should work with a 2 piece system, although there are some who try to put the Sure Seal on AFTER they have attached the pouch. I don't understand this because it involves trying to thread a sticky Seal up from the bottom of the pouch to the wafer and stick it on around the flange. (Good luck with that.) I have no problem pressing the sticky Seal directly to the wafer BEFORE I attach the pouch. Is this what you are doing?

Yes, it works with my 2 piece system. No, I don't try to put it on with the pouch on. I put on the flange first as I want to make sure it's in its proper place before applying the seal. Again, for me, I have a tricky time with it because of my hernia and the "thinness" of the seal. I can't STAND it if I get a crease! I have much more success if I get my wife to assist in making it sure it's placed effectively. Fortunately I only need them once or twice a year. They are very effective though, and I'd hate to see my beach week without them.