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Posted 1/2/2013 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
Can we swim at all like swim laps while we are on a temporary stoma? If so, how do we keep hydrated and not have to see the pouch bulge?
Posted 1/2/2013 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
A friend of mine has had her bag for 21 years. She does everything I did before I had my surgery.

She gets bathing suits with ruffles, or a good tankini where the top flairs out and overlaps the bottom some. She said whenever a "cover the bag" kind of swimsuit is in style and in the stores, she buys a couple. She now has more swimsuits than I think I have had in 40 years. :) She did warn me that swimming, ocean or pool, will shorten the lifespan of your bag so if I go on vacation while I still have mine, take extra bags. Where hers usually last a week, in the water and on vacation they last closer to 2 days. (which is also why she taught me the importance of covering my bag when taking a shower with it)

Good Luck. I don't know how old you are or what kind of figure you have but you could always get one of those one pieces with the little skirt. I have friends that have been wearing them since they were in their 30s to cover stretch marks/cellulite on top of the thighs and that last baby bulge that just will not go away even tho the baby is in high school. :) You can find some that have some cute, kind of sexy, top half of the suit.

Jen
Posted 1/2/2013 12:51 PM (GMT 0)
I swim laps 3 times a week. I find the sure seals really helpful -- they hold down the wafer and keep it dry.

I made up a bathing suit from a pair of short women's running shorts with underwear built in and a tankini top. Ruffles and skirts just aren't my thing. It's fine -- can't see the pouch at all, and I don't need a wrap or anything, the shorts lining holds it in well.

Wear time is a little less, but not bad.

How long are you planning to swim where hydration would be a problem? I only go for half an hour or so, and it's not a big deal. I have my regular water bottle with me before and after.

If you are soon after surgery, though, you need to ask your surgeon. I couldn't swim for a long time due to wound healing issues .... even w/the chlorine, there is a lot of bacteria in a pool .... the ocean was fine, but not so fine as it was winter and too cold....
Posted 1/3/2013 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Aloha Penny471,
I take a shower every night without protection for my Hollister 2 piece. Getting 7 to 10 days between wafer changes. Have not tried swimming yet, next on the list.
Joe
Posted 1/3/2013 7:05 PM (GMT 0)

I use Sure Seals all the time and always get a week before changing. I swim all I want and even use the Hot tub for limited amounts of time.
Dave

(look here)

 http://www.bestbuyostomy.com/search?searchwords=sure+seals&searchsmall_357424411=Search

Posted 1/7/2013 10:49 AM (GMT 0)
Swimming is absolutely fine, even spa pools...you'll probably need to change the appliance sooner. I wear regular togs and you can't tell I have one
Posted 1/7/2013 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't found that a swimming pool or hot tub, even when I stay in a really long time have any effect on my wear time. But salt water seems to lessen it.
Posted 1/11/2013 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, everyone, for your comments :) I just had some Convatec sample pouches (made especially for bathing and swimming) sent to my home. They don't seem to have an outlet so I guess you just have to get out of the bath or pool as soon as you see it filling up. It's beige in color so you can't really tell from the outside and it's so compact. Scared to try it but am glad to know there are pouches made for people who want to swim and bathe.
Posted 1/11/2013 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
Penny, just to let you know, I don't use any special pouch at all. Just the regular coloplast 1 piece, with the sure seal on it. They are all made so that you can swim and bathe w/them.... some people like to wear really tiny pouches closed ended pouches for that purpose, but with an ileo, that means you might have to change a lot if you're at a pool or beach all day (people w/colostomies don't have as much output and might find those small bags more convenient).
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