Hi all,
Has anyone tried wearing a bathing suit and going to the beach with an ileostomy? I'm trying to push myself to try new things but I am a little apprehensive about going to the beach. The bathroom issue concerns me. Also, will the saltwater damage my bag? Any suggestions/advice?
Hunny, no difference like taking a shower with a bag on. Many suits hide the bag. Get a ruffle front or the shirts you wear over a suit. Perhaps use tape strips to protect from the salt and change afterwards if concerned... Other than that, dive in and have a blast.
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Hi MS, this topic was covered recently, and the consensus is that, yes indeed, swimming in the ocean or pool is perfectly safe. For myself, I have done both and regularly swim in my local pool. I have not found that either the saltwater or chlorinated water loosens my pouch or reduces my wear time. Some have said they feel that it reduces their wear time if they spend a lot of time in the ocean, so I guess it can vary from person to person. The type of pouch you are wearing may have something to do with it. Perhaps some adhesives stand up better. I wear a Hollister one-piece convex flange, and I get six-day wear time, which has not been affected by my swimming. Go for it!
Terry
Hi MS18,
You can most certainly enjoy the water. I wear either tankini swimsuits or a swim dress as they both cover my ostomy well. I go to the beach every day that it's nice out and go in the water. I've never had an issue. Just pay attention to your ostomy just in case but you shouldn't have a problem. As time goes by, you'll be able to gauge when and if you'll need a change.
Don't be afraid to live your life! Enjoy!!!!
Hi MS18, I just spent most of today swimming in the warmish Atlantic Ocean without any serious problem. There are lots of posts on the subject.
A few things are worth repeating.
Tape all four sides of the wafer to your skin. Tape a 2-inch strip, half on wafer, half on skin along all 4 sides. "Micropore Surgical Paper Tape, I find that 3M brand is the best. Easy on / easy off and stays on in seawater, soap, shampoo. The tape gives you a 10+ minute window to escape to a bathroom or get supplies.
Put a strip of the same tape over the Velcro Closure. This tape will peel back and restick even when wet when you need to empty at the beach...most have porta-potties.
Just today my Velcro got half open during some vigorous swimming. I tug on the Velcro to check that it has clicked into a locked position, it was loose. The tape prevented the Velcro from opening any more.
I did not put the numbers in??? My phone is haunted!!
You'll have a great time swimming. The right appliance is key as many have attested to. I live close to a lake, and a secluded beach area, with a wine bar, tons of fun. My appliance is so secure that it gives me enormous confidence, which obviously will affect your experience positively. Learn what to and not to eat, or drink before, during, and after. Having a restroom close by helps. You'll figure it out, once you are at the beach you won't think about it anymore. Just enjoy!
'
It took me a couple of summers post-surgery to figure this out, but: tankini with a larger bottom to cover the whole bag. I ordered the bottom separately on Amazon - type in "super high-waisted bikini bottom." This way, when you're in the water and the top starts to flow out on top of the water, everything that anyone can see on the bottom is completely covered. It looks awesome and is so reassuring. Enjoy the water!
COCOPEAR Women's Ruched High Waisted Bikini Bottom Retro Vintage Swim Short Tankinis (FBA) https://a.co/d/i5xQ3gR
The "ruched" bottoms are even better - they hide the bag even more.