Swimming with an Ileostomy: Tips and Advice Needed

Hi Everyone,

Just would like some help or information when it comes to what everyone uses for swimming? I am about to experience my first summer with my Ileostomy, and my God, here in Perth on Wednesday it was 37 degrees, and I was so uncomfortable. I have been itchy and irritated! I currently use Dansac pre-cut drainable "bags." I have already started using medical tape and sticking that to me as they keep leaking throughout the nights.

If anyone could help or suggest something to me regarding swimming, it would be great.

Thanks, everyone.
Brooke =)

Hey. I found the Dansac Nova Fold Up, I think it is, is really good for water as it seems to adhere tighter when in contact with water. However, I found that with the heat they tend to dry, crumble, and leak. I have tried a few different bags by ringing up for samples, but I found for me that Convatec Active Life with no filters and clips work well in hot weather. So, I have been using them coming into summer. The bonus with the Active Life ones is you can get 60 a month instead of 30. So what I have done is got 60 for the month, then the next month gotten 30 Dansacs so I can use the Convatec bags and if I want to go swimming, change to the Dansac. The benefit of getting 60 a month of the Convatec means I can change my bag three times a day if I plan to swim and not worry about having none at the end of the month.
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Cheers, Andrew

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for your advice. I use the fold-up ones from Dansac, but I do like the idea of getting 60 a month. I might give them a try this month since summer is upon us! =)

Do you have the stoma scheme list?

What I had been doing was going through the list one by one and calling the companies to send me a sample of each of their bags. That way, you get to try each one out, you get them for free, and you get extra bags for your month's quota.

Ask if they can send you samples of "stoma caps" they are small round ostomy bags, they only hold 50 ml, but nice and discreet for swimming.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I agree with panther, I use the stoma caps in the summer, the small round ones, and small oblong ones are good, all from Dansac. I wouldn't be without them in the summer.
Just wish we had more sun!
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Hi Wookie,
I have always used the ConvaTec 2-piece system with the Sur-Fit flexible wafer and never had a problem with swimming. I have purchased a hernia belt that fits over the wafer to help keep it in place while swimming. I do, however, apply a coating of skin prep to the wafer prior to swimming. Without swimming, I usually get 5-6 days out of an appliance, but when swimming, I usually change it after 2 days at the beach just to be safe. I use our hot tub a couple of times a week for about 1 hour each time and still am able to get 5 days out of a change. Try the hernia belt; I think you will find that it will help. Have fun swimming.

I got an ileo in May and I went swimming when my incisions healed. I am a fan of Coloplast. The regular wear absorbs more moisture than the extended wear wafers, so I keep both and switch back and forth depending on what I'm doing. I wore both swimming and didn't have any problems.

Hi Andrew,

No, I don't have a stoma scheme list. All I do is go to the WA Ostomy every month and get my monthly supplies of bags, no-sting barrier wipes, and glue remover. It's everything that I was given after surgery; I'm still using the same company. I haven't had any issues with Dansac. I am seeing my Stoma Nurse on Monday, so I will also speak with her about it all.

Thanks, Brooke=)

As for everyone else, thank you for your advice and help. I will definitely be looking into it all.


Thanks again,
Brooke=)

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/989AA2889CB492B9CA256F180049215D/$File/01072010Complete.pdf

That's the Australian Stoma Scheme. I tend to look through it, and then any products I'm interested in, I look up on the company's website and order samples from them. It can be worth shopping around because there are some good products out there, and I've found the hospitals and stoma nurses are very supportive in helping find what you need.

I've been trying things during this first year with my ileostomy (Dec 09) - for swimming as well as hot-tubbing

Like Healthyguy, I'm using the Convetec 2 piece system with the Sur-Fit flexible flange.

Without anything extra, the hot-tubbing doesn't work. After 15 minutes, the adhesive (the 'tape' part, not the flange) begins to melt and gravity draws the melted adhesive downwards and it starts to come out the bottom edge. If I'm just swimming, the seal holds pretty well, but I find I'm changing every other day (if I'm in the water many times a day or daily). Once melted, the adhesive never really solidifies/dries again and it's very irritating.

Then I tried adding Perma-type Security Strips http://www.perma-type.com/accesil.htm tape ... a bit better for swimming, but still a no-go for the hot tub. The flange 'tape' still melts.

Now I'm using Sure Seal Rings http://www.bestbuyostomy.com/product/ACT%20RS%200110 Better but still get the melting in the hot tub, and I think that's just the way it's going to be.

Have to admit, I didn't enjoy my first summer heat like I used to. Itchy, sweaty. The answer was to change my appliance more often.

I've decided that hot-tubbing may not be something I do as often as I did before. But I'm going to keep at the swimming ... we're going to Hawaii for our 25th in Jan and we love snorkeling. I'll probably be using my support belt for additional comfort (of body and mind).

Hope you find something that works.

Beatrice

Thanks, Pundy, very useful list. I'm from the U.S., but the majority on there most likely apply here as well. Does anyone know if there's a specific list for the U.S.? I'm currently using and am happy with Convatec 2-piece (Sur-Fit Natura), but it can't hurt to check across the board. Plus, I'm in the market for a good one-piece that's discreet (low-profile) for certain situations, so this list may help a lot.

Thanks again,
George

I use the Braun Biotrol Petite F00015A.
It's a wee little thing, 2"x1.5". Great for intimate moments as well.
But I've had no problems wearing my usual Coloplast Sensura either.
And yes, ring up all the companies and get them to send you samples. I like freebies.
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