Scuba diving with an ostomy can be a unique experience, and if you're considering it, you might be curious about how others manage it. Here's a look at some real-world experiences and advice from those who have taken the plunge.

- If you have an ileostomy, you might worry about the possibility of your pouch opening in the water. To prevent this, some divers choose not to eat for a few hours before diving, even though this goes against general diving advice.

- Be aware that dive times might be shorter because the inhaled oxygen can cause your bowel and pouch to fill with gas.

- While some surgeons might be skeptical about diving with an ostomy, it's important to consult with a physician who is familiar with diving, such as one affiliated with PADI, to get a professional opinion.

- If you have a urostomy, a standard barrier-and-bag setup should work well underwater. You don't need to worry about water entering the stoma.

- Keep in mind that the wear time of your pouch might decrease from 4-5 days to about 2 days due to the water exposure, so it's wise to bring extra supplies.

- Before you dive, open the drain tap on your urostomy pouch. This allows urine to flush out during the dive and helps prevent over-filling or leaks once you're back on the surface. Remember to close it after the dive.

- Using waterproof tape around the barrier doesn't seem to make much of a difference, so it might not be necessary.

- Always ensure that your diving practice is confirmed safe by both your own physician and doctors associated with diving organizations like PADI.