This topic is about a 54-year-old individual with a C7 spinal cord injury who is considering a colostomy due to worsening bowel issues. The person is keen to maintain an active lifestyle, particularly enjoying swimming and using a handcycle, and wants to know if these activities will still be possible after the surgery.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Many people with an ostomy continue to enjoy activities like swimming and hand-cycling. In fact, ostomates often participate in demanding sports, including marathon running and water sports.

2. The main challenges might come from the stoma's location and your body shape rather than the ostomy itself.
- If you have loose or uneven skin on your abdomen, folds, or extra weight around the stoma, it might be tricky to get a good seal with the wafer, especially when sitting upright in a handcycle.
- Poor adhesion can lead to leaks, particularly during swimming or other water activities.

3. It's a good idea to consult with an ostomy nurse before surgery. They can help determine the best stoma location for your body position in a wheelchair and handcycle.

4. If your hand function at the C7 level makes it hard to change or empty the pouch, you might need to plan for some assistance with routine care, like bag changes, emptying, and skin care.

5. Make sure to discuss with your gastroenterologist and colorectal surgeon what specific bowel issue the colostomy will address, whether it will be a permanent solution, and what the day-to-day management will involve.

6. Your mental attitude is crucial. Many wheelchair users with ostomies engage in activities like skydiving and river sports. Often, the limitations are more about mindset than physical ability.