Hello everyone,
So it's Fourth of July weekend and I want to go swimming! But I don't know how that's going to work now. I've had my ileostomy for around 6 months now and am still learning what I can and cannot do with it.
So my biggest fear is that my bag will just come off in the water. Is that a possibility?
Is there a limit on the time I can be in or activities I do in the water?
Thanks to everyone that helps me out here.
I have a colostomy and use a two-piece system. I use a belt (an elastic one) and wear a bandeau (tube top) and a life jacket. I just check to be sure my flange is tight (not lifting) and bag is not full. I go in the ocean, play in the waves, float around, and swim a bit. I find that heat and sweat are what cause more of a problem than the water does. I assume you have a one-piece with a drain. Just be sure it is on tight and have some fun. You could try some waterproof tape for extra security.
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Well, I hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression. He ticked me off, but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive.
I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best.
But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped, and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring. It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.
Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances, l not only survived but thrived.
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So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all. My Angels, each one of you.
And as the Grateful Dead famously said,
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Hi Dan,
Welcome to MAO! It's a bit too late to order even a sample for the 4th of July, but when you can, check out Sure Seal Rings. Here is a link: http://alpglobal.com/Sure-Seal-TM-Rings.html
This is one product I really rely on, even for daily wear. It goes on over your flange and keeps everything snug and secure.
Thanks for the advice.
I did go ahead and order the free sample. I'll try it out when it gets here.
I do have an ostomy belt I use due to a tendency for parastomal hernias.
Hi Dan, going into the water should not be a problem if you have a secure fit with your wafer. I was told/instructed not to go in the water the day of a wafer change, to allow the wafer to stick better to your body. I also use the Hytape (pink tape) that is waterproof around the wafer. If you still feel unsure about diving in, I would look into purchasing a Stealth Belt or a wrap to add some additional security. Ostomy Secrets sells wraps as does other online companies. Try Googling the product for additional options. In addition, you may be able to find something comparable at Walmart, KMart or Target. Lastly, maybe try swimming for a short period of time like 10 - 15 minutes. See how the wafer looks and go from there. Take care and good luck! ;LH
Good question, Dan. I apologize for stealing your post, but I am wondering if anyone has information about health and safety factors if I were to swim in either a chlorine-treated or saltwater pool without any wafer or pouch at all. I have a urostomy and am concerned about my exposed stoma. I don't care about the occasional release of urine into the pool water.
Thanks, HW
To answer the questions - use tape to "picture frame" the disc to the skin. Hy-tape is good but any medical adhesive tape, except paper tape, should work. I always try to empty my pouch just before getting into the water. I wouldn't recommend diving in until you are more comfortable with the appliance.
I have gone in chlorinated pools, saltwater pools, lakes, ocean, rivers, and streams without any problems. We had a house with a pool and we were in the pool all summer, sometimes for hours at a time. Jump in and enjoy!
Hi, I have an ileostomy. I just make sure the bag is empty and don't change it for a few hours before you go in. If it's been on for a while, it's well sealed. x
I go swimming all the time.
I just make sure the bag is empty, everything is on snugly, and I wear a wrap or band around the bag/ostomy just for my own mental well-being. Never had a problem with it.
After getting out of the pool, I check to be sure the wafer is still attached tightly, dry it off a bit with my towel, and I'm good to go!
I know it's scary getting in the water for the first time, but soon after you get in, I bet you will be so distracted by the feel of the water, you will almost forget the ostomy. And the more often you swim, the better it gets.
Go get in that water!!!
Hi, I have found a wonderful product. It's called Aqua Seal. I use a 2-piece system. It goes around the flange and it keeps the water from getting into your flange. It also helps with leaks. I have been swimming in Crete and never had the water enter the flange or flange come away. If you google Aqua Seal, you can send for samples. It takes about 2 weeks for me to receive my order, but I live in Scotland, so you should get your order quicker as the company is in New Jersey. Hope this helps. Let me know how you get on.
I go to the YMCA every week and swim. I have never had a problem, and I know we are not all the same, but if it happens, it happens. I was just out of the hospital, [a month] after my surgery, and I was in a restaurant with my regional manager when my bag broke. I told him what had happened and walked out of the meeting. You just have to be strong and not worry about the people around you. You won't see most of them ever again, and you have to take care of number one.
I just wanted to come back to this and say thanks to everyone that replied. I have been a few times and so far have not had any major issues. I'm going to the beach for the first time since my surgery and will be getting in the ocean.
My only fear now is the normal ones. Like sharks eating me lol.