Sports and Ostomy

Can you ride roller coasters and lift weights after ostomy surgery?

Hi, I am trying to contact anyone who lives in the UK Blackpool area to ask them about swimming pools suitable for us with a stoma.

Hi Gang,

Well, I went and checked out the "other" ostomy dating website...........can I even say their name here? I'll play it safe and not say it, but I'm sure you all know I'm talking about Osto-Date. Oh carp, I went and said it. Darn. Ok, forget I said that.

Seems like that site is more focused on dating with minimal discussion, whereas this site is more discussion with dating more of a back...

     I wish I knew what to do in order to go swimming or attempt to go swimming with my kids in a swimming pool?.  I heard its best to go swimming only in the ocean or lake........that is one thing I would like to do

Hi,

I was on my high school swimming team long, long ago.

But now, wearing an ostomy bag, I'm afraid to. I don't want to have any leakage in the pool.

Any ideas on how to prepare for pool or beach swimming?

Thanks,

Rod

Swim suit season is always a trigger for most people - the image they have of themselves showing more skin. Some people are comfortable in a bikini, others prefer a one-piece, and others the tankini.

For both girls and boys with an Ostomy - how are we to handle being in a swimsuit while also being socially acceptable.

My take on this subject is having the attitude of - be yourself. I don't...

Hey guys I used to be heavily into calisthenics before I got my ostomy bag. Doing handstand push-ups and muscle ups, tons of pullups, L sits and weight lifting. Now I'm 2.5 months post surgery and I'm getting back into working out. But doing any core or pull ups hurt my stoma. I'm fully healed but I guess when I hang and try to pull it hurts the stoma in guessing cuz there's a hole in my body. ...

I am planning to go snorkeling in Lake Superior. Can I swim without a bag on?

I know this sounds like a stupid question, but I have a two-piece bag. I change the wafer thingy once or twice a week, and the bags I just put on, take off, and throw away. No mess, no nothing, nice actually. But I love to swim and get scared that if I swim, I have to wrap it and do all of this silly stuff in fear of it falling off. Does anyone have any ideas? I've got 2 boys who love to swim, ...

I know I can't wear a regular swimsuit over the ostomy bag, but what can I wear that is comfortable and doesn't look too bulky around my waist? I have tried swim shorts with t-shirts, but the t-shirts tend to blow up around the top of my torso with the movement of the water. Any ideas from women who have been swimming with the bag would be much appreciated.

Hazel.

I am going to finally get released in a couple of months back to the gym. I had a permanent ostomy in March and many complications, but I am so ready to go back to my life again.
Question: If you have experience in swimming, what do you use? Your regular bag or do you know of any bags made for swimming?
Question: Has anyone who runs or works out used anything at the gym to cover the pouch because...

I'm not sure what to do about losing weight. I'm two months post-surgery (colostomy) and would like to start exercising. Besides walking, I can't seem to do a lot of twisting and turning. My skin is very sensitive to the adhesive, and if I do too much, it seems to pull at my skin, and I get sore. Any suggestions?

I would like to know if anyone with an ileostomy or a colostomy knows how they deal with their setup while being immersed in a bathtub or swimming pool. I have had my setup since 1997, but I just haven't accessed helpful information because I had lots of little illnesses and recently became more computer-savvy. I have a huge avid love for swimming, and this has been greatly lessened since my su...

This is my first stoma summer and I just bought a new one-piece swimsuit yesterday. I am wondering for those of you who swim, do you have to change to a new bag that same day or not too far after? I know the wafer is meant to absorb moisture, so if you have moisture on the inside from the stoma and also on the outside from the pool water, it would lessen the stickiness to the skin, right? Pleas...

Does anybody have any experience getting back into scuba diving after ostomy?  I need to get back into the salt water before I get too old.

I had my colostomy surgery on 12/15/15 and I'm thinking ahead, dreaming really, of the warm sandy beaches of southern California. I'm not at all concerned about how I look. I'm concerned about how to surf with this bag-thing! How does it hold up in salt water? Is there any danger to my stoma in salt water? All year round, I wear a wetsuit because the water is cold in California! I'm running and...

Can we use stoma as a verb?
How do you keep your stoma-ed tummy in the best shape you can?   What exercise is safe? Jack knives? Crunches?  I know we aren't supposed to lift more than five pounds, any thing I should know about exercising the lower abs?

I am a college student and I would like to know more information about this subject in order to complete my assignment. I have been tasked to ask the community any ostomy-related questions in order to record my answers and pass them down to my professor.

Hi, I've got my first holiday since surgery six months ago booked - going to Florida in a month or so. Most of the trip is based around watersports.

Are there any products I can get, like waistbands, bag covers, etc., that will keep my bag dry when swimming, or at least cover up my scars above the waistline of my shorts?

Any feedback is welcome.

Cheers.

I've recently ordered a water proof Ileostomy belt cover, but it is not due to arrive until July 7-28. Can't wait to get back into the pool again. Is it okay to swim with just the appliance in place, heard they are waterproof, with hydro colloid strips in place?  And can a hair dryer be used to dry it afterwords?

Hi there.

Future ostomate here, I will be having surgery in about a month.

I'm pretty active with sports and I'm wondering if anyone has any experience playing contact sports (ice hockey) with a stoma, and if you have any tips or tricks that you could pass on to me.

Thanks!

Hello,

Has anyone gone to the gym and showered or changed there? How does that work without a private room?

I'm too embarrassed to go to the gym.

Thanks for the thoughts.

Does anyone have problems with the adhesive holding their ostomy appliance secure when outside "playing" in the garden, especially on a warm day? Mine tends to spring a leak when I do much bending. I don't know if it's the location of my ostomy (ileostomy), which is barely below the waistline, or if the adhesive is not strong enough to hold the stress of exercise. Spring is finally here, and I ...

Was in my daughter's swimming pool for 2-3 hours last Sat. First time in 3 years since my stoma was installed. It was great. My wafer is fine, as a matter of fact, I am still wearing the same one today (Wed). So come on people... Enjoy yourselves!!!

Hi

Is there anyone out there that looks after a horse, please? I had an ileostomy and mucus fistula at the end of May and was given the impression that I will be able to, in a year's time, muck out my horse's field and barrel 15l of water again. Now I've been told to rehome my old four-legged friend. I can ride after 6 months but not care for him again.

I was also told no yoga for 2 to 3 year...

Hi all, I was just wondering if anyone else out there has ever been given any guidance on swimming or doing Aquafit with a large (well, the size of half a melon!) hernia? I am desperately trying to lose weight and am now trying Slim Fast as I can't eat any green veg or normal diet foods, but I thought some exercise might help and as I am so restricted with that as well (bad heart means I can on...

I had an emergency colostomy in March 2010 and was not experiencing any discomfort...but this week I decided to try and get back into golf. I played nine holes twice, with a day off in between. I am now experiencing discomfort around the stoma and in the groin area. Is this normal, since I haven't used these muscles for so long, or is it telling me maybe I shouldn't be playing golf again? Anyon...

Hello there, everyone.
Once again, I'm compelled to ask a question about how some of you handle a particular situation, i.e., swimming.
My mother had irreversible ileostomy surgery almost 2 years ago. Before she had the surgery, she enjoyed going to the local YMCA to swim. During the first year, she had some accidents in the form of the bag leaking or falling off. She now thinks she can no long...

Hi and thank you for the tips on irritated skin.

What is everybody doing about swimming? Is there a good cover to wear?

Hello,

I'm very new here. I am hoping someone can help me. I'm feeling rather desperate.

I have a permanent ileostomy. I had the surgery in 2018. This was due to a 7-year battle with ulcerative colitis.

Anyway, I started working out (aerobic exercise) twice a day for 45 minutes. This has started giving me diarrhea, which leads me to dehydration. It also leads to leaking. I've been having to ...

Hi everyone, I've been teaching and practicing yoga for many years and also have an ileostomy since 2005 due to Crohn's disease. Yoga and meditating can be most beneficial, but like everything, it is finding and developing a practice that is suitable for our individual constitutions. It is the same with the foods we eat and our lifestyle choices. The more we understand our constitution, the mor...

Hi,

I'm posting on behalf of my brother who had a complete and irreversible ostomy for Crohn's almost three weeks ago now. I'm currently looking after him while he recovers and I just wanted some advice on something that's concerning me.

He's not really doing his (gentle) core exercises that the hospital gave him to do. Whenever his post-op symptoms get worse (bleeding, pain, etc.) he just st...

I'm rather new at this and would like to know how others handle swimming when they have an ostomy--especially men? My wife and I are going on a cruise in about 2 weeks, and I am really anxious about swimming. My colostomy is high on the left (above the beltline). I normally use Sensura 2-piece. It has been suggested that I use a short-sleeve wetsuit, but I think that would be awfully hot in the...

Hi all,
Does anyone know where to get a swimsuit? I'm due to go on holiday later in the year and have never managed to get a decent swimsuit that actually hides the bag. I did buy one from a company in the UK who make ostomy products, but it was no good and really old-fashioned. Any suggestions are welcome. I wish I was good at dressmaking; I'd do it myself.
Isabella

Has anyone tried doing yoga with an ileostomy?

Has anyone come up with anything to waterproof their appliance? I've heard about using pink tape. Anything else?

Also, any suggestions for traveling? I'm going on a Viking cruise and scared to death of leakage during the night.

Can a person with an ileostomy still scuba dive or snorkel? I know swimming is okay.

Hi, I have had a colostomy for almost 3 years now. I have also gained a few pounds because of this and the COVID-19 thing. Can anyone tell me what the safest and best exercise to do is? Thanks in advance. I'm new to this site. It may take me a little while to get used to the site.

Hi all,

Just wondering if there are any ostomates who have travelled to Israel and swam in the Dead Sea. I know they warn people not to open their eyes under the water there because it is so concentrated with salt. 

I wanted to know if anyone has swam in the water and felt any pain/severe stinging around their stoma due to the strong salt? I'm planning to swim/float there on my trip to Israe...

Would like to know what exercises are good for an ileostomy person like me. I am 61 and fairly active and love to hike. I would like to trim down everywhere and around my belly area. Any suggestions? I did join a fitness center.

I am 2 months into having a colostomy. I am a scuba diver and I researched the issue of having a colostomy and diving and found that DAN approves diving with a bag. My question is how to physically do it? As in, do I remove the bag while diving? Are there special bags for this? I asked my surgeon and he recommended diving naked...lol. If anyone has anything to add, it would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, this may seem like a silly question, but I've been cleared to start going back to the gym, and I was wondering if anyone else has gone to the gym after getting their ostomy. I am anxious to go back to the gym, but I am worried as well. I have so many questions that keep going through my head... "What if I sweat so much it makes the bag start to come off?" "What if I do something to cause my...

I had my bladder and prostate removed in October due to bladder cancer and I'm currently undergoing chemotherapy. I want to get back to tennis and golf ASAP but need advice on the best forms of support. There is lots online for colostomy but nothing for urostomy.......can you help?

Hi, I'm new to all this. Had my surgery at the end of Feb and am feeling pretty good. I want to get back to yoga but I'm unclear about lying on my stoma. I have not laid on my belly since surgery. Is it safe?

Thanks!

Hi again!

I have only had my ostomy for a little over 8 years and am still trying to figure things out. For years, I have avoided certain activities for fear of the appliance leaking. One of those things is swimming.

My appliance doesn't like to stay on when it gets wet, so I have been avoiding swimming. But I love swimming. Does anyone else have this issue? What do you do to avoid it coming of...

Hi, I am thinking of starting yoga as a form of destressing, etc. I have had a stoma for 7 years and have managed to get around that with running, etc. Is it firstly safe to do yoga with a stoma and secondly, if so, how do I hide it? An all-in-one body was one option I was thinking. I am just mindful that bending around, etc. will most likely show it off which I do not want. Advice appreciated....

I wasnt real enthusiastic about working out prior to surgery Feb9 21. I would really like to join a class of Pilates or Yoga, something. I know some people who worked out previously have started working out again after they recovered. ( I dont know them personally but on social media )
Please share any advice or experiences as I am really not trying to get a hernia because I want a flatter stoma...

Question: Do exercises exist for post-colostomy operations, and are they recommended by doctors? It seems like I've been "training" for well over a year, and almost everything I attempt ends badly. For example, a hernia. It's not like I'm trying to run marathons or swim channels, just everyday stuff like jogging to the mailbox and back without my heart racing like crazy, or swimming any stroke ...

After 9 months of an ileostomy, I would like to know how to avoid ballooning (only occasionally); how to gain weight without having to increase bag emptying frequency; which foods to definitely avoid at all costs; and finally, what sports to avoid. Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks.

I really need to get back to exercsing, but the best one for me is swimming due to joints.  Has anyone worn a stealth belt?

Does anyone know of something that actually works for swimming? When I bath or swim my skin barrier loosens. Does anyone know of a way to keep it dry during wet activities?

Had a permanent colostomy on February 9th of this year. Now, it has been almost 3 months, and I want to get back into working out.

Before my surgery, the surgeon told me that there would be basically no restrictions on my activity. But now, I am hearing that I can't lift more than about 15 lbs for the rest of my life, or I risk a hernia! An ostomy nurse also told me that I should be careful do...

Hi

I am 8 weeks post-surgery for Panproctocolectomy with a permanent ileostomy and just wondering if anyone can tell me when I could start back at the gym? I am currently walking a lot each day and feeling fine.

I was hoping to start cycling/cross trainer/swimming with maybe some light weights.

The last thing I want to do is cause any damage and end up back in the hospital, so I would appreciat...

Had ileostomy places 3 weeks ago doc ok with swimming. 4 months ago I had 2 total knee replacements so I'd like to get back to some water therapy. I'm reluctant. Any tips for getting back to the pool? Is there a specific bag I need? Suit? Bag cover? Thanks!

Hello I not hady ileostomy long. I'm just wondering can I go swimming ? Or do I need wear certain things ?

What do extremely athletic people do to keep their ostomy wafer on when they are working out?

I found some abdominal exercises on the Coloplast website...Core 4. Does anyone do there? Any issues? Thanks

https://www.coloplastcare.com/siteassets/3.-lifest yle/l2_exercise/l2.6-abdominal-exercises/cpoc_exer cisecore4.pdf

I had an ostomy eight months ago and I'm ready to get back in the pool. Any suggestions from swimmers about how to keep the appliance waterproof? I am wondering if I will need to change it more often because of being in chlorinated water. Thanks in advance for the advice!

Great article about swimming and pouches with ostomy...

https://www.coloplast.ca/en-CA/bb-landing-pages/sw imming-with-an-ostomy/?utm_source=facebook&utm_med ium=cpc&utm_campaign=CP_CA_EN_FB_NA_OC_NA_Info_Tra ffic_Swimming-ostomy&utm_content=CP_CA_EN_FB_NA_OC _NA_Info_Traffic_Swimming-ostomy_EngC-60d_Single+i mage_23851437694000513&utm_term=23851437336700513& fbclid=IwAR0lHC6NPd4Lst4jPnOY3R9VWUn11MO...

Hi everybody

So I have this issue. I am 'expanding'

I have never been the most active person, I have an active job but never liked working out much. Now, 1.5 years ago, I got a temporary ileostomy due to Crohn's. I noticed that bending over a lot caused the ileostomy area to swell (one-sided potbelly swelling). Most likely because the muscles get tired (I am also hypermobile, so I have poor cor...

Hi,
my stoma is quite high (above belly button) & I was wondering what the men on here wear when swimming. It is not really practical to wear high waistband swimmers (would look REALLY stupid)
Thanks

Holidays
Hi all, I will be going on holiday in a few weeks and need to get some swimwear (shorts) that will cover my stoma. Does anyone have any ideas where I can order them from?
Only had my operation 2 months ago, so none of last year's will do. I need some with a high waist.

Hi ALL:

I recently signed up for this site and have had an Ileostomy since December 2010.

I have read so many postings about others asking questions on how to keep their appliances on while bathing, swimming, and showering. I hope the info below can be of help.

I've had a huge issue with my wafers not holding due to my body chemistry that causes sweating, which in turn causes the wafers to l...

Hi !!
Hope everyone is doing great!! with summer winding down =( and the kiddo's getting ready to go back to school..I am thinking about getting into better shape..so..Can we do an insanity workout or I guess my question is with an ostomy what shouldnt you be doing..I use my treadmill but dont want to do something that could cause any kind of damage!...any advice??

thanks,
J.J

I had a reversal about a year ago. Wondering if there are any exercises I can do to get my stomach back to the way it was before. I have a small amount of pain like a pulled muscle pain. The doctor said it will just take time to get back to normal. I just don't like the feeling like something is wrong all the time because of the pulled feeling. Thanks in advance, JIM.

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 everyone....thanks so much for answering my questions. Bear with me as this is new to me......What is the best way to secure my bag so I can get in the pool?

I recently developed a parastomal hernia. Months prior to that, I was starting to work out more and more. I still walk daily, but I would still like to do some strength training, specifically for my arms. Are there any exercises I can do to strengthen my arms without putting any strain on my abdomen? I tried doing some, but I can't help but feel there is some strain on my abdomen still. Thanks.

i do yoga and light weights . Recent belly dancing and walking. 

Would like to add some things that won't cause issues with my colostomy .

 

 

I have been in the pool a lot this summer and it seems like every time I change my appliance, I have a rash on my skin. Not sure if it's caused by the swimming and chemicals in the pool or maybe just because it's wet for a while.

I do my best to dry the wafer off after getting out of the pool, but it's impossible to get it totally dry. I can't change the appliance every time I swim because I go...

Hello all,

This is a question for all of you contact sports fans! Which products would you recommend to best guard/support a stoma? Specifically an ileostomy?

My boyfriend wants to return to roller hockey again soon but is a bit anxious about his little pal getting hurt. Are there any specific ostomy guards that people have tried and tested?

Any advice would be welcome!

I'm in treatment for rectal cancer and am worried I'll end up with a bag. Having been a competitive swimmer since age eleven and still in the top five in my age group in the area, I wonder if that kind of activity would still be possible?

I only have 5 months with a temporary colostomy, I was supposed to get a reversal but due to a very bad endometriosis it was decided that i will be waiting until next year to have the reversal surgery. I am on Lucrin, as my insides are all stuck together. The Lucrin treatment makes me very tired and stiff with joint and bone pain as a side effect.
When I learn I have to wait until next year to ...

Can anyone tell me if swimming is ok with a stoma bag? Any tips?

 Thanks 

I haven't attempted swimming with my ostomy yet.  I've seen special bathing suits and various kinds of equipment such as belts, etc.  Can anyone give me tips/suggestions on what to get?  I want to start swimming for exerise and I also love to travel so I'm thinking about swimming and sunbathing for leisure as well.

First summer with an ostomy I use to swim every day how do you get enough supplies to do that?

Hi,

I did taekwondo for nearly four years before I had my surgery. It was pretty much the only sport I've ever done that I've actually been alright at as well as really enjoying it. I was never big on sparring as I'm not an overly aggressive person, but my club did very little contact training anyway. My concern is that I loved taekwondo but I am fully aware of how vital core strength is in ge...

I am a member at a fitness center in New Jersey.  I find myself not going because I really do not know what type of exercise equipment I can use.  I have asked trainers at the gym but they are clueless.  So, I am wondering if anyone has suggestions on what type of equipment I can use.  I also asked my surgeon if I can exercise and he suggested it but did not gave me any information on w...

Have any of you done Pilates after your ostomy surgery? I am 7 months out from my surgery and am going back to Pilates for the first time today. I have been doing some walking, and some physical therapy, but this will be my first time at Pilates since my surgery. Are there certain movements I should avoid, such as bending and twisting, for fear of dislodging my pouch? Many thanks for any help. 

Does anyone scuba dive or know of anyone with a colostomy who scuba dives?