Swimming and Hot Tub with Colostomy

Replies
13
Views
977
Handy
Dec 10, 2023 5:28 pm

So heading back to Florida after the New Year with my grandson. Any advice on getting in pools and/or hot tubs? I use Hollister products for my wafer and bag. Two pieces.

AlexT
Dec 10, 2023 5:54 pm

Don't jump in head first. 🤷‍♂️ Enjoy the time. 

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Cplumber
Dec 10, 2023 6:11 pm

As a guy, I wear my hernia belt and what's called a surfer's rash guard shirt. Never have issues.

Beachboy
Dec 10, 2023 6:20 pm

Flange seal is watertight. Water won't hurt your stoma or leak in. Change to a new bag, then enjoy the water.

For more active water activities with a stoma, check out the Neoprene Extreme Stealth Belt. It provides the support and protection needed for any water activity.

Have fun.

Riva
Dec 10, 2023 11:05 pm

Live in Florida. Use a wrap from Ostomy Secrets. Enjoy yourself and remember to stay hydrated 🍷🍷🍷

 

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

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Mark1
Dec 10, 2023 11:09 pm

Hi, I am in the UK and use Bullens. I have a stoma and use closed bags. I am not sure of all the different bags, etc. All I can say is I shower and bathe; my bag is very watertight, and I have no problems. I'm sure you will get some great advice here, and your mind will be put to rest. I am just taking my time day by day and slowly seeing what I can and can't do. I haven't tried the swimming pool. There is good advice about the belt; I will remember that. If I shower, I take my bag off so I can very gently clean any glue left on my skin, then I pat dry and replace it when done. I'm sure others here may be able to help more than me. Good luck.

Downtown
Dec 11, 2023 4:27 am

I wear a compression shirt when swimming. Have fun!

Happy-but-Newbie
Dec 13, 2023 8:58 am
Reply to Riva

What a pity they do not ship outside the US :-(

whackjob74
Dec 17, 2023 5:44 am

I have a hot tub and use it every day and have zero issues. I always drain before going in but have zero issues. I don't use Hollister anymore but had no issues swimming with my Hollister stuff last summer either. Enjoy!

rlevineia
Dec 17, 2023 5:45 pm
Reply to Beachboy

Love my stealth belts. Got 3. Each has a different application. Waiting to try a hot tub. Any tips?

Sonshyne58CO
Dec 17, 2023 6:33 pm
Reply to Riva

I use a maternity band. It works great! I get them on Amazon.

yanceydelrio
Dec 22, 2023 10:57 am

I've been in many a hot tub with my one-piece Hollister bag and I've never had any trouble. I've had my colostomy almost 25 years and never had a problem getting into all kinds of water.

Past Member
Jan 22, 2024 5:55 pm

I am glad to see this topic.

One of my big fears pre-op was how to stay in the water. It's my favorite exercise and at the time my 3 kids were still quite young. I have happy memories of my father teaching me how to swim and I wanted to teach mine too so we could share the memory.

I was terrified and humiliated and felt shame entering the pool for the first time post-op. I cried like a baby entering the water. In fact, I'm welling up at the thought of it even though it was a long time ago.

I'm so glad I did, but it wasn't easy. I had to wait until I felt okay about it. Now I swim any time I want. It's a bit more hassle, but I can still jump off the pier with my kids and the happy ending is I managed to teach them how to jump off the pier too.

I still long for the idea of stoma-free fresh air on my belly, but I'll take what I have. It's better to swim with a stoma than not swim at all.

Riva
Jan 23, 2024 1:17 pm
Reply to Anonymous

It just goes to show we cannot let having a stoma define who we are. 🌈