So I love to go swimming. Now that I have an ostomy I don't swim anymore. Tips recommendations, help me here open to all suggestions thanks!
spratford
Sep 14, 2024 9:02 pm
Justbreathe
Sep 14, 2024 9:51 pm
You didn’t mention how long you’ve had an Ostomy altho I see this is your 1st post. Your swimming days are out there waiting for you… I am guessing you will see many posts on this. I for one have posted several times. Altho I have never been swimming in public, we have a pool where I frequently spend time. I do not swim but rather play music and dance in it for up to an hour at a time. I have never had a leak in the pool. I just pop (oh, may be a bad choice of words here) my skin tight bathing suit on and proceed right in. The tight suit helps to hold my hernia from bouncing about. You will get there too….also, I shower with bag on and no cover ups such as Saran Wrap or any of those time wasters which do not work and were miserable - took me a while and prolly this web-site to figure that one out. Every other day I shower (no bag) totally naked - it’s the BEST shower for sure! I have an ileostomy…jb
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Posted by: Primeboy
Hi Mike and all. I am not sure how panoramic my perspective really is as my peripheral vision shrinks with each passing year. I can tell you that when I came to this website six years ago I was truly ;impressed by the positive attitudes of so many members, especially the younger folks who refused to let their ostomies define who they were or what they would become. I also came to appreciate that having an ostomy is not the same thing as having a disease. Pardon ;my pun now, but ostomies and cancer don't belong in the same bag. One is a solution, the other is a problem. Celebrating National Ostomy Day ;is also well outside my comfort zone. That's like celebrating National Wheel Chair Day. Come on!
I think there is a ;need for improved ;public awareness of ostomies, but I am not sure how that's best done. There ;remains ;some social stigma attached to our situation, and it's acutely felt among our young. We need to get out of the dark ages on this issue, but not by going 'in your face' to everyone else. I think Bill and NDY are 'spot-on' when it comes to telegraphing the right message to friends and family. People will know how to react when they ;see ;how we accept the cards we were dealt. I also appreciate the contribution some people here are making to this effort through their publications.
On a personal note, my son has been suffering from ulcerative colitis for years just like I did. I am very concerned because people with UC are at a higher risk for colon cancer. Years ago my GI told me to get annual colonoscopies to be on the safe side. I am glad I did because he eventually found pre-cancerous cells which led to several surgeries and my becoming an ostomate. Since then I have always ;conveyed a positive attitude to ;my son about wearing a bag because it has kept me alive to enjoy many more years with my loved ones. I think he got the message. We both go to the same gastroenterologist in NYC and get scoped on the same day. Father and Son moments!
Someone once wrote that our children are the letters we write to the future.
PB
Nini4
Sep 14, 2024 9:56 pm
I swam many many days this summer. I have high waisted tankini bottoms and a separate top. No issues. My advice is jump in!
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xnine
Sep 14, 2024 10:12 pm
If it tight on land should be good in the water, I ware flange extenders for added protection.
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spratford
Sep 15, 2024 1:48 am
I've had my mine for 2 years plus. I'm not embarrassed to have it but I would rather not reveal it if I don't have to. My girl always want me to go swim with her and I won't. People are so judgmental and i would rather not have to hear mean comments from strangers and get funny looks just. Cause I wanna take I dip in a pool or go swimming in Tahoe. I know they make special shorts but thise things cost way to much f&^%ing money and I dont wear shorts that go over my belly button l. I guess I'll just stick to being pool side instead taking a dip. Oh well
eefyjig
Sep 15, 2024 2:36 pm
I got a tankini from Amazon: high waisted bottoms and a longer top. When the water makes the bottom of my top float up to the water, the high waisted bottom completely covers my bag. No one knows I have an ostomy unless I tell them. I hope the responses here help to give you the confidence to go in the water. 🤗
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eefyjig
Sep 15, 2024 2:44 pm
I got these bottoms, they’re ruched so they don’t fit completely flat against my body and so hide my bag better. The top is longer than the typical top and also not tight. Works perfectly and cheaper than “ostomy” swimsuits.
JD
Sep 22, 2024 11:09 pm
Posted about my first swim with my ostomy this summer - https://www.meetanostomate.org/discussion-forum/viewtopic.php?t=32065
The top I am wearing is one of my old triathlon tops. I wore them the whole race - including the swim. Might work for you.
Robjac2
Jun 03, 2025 11:10 pm
I just got my ostomy and am still quite depressed. I don’t even know how to keep it waterproof yet. Any advice.
Sep 12, 2025 2:50 am
Hello, I swim 3-4 times a week week in a public pool in a one piece suit no problem! I have an ileostomy and find swimming in the am works great before it can fill up :). I find dark, tight fitting suits with patterns really disguise things. Good luck, I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t swim!