Returning to the pool after ileostomy - Tips?

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JennT
Jul 24, 2022 11:46 am

Had ileostomy placed 3 weeks ago. Doc is okay with swimming. 4 months ago, I had 2 total knee replacements, so I'd like to get back to some water therapy. I'm reluctant. Any tips for getting back to the pool? Is there a specific bag I need? Suit? Bag cover? Thanks!

Homie With A Stomie NS
Jul 24, 2022 12:45 pm

Morning JennT...nothing special needed, dive right in....if you're worried, cover your filter with tape or a sticker and add adhesive strips around the wafer.....enjoy

Tracy

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This site has been a blessing for me in learning how to cope with and navigate this journey as an ostomate. I have a colostomy as a result of a perforation in my colon since May of this year. I don't know yet if it will be permanent or reversible. The people on here have provided me with so much advice and information about living with an ostomy that I don't think I could get anywhere else. You all have given me hope and a place to come to for support. I still struggle with acceptance, but know that it will come if I am patient. Patience has never been my strong suit! Also, I love all the humor, although it really pissed me off when I first came on here. Thanks to all of you.

Cplumber
Jul 24, 2022 2:25 pm

I usually wear a binder, actually just discovered surfing rash guard shirts for swimming so I look cool while covering my stool, (hey a rhyme ;)

Hope that helps

Cplumber

xnine
Jul 24, 2022 5:59 pm

If you are totally healed, you are good to go. No open wounds. I wear a bandeau (tube top), but that is just me. If your bag is tight on land, it should be good in the water.

AlexT
Jul 24, 2022 11:29 pm

I had to look up what a rash guard shirt was, I didn't want some Minnesotan looking cooler than me. Even though I don't wear a shirt much during the summer (cause I don't really care if people know I have an ostomy), I do wear those for work and most of the time when it's hot and being clothed is necessary. Guess I've been more cool than I knew.

 

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psminker
Jul 25, 2022 12:10 am

I wore a one-piece suit 4 weeks after my reversal surgery that did not work. I could not even tell I had a bag on under the swimming suit.

That was awesome, but I do think I put a new dry one on after I was done swimming.

Hairdresser
Jul 25, 2022 12:53 am

I like to wear a two-piece bathing suit, that way it is easier to empty my bag than it would be for a one-piece. Just my opinion! Have fun!!

AlexT
Jul 25, 2022 12:57 am

Makes sense.

psminker
Jul 25, 2022 4:22 am

I knew I was only going to swim a couple of hours. I made sure it was empty before going and had no need to empty it during "swimming time". I guess if it was going to be a whole day at the beach, that would make a lot of sense.