Swimming with an Ostomy: Tips and Product Recommendations Needed

I really want to go swimming, but after even a shower, my bag loses all adhesiveness, and I have to change it.

I'm really concerned about going swimming because even with high-waisted ostomy swimwear, I feel it's just going to come away from the skin, and I'd be really embarrassed if Sylvester Stallone were to go into one of his fits of rage and function everywhere…

Is there a particular bag you use for swimming? Because so far, the only ones that stick effectively day to day are the Sensuro Mio, but they still don't like getting wet.

Looking for tips, advice, or links to products available in the U.K.?

Thanks in advance.

Tom & Sylvester

You need to send off for a few free sample bags from all the different suppliers. I use Hollister two-piece drainable, and it never gives way in the shower or swimming.

Regards, IGGIE

Check out wraps by Ostomy Secrets. Don't let having a stoma hold you back from swimming.

I agree with iggie. Call every single company and ask for samples. You can Google and find the numbers. There's Hollister, Coloplast, Convatec, Safe n Simple, Nu-Hope, Marleen, Cymed. If your adhesive isn't holding up, you need to find a bag that does.

Use flange extenders for added protection. If you could swim before, you can swim now.

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

I've not been swimming since before the op.

But generally, day to day, Sen Suro are the only ones that stick properly when dry. But even those give up even in the shower.

I have an anti-hernia wrap, but I don't think it's for swimming.

I use an extra adhesive with the SenSura Mio appliances. I order it through my ostomy supplier. I've had no trouble with losing adhesion.

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Phone your stoma nurse or email them. They can drop a few samples in the post. If you ring around delivery companies for samples, you will be pestered forever with them trying to poach you from whatever company you're using now. To be honest, they're all good bags; it's just finding which one is suitable for you. You just have to keep trying until you find the right one.

Whoa.. I think I use that same stuff when I plug a tire - flat tire from a nail. 🤣.. that stuff looks potent.

That was funny. 🤣

I swim almost daily and use the following setup. May not be available everywhere, though.
The outer edge of the pouch is somewhat of a cloth-like tape 1/2 inch wide. I live in Florida, where the weather is warm, and I usually let it dry on its own. Some say to air dry. I have had no leaks or fall-offs in the pool in 3-1/2 years. I change this setup every other day. Currently, I have a rash where it is taped at the top…may be a result of my laziness in not drying after my swim. jb🏊🏼‍♂️

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Pouch = Convatec 22771 (clamp included in package of 10)

Eakin Cohesive slim barrier (gasket)

Esenta adhesive remover wipe (sting-free)

Esenta skin barrier wipe (sting-free)

jb

Your bag shouldn't fall off or loosen when it gets wet. You'll need to figure that issue out before thinking about swimming.

Lol

Don't knock it. I'm getting 7 days of wear even on my urostomy (very similar to getting 7 days of wear on an ileostomy).

Should be called "torment," ha ha. Instead of torbot... memories of crazy gluing my fingers as a kid. Yeah. Dope. Child.

Yup.. those things work. Stick to anything. Good suggestion.

May I ask how you're cleaning the skin and what you're using? And are you using the barrier extenders?

The problem isn't during the day; I very rarely get any leakages. Only in the shower do I find the bag loses adhesive, which is why I'm concerned about swimming.

I use Sen Suro Mio bags,

Cera rings

salts barrier wipes

and dry wipes, which I wet with lukewarm water to clean around the stoma.

Same here. Mio.. with a flange belt. Are you using that?

A handheld showerhead is preferred to avoid all water from an above-type showerhead. You direct the water where you want it to go.. think about that..

You should not lose adhesive strength in the shower or swimming. Think outside the box.

Be grateful no leaks during this. You are very lucky in that respect..

The water should affect your appliance. Whether in the shower, pool, or ocean.. that's a fact, Jack. - umm Tom.. 😉..

Re: isolation. Yeah, you described a bad place to be in.. but know this.. the only way now is up.... and hopefully soon.. you have received a lot of good ideas above.. in time get to them.

Ostemates don't mess around 😉

Think of it this way: If water could unstick our wafer adhesive, we wouldn't have to buy expensive adhesive remover wipes or spray.

Make sure your skin is clean and totally dry.

Only use soap that has no dyes, fragrance, or lotion. I use Cetaphil. Also, don't shampoo or condition your hair, and then let rinse water run down the front of your body.

Preheat barrier rings and wafer by putting them on your skin for a minute, then peeling off the backing and molding the ring, or sticking the wafer into place.

Hi Tom, I swim all the time, with no problem. Your appliance should not be separating from your skin simply from getting wet. You need to figure that out first. Try using a Salts barrier ring. It's what I use, and it creates a super strong seal that gives me seven days or more. How are you preparing your skin before applying your pouch? Are you cleaning your skin really well and making sure it's really dry? When you put your appliance on, try warming the skin side with a hair dryer for 30 seconds first, then hold it firmly in place for a couple of minutes. I wear Hollister pouches, so if you haven't tried that brand yet, do so. What works well for one person can be a disaster for others, so try them all. I don't take any special precautions before swimming, but using an extender can't hurt, especially if it gives you a sense of security.

Terry

Barrier extenders/flange extenders by Salts UK are brilliant in preventing the bag from coming off when swimming or showering. They are placed around the baseplate.

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Hey Mr. Brightside, all good suggestions on here. I'm curious as to why your bag loosens upon getting wet. Maybe your adhesion is just enough on a daily dry basis, and another bag and/or ring would adhere even better, enough to stay in place while dry. I use a Hollister bag, mostly a tape barrier.

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I also ordered these covers from Amazon when I was experiencing leaking for a short time. I simply cut a hole in the middle to fit around my bag.

I use Hollister 2-piece drainable pouches, and I have never had an issue with showering or swimming. I am just sure to dry off the wafer and bag when I am done getting wet. You might be using the wrong bag. Also, when you go swimming, you can use a wrap to keep your bag on and in position. That can help with swimming.

I have a wrap, but I'm not sure it's a swim line if there's such a thing. Or would I be allowed to use just a hernia prevention on in a public pool?

Mr. Brightside, you don't want to go swimming in a pool or the ocean until you know you have a secure bag. If your bag and adhesive aren't secure, which you have said as much, you need to fix that problem first before swimming. Sit in a bathtub of water for a while and see what it does. See what the bag does and then try the wrap and see what the wrap does. And yes, they make swim wraps; Google it. And you don't have to wear a wrap in a public pool unless you want to.

Agree with Beth. My ostomy nurse had an ostomy for a while. She wanted to go swimming, so she sat in the bathtub for 30 to 45 minutes first as a trial run. That's how she knew she'd be OK with what she's using.

Hi MB,

Why don't you do what I just did and Google "men's swimming shorts with a stoma"?

IGGIE

I've looked at those, but they seem to be loose fitting. I possibly won't have a problem, but at least at first, until I'm confident with the bag remaining attached to my skin, I'm looking at something that will hold it on tightly, and then maybe I can go to something a little looser when I know it's okay.

But thanks so much for all the advice. I think I just need to build up some confidence.

Mr B

Try a tummy sleeve from a maternity shop.