Ostomy And Sports

Posted by MeetAnOstoMate

When it comes to sports and physical activity, having an ostomy does not necessarily mean that you can't participate in your favorite activities. Many athletes with ostomies have been able to continue to excel in their sport of choice.

However, it's important to keep in mind that having an ostomy can present some challenges when it comes to sports. For example, you may need to be careful about the type of equipment you use, as well as the intensity and duration of your workouts.

Here are a few tips for ostomates who want to participate in sports and physical activity:

1. Talk to your healthcare provider: Your healthcare provider can help you determine what type of physical activity is appropriate for you, given your medical condition and the type of ostomy you have.

2. Wear the right gear: Depending on the type of ostomy you have, you may need to wear a special pouch or support garment while you exercise. This can help prevent leakage and provide additional support.

3. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise is important for everyone, but especially for ostomates. Dehydration can lead to thickening of stool, which can be difficult to pass through the stoma.

4. Start slowly: If you're new to exercise, start with low-impact activities like walking or swimming, and gradually build up to more intense workouts.

5. Be prepared: If you're going to be participating in a sporting event, make sure you bring extra supplies, such as extra pouches, wipes, and a change of clothing, just in case of a leak or other issue.


It's important to remember that not all ostomies are the same. There are different types of ostomies, including colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy, and each one has its own unique challenges when it comes to sports and physical activity.

For example, if you have an ileostomy, you may need to be extra careful about staying hydrated, as your body may be more prone to dehydration due to the increased loss of fluids and electrolytes through the stoma. You may also need to be mindful of what you eat before and during exercise, as certain foods can lead to thicker or more frequent output from the stoma.

If you have a urostomy, you may need to wear a special pouch or bag to collect urine, and you may need to empty it more frequently during exercise. You may also need to be careful about the type of physical activity you choose, as certain activities (like contact sports) can increase the risk of injury to the stoma.

Regardless of the type of ostomy you have, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have related to sports and physical activity. Your provider can help you create a personalized plan for exercise, taking into account your medical condition, level of fitness, and other individual factors.

Based on discussions from the MeetAnOstoMate Discussion Forum, individuals with ostomies engage in various sports and physical activities, adapting to their unique circumstances. Here's a summary of the advice and insights shared:

Sports and Physical Activities:
- Many individuals continue to enjoy activities like swimming, hiking, contact sports, golfing, dancing, and distance running after ostomy surgery.
- Some engage in activities like yoga, weightlifting, and rowing, emphasizing the importance of starting slowly and finding enjoyable activities.
- Others have participated in ice hockey, roller hockey, and pickleball, using protective gear and support belts for added security.

Tips and Recommendations:
- Use wraps, pregnancy wraps, or support belts to hold the ostomy bag securely during exercise.
- Consider using specific ostomy guards, support belts, and padded shorts for protection during contact sports.
- Empty the bag before engaging in physical activities and stay hydrated.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and consider using high-waisted panties or tankinis to cover the ostomy bag while swimming.
- Start slowly when resuming physical activities after surgery and be mindful of abdominal muscle strength and hydration.

Concerns and Considerations:
- Individuals have experienced challenges such as frequent emptying, leakage, and skin irritation due to sweating and movement during physical activities.
- Some have faced concerns about managing ostomy output patterns, dietary adjustments, and potential weight loss post-surgery.

If you have specific questions about engaging in sports with an ostomy, consider posting your question in the discussion forum of MeetAnOstoMate.org for personalized advice and support.

Check out these links for more information:

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Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister