Swimming in the Ocean with a Stoma Exposed

Does anyone regularly swim in salt water with their stoma exposed? Should I be concerned about any impact on my skin that might affect pouch adhesion?

G-Day Littlefish,

I would not swim with a stoma exposed in the sea. Sand could be an abrasive problem; there are lots of little things that could cause problems.

Swimming with your bag on is no problem. To be safe, put extenders on the base.

Enjoy your swim.

Regards, IGGIE

Totally agree with Iggie. Living in Florida and swimming very often, I wear a wrap by Ostomy Secrets - check them out.

You're talking about a bagless swim in the ocean? 🤔 With an ileo, I'd never consider it, but a colostomy and a plug? Why not?!! 🤷‍♂️ Unless the skin is raw or blistered. Nope.

Myself, I'd think I'd be more embarrassed, speaking as an ileo, of course. Uncontrolled output. 💩

Thinking the creature from the poop lagoon. 😆😳 takes on new meaning.

Good question. Curious about more who reply.

No, not personally. I've met a woman from the UK at an ostomy event a few years ago who swims in the sea and swam across the English Channel with an ileostomy for charity without a bag on. She said she had no problems with her stoma during or after crossing.

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

So that's why the English Channel is so full of crap.

IGGIE

I do not think your G.I. output belongs in that habitat, and I don't think the microorganisms in that habitat belong in your G.I. system.

I have been swimming in the ocean with my stoma exposed for 40 years. My husband and I are cruisers on our sailboat and have been up and down the Atlantic to the Bahamas, as well as chartering many times in the BVI.

I don't snorkel without a bathing suit, but I often just jump in and swim around the boat completely exposed. It feels great, and I've never had a problem.

Iggie is right on. Ever get salt or OJ on an open cut? OUCH! Always protect your stoma. Life wouldn't happen w/o it. Our group got me to try a hot tub. Glamped the AT. Rented a cabin up in the Smokies in September, w/hot tub. Unsure, I used my showering device. Put my Stealth Belt over it, good and tight. Not one leak! Soaked in it after every hike. My cousin Mark lives in Weston.

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You had me at "completely exposed." Stopped reading. 😋

For context, the stoma is made of mucosal tissue, like the lining of your mouth. But the stoma doesn't have sensation, so the clues of pain or irritation might not present as one would expect. It is an (unnecessary) risk to expose your stoma to the ocean. Like eating raw cookie dough - just because you know someone who did it and it was fine doesn't make it a good or safe idea. Thanks for asking this group and for the discussion.

It was stated that the stoma is your intestine turned inside out. If this swimmer had no reactions in 40 years, I'd say go buy lottery tickets. She would be a lucky dudette.

Hi, thank you, HiatusFirstMate, and all who have commented. My desire is focused on the mornings 30-100 miles offshore, where I could be free-diving under God's sunrise in peace with the ocean around me. I am concerned about the impact salt could have on dehydrating the skin around my stoma and affecting adhesion. I appreciate all who have direct experience. Thanks again. Littlefish

I personally would not expose my stoma to ocean water as it directly opens into the small intestine. I don't see a big difference between wearing a "cover" over it and not, for comfort's sake. You can still swim naked, just with a pouch in one spot. They sell sexy covers ☺️😉

I do. No problem. I don't swim in ponds, but ocean water seems safe to me. When I wear a bathing suit, I put a thin silicone nipple cover on my stoma to protect it from friction.