High-Impact Sports with an Ileostomy: Tips and Solutions

Curious what has been found helpful for pursuing high-impact sports with an ileostomy. I was looking at Stealth Belt, which is expensive and has mixed reviews. I feel I can probably come up with a solution that is less expensive. Swimming, downhill mountain biking, running, volleyball, waterskiing, and backcountry skiing are my faves. Thanks.

Amazing 😃 Thank you for this info.

Except for volleyball (diving to the floor), I wouldn't consider any of those high impact. 🤷‍♂️ Obviously, you want a good belt for support, but otherwise, enjoy.

In tennis, for example - to protect oneself from a hard, fast serve - there is only the racket - [for oddly, I find it's the wrist that probably needs support rather more than the stoma - for no support belt or guard can protect - I guess it's the same scenario for guys playing cricket with a hard, fast bowl - only your bat is of use.

I personally think only mindfulness and good assessment of one's opponent is the answer .....

For lone applications [where one is cycling, swimming, skiing, etc. - then, clearly here it is a different scenario.

For example, when one has a hernia - or wishes to protect against the formation of one, then clearly support pants/belts are useful - especially when designed on a bespoke basis - for if not, over time such support garments are going to become uncomfortable if 'firm' enough to be of actual use.

Maybe it's different for others - this is my personal take.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ waves ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jayne

I was a karate instructor until COVID hit, and all I did was make sure I didn't eat beforehand on those nights, and I only ever wore tight-fitting bicycle shorts underneath. I had no hernia to deal with, also.

Avoiding Ostomy Bag Leaking | Managing Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden

Check out eBay for stoma guard prices likely to be cheaper than going through ostomy companies. Then you can do any sports you like; there are even ostomy rugby teams in the UK. No idea why we need any teams just for ostomies, but I suppose it raises awareness, so it's a good thing.

G-Day triciaramier,

Just keep in mind that when you have a stoma, you are more subject to getting a hernia if you lift too much or even do too much.

Regards, IGGIE

I've played volleyball, softball, bike, and swim. A wrap is usually what I wear to support the bag; sometimes I'll wear a compression tank also, but rarely. I've also kayaked down some lazy southern Missouri rivers with only a wrap.

Awesome 🙌😃 Many thanks

For most of the sports you are talking about, a wrap would work best. If you are worried about volleyball and falling or something, a stoma guard could help you more. If you think something is going to hit your stoma, that's when a stoma guard should help you. If you are not worried about something impacting your stoma, a wrap is good enough. Something that holds your bag securely in place.

Thank you, everyone, who replied :) It was very helpful.

I also did a bit more research on the Stealth Belt and thought it best to share.

https://youtu.be/Kf9hR8EabRE

Hi, I'm also active and wondered what appliance combo you have found lasts the longest? Thanks, as mine has been discontinued. 🔆

Hi! Do you already know about Hy-Tape? It is pink. It can be applied over the edges of the pouch and skin. Similar to barrier extenders, it helps with security and waterproofing. It could be desirable with the sports you listed. Also, do you know about agents to help gel the output? Diamonds (Convatec), Pearls (Trio), or PARsorb (Partheon) can each help liquid output become a solid, which reduces sloshing in the pouch. Hope this helps!

You may want to take a look at this. The gentleman who came up with this has joined the ostomy group that I am in from time to time, and he has been great about being available to speak about it.  https://barrierpress.com/

I swear by my Stealth Belt Pro for extra security when I play pickleball.

I've used the large stoma guard and ended up returning it. It does the job but is pretty big. I also bought a "Stoma Dome." It's easier to conceal but pretty pricey. I may find my way back onto a roller coaster. This will do the trick. https://parthenoninc.com/stomadome-and-velcro-crescents/?gad_source=1

It's a pretty simple concept. You can probably come up with something similar.

Good to see you are getting ready to be active again. Keep it up.

Best of health,

SharkFan

I wear a trisuit. It keeps my bag close to my body, keeps it from bouncing, and keeps people from seeing it on accident ;-)

Does the sweat affect your bag staying on? I've started exercising again for the first time since surgery, and the sweat is affecting my bag staying on.

I didn't sweat profusely when training and had no issues with adhesion, although some here have reported such. Do you use flange extenders? They may help.

No, and neither does being in the water, but I always wear a wrap to keep it tight against my body, and if I'm able, I blow dry the flange.

Yes, usually after a run I have to put another extender on just to keep the bag on. Thanks.

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As an "active ostomate," there is really very little I do differently between daily life and my activities. If anything, I try to prepare for a leak (or a fall on the ski slope) that may cause an appliance issue - whether I carry extra supplies in a pouch on me or a bag in the car, etc. As someone who overthinks a lot of "what ifs" - don't overthink it - if the worst does happen and you aren't prepared enough and have to cut the day short - learn from it to make the next outing more enjoyable!

Absolutely - it's only our thoughts that place limits upon us - if we allow our mind to overthink!

Good advice

~ ~ ~ ~ waves from the UK ~ ~ ~ ~

J

I definitely suggest the stoma guard. It is helpful with wayward seatbelts on days when your stoma is crabby too! 😉