Things I Wish I Could Do Without Worry

Anyone able to get in a hot tub or swim? What about going to an amusement park? With the tight belts and roller coasters… am I possibly going to leave a mess? What other things worry you guys?

A lot of people on here go swimming; I don't know about a hot tub, so go give it a try.

IGGIE

But how do I prepare?

I had no issues with roller coasters or other rides. I went swimming a couple of times; no disasters, but it still makes me nervous.

If you haven't tried, how do you know you can't do things?

How to Get Back to Fitness After Ostomy Surgery with Ryan | Hollister

Yes to all of the above activities and then some!

Having an ostomy is not a disability; for many of us, it actually made us healthier, more able-bodied, and more energetic than we have ever been.

If you read some previous posts, there are people of all ages traveling the world, doing every kind of activity. Check out recent posts by Littlefish and Miss fudgeakins below:

https://www.meetanostomate.org/discussion-forum/viewtopic.php?t=35190

https://www.meetanostomate.org/discussion-forum/viewtopic.php?t=34702

"A life lived in fear is a life half lived" - just get out there and do whatever you want.

You can do anything you wish with a little forward thinking, meaning don't eat and then expect no output in the time frame you wish to be doing whatever it is you wish to do. Loperamide is a good friend at this time too. Hot tub, swimming, no problem; make flange extenders part of your setup.

Or in the song of my favorite songster/philosopher 🎼🎶I’d rather die while I’m livin’ than live while I’m dead🎶👊jb

I used to be able to swim, but now I wouldn't try it because my wafer would come off. I don't have the right barrier wands, the good ones. The ones I have to replace it don't hold the bag on in water. I got some adhesive, but it doesn't work. The canister is really small, and I paid about 30 bucks for it, and it doesn't compress and spray. It doesn't work at all. So I am soured on that idea. I don't know what to do to feel comfortable swimming again. And I don't know what to do about seatbelts in the car either. I always hold them out, which I am sure defeats the purpose of the seatbelt, but I know if I let it tighten around my bag, it could pop, and poop would go everywhere. So I either hold out the seatbelt, or I put the bag on top of the seatbelt, and then the belt goes under the bag. But I can only do that because my bag is up higher than most people's bags. I am not sure about roller coasters because I don't ride them. I would say just be careful, and maybe you can do it. Maybe do it when your bag is empty? Like don't eat until you are done riding them?

Yes to all; it's only a stoma. It doesn't stop us from doing anything. After having an ileostomy for over 30 years, I can't think of much that I haven't done.

1 Life: live it! Never let a stoma rule your life!

I swim all the time, with no extra preparation. Some use a flange extender for extra peace of mind. I wear a suit that fits snugly but has a piece of material sewn onto the front that has a slight ruffle effect and hides my little 'bump.' I also sit in the steam room or sauna, which is extremely humid and hot. It's had no effect on my appliance or wear time. You should not limit yourself. Any activity you did before should still be open to you now. Sometimes some extra prep might be needed.

Terry

Try

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Infinitycastle, try this. I'm getting it through my ostomy supplier. It was recommended by my ostomy nurse, and I think it is the reason I get such long wear. It might be enough to re-establish your confidence. Swimming is such great exercise.

To the OP, if you lack confidence with swimming and hot tubs, test in a bathtub in the privacy of your home. If it doesn't work, tweak your system until it does. Don't let an ostomy hold you back.