Swimming

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Fiona
Posts: 8
Joined: 2022-04-21 18:12:27

Re: Swimming

Post by Fiona »

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.
LorrieFL
Posts: 13
Joined: 2023-04-01 18:40:55

Re: Swimming

Post by LorrieFL »

Thanks Fiona for sharing your experience with me and reaching out. 😎
I bet your garden is beautiful. I’m still trying to find out why I have a “bulge” that poofs out! My colostomy/stoma is on the left side below belly button. The eating process is just that…….. a process in which will take time. I make fresh salads with grilled chicken sliced up with a few cucumbers - I try to buy the seedless cucumbers organic.

Loved to see a picture of your husky I bet he is beautiful! Well I’m so sorry that you were in the hospital 10 days geez that’s terrible.

My husband and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary April 25 this year. We’ve been together 29 years total. He’s awesome he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me he takes very good care of me.

I wish I could find an ostomy nurse that I could communicate with or have her come out to the house or me go to her I would like to educate myself a little bit more on all of this. It’s better for me if I talk to somebody in person that knows a lot about it.

Anyway, I have not given up swimming I still don’t know what kind of contraption or equipment to use. So we shall see.

Happy gardening! 🌻🌸🌼
Lorrie
arnold8269
Posts: 13
Joined: 2012-12-15 08:44:24

Re: Swimming

Post by arnold8269 »

I had my colostomy in 1998 and I have irrigated for 25 years and recently stopped. Irrigation was a hassle in some situations - especially travel away from home. It's sometimes unpredictable ( good output or poor output). I swam for 25 years always using a patch or closed pouch. I put a bit of tape (Nextura?) over the filter and never had a problem. I never swam with any output in the patch/pouch. I stopped swimming about 12 months ago because of shoulder issues but if that was not a problem I'd still go swimming even without irrigation - I'd just be sure my swimming occurred immediately after changing my pouch. I use Convatec pouches and the sticky stuff almost never shows ooze from outside the stoma and never goes out from the side of the pouch. One hassle with the pouch is if I exercise some the sticky stuff sometimes melts a bit from my sweat and the pouch does not come off perfectly and some sticky white stuff remains on my skin. I clean that off with Essenta - that works great. Hope this helps someone.
arnold8269
Posts: 13
Joined: 2012-12-15 08:44:24

Re: Swimming

Post by arnold8269 »

BTW - excellent post Lorrie - reminds me of my early days! Good job!
Arnold
murphyc
Posts: 2
Joined: 2023-06-22 07:21:12

Re: Swimming

Post by murphyc »

I use Convetec products and have been swimming, snorkeling, soaking in the hot tub, etc for years with no issues at all. The paper tape does not loosen or come off. When I do water aerobics class, I wear a pair of spanx under my suit for extra support and all has been well.

I hope you'll give it a try!!
User avatar
steiconi
Posts: 1114
Joined: 2015-05-18 03:12:03

Re: Swimming

Post by steiconi »

Try products from different manufacturers. Most will send free samples, and often have knowledgeable folk to help you choose.

This list is a few years old, but can get you started:
COLOPLAST http://www.coloplast.us/about-us/colopl ... lsrc=aw.ds (888) 726-7872
ConvaTec http://convatec.com (800) 422-8811
Dansac http://www.dansac.com/ (800) 699-4232
Hollister http://www.hollister.com/ (888) 740-8999
Marlen Ostomy Care Products http://www.marlenmfg.com/ (216) 292-7060
Eakin Cohesive Seals (800) 345-0473 http://www.eakin.eu/categories/2/patients.aspx (800) 345-0473
Genairex http://www.genairex.com (877) 726-4400
Nu-Hope(800) 899-5017 http://www.nu-hope.com/
Ostaway http://ostaway.com/ BagItAway.com Ostomy Supplies (Ostaway x-Bag) Providing a more discreet solution for ostomy pouch disposal (800) 774-6097
Osto- EZ-Vent http://www.kemonline.com/content/home/ (888) 562-8802

The Phoenix Magazine for Ostomates http://www.phoenixuoaa.org/ (949) 600-7296
CAVILON by 3M No Sting Liquid Bandage, http://www.shop3m.com/70200763947.html? ... (800) 228-3957
Colo-Majic Liners http://www.colomajic.com/colo-majic-liners/ Toll call (604) 988-2707
Torbot Skin Tac http://www.torbot.com/ (800) 545-4254
CliniMed
Lee

I am not my disease.
Rchodos1
Posts: 73
Joined: 2014-07-02 20:38:45

Re: Swimming

Post by Rchodos1 »

All very good responses to give you guidance. Always remember to stay hydrated. Best of luck.
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