Swimming with a colostomy

joemetz said:

swim with colostomy
I have done it a hand full of times since getting my "pouch" in December.
I haven't gone into any hot tub yet, as i have a bad skin rash from Erbitux.
but, as for swimming... if she "trusts" her "pouch/bag" then she'll know if she can go into the water.

i have purchased some water proof tape from the pharmacy that i go to.
it is a pinkesh color and i add the waterproof tape over the edges of the colostomy bag.
I also wear a "sun shirt" whenver i swim.

If someone is on any chemo, most likely they shouldn't be getting any sun or sun burns.
the chemo pulls the UV protection from your skin, as I've been told the skin grows fast and chemo likes to attach all fast growing cells.

so, if the uv shirt is somewhat tight and i buy them with long sleeves... then it holds the bag into place. Likewise, i've wore ski vest while canoeing or while on jet ski and there are any problems.

and, for the last thing... if the bag falls off while swimming in a lake or ocean or pond... who cares!!!!

but if she's going in a pool it is obviously more critical.
so, plan ahead and i would definately where a sun/swim shirt over my swim suite.
it's 'added protection' should something go wrong.

If she showers or bathes with the bag on, she'll know what level of water she can be in.
I use a hair dryer to dry my bag after shower or swimming and it works pretty well.
low heat, longer to dry works best. Take your time when using a dryer. No need to dry it real fast.

so, i this has helped.

my best

joe

Lovekitties said:

Hi Judy
Swimming is ok with the 'bag'. Using in a water proof tape to picture frame the flange offers more protection.

Here is a list of tips I found on the net:

8 Tips On How to Wear A Colostomy Bag To Swim

1.To make the colostomy bag a bit more discreet, it's better to fit the bag horizontally. Placing the colostomy bag vertically may make the bag 'hang' if there is a substantial amount of faeces expelled into it. When placed horizontally, the swimsuits spandex will help add extra hold to the colostomy bag.

2.Male colostomy patients that intend to swim can wear the more fitted swimming trunks underneath the boxer type swim trunks. The snug fitting trunks will hold the waterproof colostomy bag firmly in place, making it discreet.

3.Lady swimmers with ostomies look great in swimsuits with the skirted bottoms. They are great vintage inspired pieces just as the swimwear with ruches.

4.Swimwear with heavy patterning or detailing is always good to conceal an ostomy bag.

5.Swimming suits with a panel detail across the abdomen offers additional support to a stoma bag.

6.Tying a sarong while walking on the beach or pier is a chic way of concealing a colostomy bag.

7.Women can swim in pretty boxer type swim shorts, with a separate top. Wearing swimming bottoms made of lycra material under the shorts will hold the stoma bag firmly in position.

8.After swimming, its good to replace the colostomy pouch with the spare supply, which must be on hand at all times.

Hope she gets to visit and go for that swim!

Hugs,

Marie who loves kitties

pete43lost_at_sea said:

just don't dive
i did lots of laps when i had ileostomy bag.
had lots of accidents, at night, in the day. often i would just be finishing off the swim and the bag was just hanging on their.

so be prepared for a bag change after the swim.

having a rash shirt will keep any little leak concealed, a dark coloured rashy is best.

now i just realised how embarrased i was back then with it, now days i would not hide it at all.

some kid, or dad could ask me about my front **** and i would tell the 30 second be healthy, eat well, sleep well, exercise and be well. and also to get checked. i still do this but
the bag is a symbol of what colorectal is all about.

now i wish i did not through away all those unused bags, they would be great props for any public speaking situations.

hugs,
pete

dmj101 said:

ostosecrets
checj out osto secrets they make a product that you were under your bathing suit to hold the bag and i believe it is waterproof.