Any competitive swimmers out there? I just started a swim class to build endurance and ability to compete in triathlons. I have had my osteomyelitis for 28 years and just got back in the pool in 2016. Big step for me. Any advice? My biggest scare is changing in a locker room. Not quite ready to bear it all.
I do trail races (2 marathons) with no issues but the swimming scares me.
Hi Runner,
Congrats on getting back in the water and your goals. I'm not a swimmer but I wanted to say hello and wish you the best of luck with your goal!
This is a remarkable community of 40,918 members.
You will get real advice from fellow ostomates who truly understand you - things you won't find in the books.
And it's not all about ostomy - there is friendship and relationships too.
Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.
Marjatta
This group has been my go-to during my loneliest hours whenever I've had a "bag blowout" at 3am and there was no one else in the world to talk to.
Because it's a global community, there's always someone here to lend an ear, provide advice, and just hold my hand if that's all I need.
Sure, there's also a lot of camaraderie, fun topics, and laughs, but the main reason I come here is for the total acceptance I get from the members. No one else on the planet could possibly "get" what I'm going through, not even my loving husband or supportive family.
The "Meet an Ostomate" forum is definitely a one-of-a-kind family, which I am very proud to belong to.
M
xo
Hello Runner3.
Just the thought of trying to do a marathon or triathlon would scare me!
As for the changing room. Think back to long before the ostomy, when you first went into a changing room. If you are anything like the rest of us, I feel sure that you will recall the anxiety of changing for the first time in a public place. With practice, we overcome our fears and just concentrate on the ultimate goals and reasons for having to change. It's called 'adjustment' and I feel sure that you will adjust with flying colours.
Best wishes
Bill
I cannot do what you do in the water but I love swimming and I just go about the changing room like it is as normal as apple pie. If you are not self-conscious then no one else will be; you set the tone by your actions and confidence. The other part is if anyone is curious and you are not in a hurry, let them see and understand what an ostomy is. You will be doing the person and yourself a favor - knowledge is power!
May you have many happy competitions/races/events and all the more power to you!!!
I found that swimming means changing the bag every 2-3 days - the chlorine breaks the seal much quicker.....if you feel uncomfortable change in the stall......
I totally agree -- but it is worth the change to enjoy the exercise -- I ocean and lake swim with mine with no problems.
I use the Convex Sensua Mio -- Coloplast makes a version of it as well - good adhesion -
I fold the bottom up and it is very comfy in my suit. There is also a swim version that I have been able to get in the past - it is a short bag but if you are in the water quite a while and need the extra size it can be an issue. I keep an appropriate bag (gray) handy for discharge; if necessary (if no facilities on hand) and dispose of it properly later.
So far I find the bag very liberating --- good luck!!