Recently, I joined the gym and with that comes the locker room. I prefer working out and taking a swim there; afterward, I like to shower. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how, or I guess I'm a bit nervous and self-conscious about what others may say or feel. It may be in my head, but are there any tips on how to handle this situation?
CrispChipA26
Jul 17, 2023 8:41 am
Justbreathe
Jul 17, 2023 1:14 pm
This is an interesting topic, and I will be interested in responses to your post.
In our own private pool, I frequently wonder if my family or friends, who know I have an ostomy, are a bit grossed out about swimming in our pool with me. Most folks have very little knowledge about ostomies. I knew nothing about them until age 77 when I got one!
Given the freakiness of the whole mask-wearing opinions of the general population recently, I tend to shy away from exposing my ostomized life.
However, the younger generation is usually okay with full disclosure and/or exposure. I tend to lean toward an "old-fashioned" attitude, and I am sure opinions will change over time - they always do...
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eefyjig
Jul 17, 2023 1:35 pm
I attended a guitar camp for adults and wondered how that was going to work for me in the ladies' locker room. I wound up stripping down to my panties, then putting a towel around me and taking them off. To the shower in the towel, out of the shower in the towel, faced the wall while drying (my bag was rolled up and clipped with a binder clip so nothing was hanging down when I bent over). It wasn't crowded, so it was easier; I'm not sure how it would work in a more crowded room. I know a lot of gyms have stalls to change in, which would make everything easier for you. By the way, your ostomy is probably a lot less noticeable than you think it is. You might leave the gym without anyone knowing you have one!
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vegan2share
Jul 17, 2023 6:44 pm
Hey! I bought several stealth belts. They have a pouch that holds the weight of your pouch. Wear it under the bathing suit. They tighten with Velcro. I bought 2. In the shower, all anyone will see is a cummerbund and pouch. All colors and patterns. Stealthbelt.com. They even make one in neoprene. I plan on going swimming soon!
AlexT
Jul 18, 2023 3:27 pm
Do you know these people that may see you? If not, who cares? It's not like you're going to go to lunch with them and discuss your wet bag. Life is too short to worry about what others think, go live your life and enjoy.
My Ostomy Journey: LeeAnne | Hollister
