Going To The Beach

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 bag on many suits hid the bag get a ruffle front or the shirts u 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

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 salt water, 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 incase 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 tod⁷ay 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 re-stick  even when wet when you need to empty  at the beach ...most have porta-potties .  Just today my Velcro got half open during some vigerous  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 !!😱🙃🤯☘

The numbers are gone again when posted ? 

Earth Angel wrote: 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 w...

Thank you!

Earth Angel wrote: 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 w...

I’m not ashamed to admit it, I had to look up tankini swimsuit. 😁

Mayoman wrote: Hi  MS18 ,   I just spent most of tod⁷ay swimming in the warmish Atlantic Ocean without any  serious problem . There are lots of posts on the subject 🤗 A few things are worth repeating . ...

Lol, thank you, this was helpful.

AlexT wrote: I’m not ashamed to admit it, I had to look up tankini swimsuit. 😁

Lol

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!

'

Mr.Heart2Win wrote: 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 th...

Thank you.

AlexT wrote: I’m not ashamed to admit it, I had to look up tankini swimsuit. 😁

See what you can learn here Alex? Lol

😇

I prefer the MonoKini myself ( I have Mrs  Google too !! ) .. gives the Lads lots of fresh air !!😱🏖😱 ☘

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 ☺️

I live in Florida all year.   Wearing a pouch does not define who you are.   Check out Ostomy Secrets for swim wear, stay hydrated and enjoy yourself 🍷😎

You just turn your phone upside down before hitting the smile emoji. 👀

The upside down smile is with the other faces somewhere in there .  🙃☘🙃