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!
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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!!