I'm 66 years old and learned to play pickleball about two years ago. I love this sport; then in February I ended up in the hospital with undiagnosed diverticulitis, emergency surgery because of a perforated colon, and an ostomy bag. I'm just starting to do exercises and physical activities (other than walking). Is there anyone else who plays pickleball and has learned how to deal with your ostomy bag?
jerry.molly
Apr 29, 2023 8:36 pm
MildCapricorn76
Apr 29, 2023 10:35 pm
I don't play pickleball, but if your ostomy bag is uncomfortable during exercise, you might try a wrap. You can get a handy one, but you can also just use a pregnancy wrap to hold the bag more securely.
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Well, I hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression. He ticked me off, but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive.
I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best.
But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped, and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring. It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.
Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances, l not only survived but thrived.
I think of all the years I had suffered with such extreme pain, barely functioning, and the many hospital stays and how that is all behind me now. (All fingers, toes, and legs crossed that I never have to go near a hospital for myself ever again. I think I'd rather have a fork stuck in my eye. I loathe every about them.)
So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all. My Angels, each one of you.
And as the Grateful Dead famously said,
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Audrey Warren
May 01, 2023 2:47 pm
Played pickleball years ago and went to the gym.
Yoga pants hold appliances in place but I wear Depends for comfort. It's easy to tuck pouch/bag in.
Unrelated, while looking at old posts yesterday, I came upon a sometimes heated "debate" over whether to use the term bag. One person was quite offended. This was from 2017.
I found it amusing but sad when so many people on this site have more serious, life-threatening issues to deal with.
Have fun with pickleball. It's a fun game.
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FAZ
May 02, 2023 12:41 am
I've just resumed playing pickleball. I had my surgery one year ago. I started slowly.
Lins0808
May 02, 2023 1:18 am
I've had an ileostomy since I was 11, I'm 53, and with any sports as long as I have good underwear everything is fine. High-waisted panties with some Lycra keep the bag in place. Make sure it is empty before you go on the court and have a water bottle nearby to stay hydrated.
Good luck and have fun!
How to Adjust to Life with an Ostomy with Bruce | Hollister
