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Ileostomy and swimming

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Posted 4/3/2015 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi I am a 22 year old female and have a temporary ileostomy from surgery to untwist my bowel.

I am hoping to go swimming and to the gym tomorrow for the first time (my surgery was 6 months ago)

Does anyone have any tips or advice? Especially about swimming...I am worried that my bag will come off or leak?!

Thanks in advance
Posted 4/3/2015 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
It really should not give you a problem. I am supposing you know there are ostomy belts that help to keep things secure, and I always wear one. Your bathing suit will also keep the pouch from moving around too much. Suggest you eat light before going and of course empty the pouch at the last minute before going . Good Luck.
Posted 4/3/2015 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you. Yes I have heard about the belts. I have spoken to Stoma nurse regarding ordering one. Thanks again BW
Posted 4/4/2015 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
If it's something you plan on doing regularly, look for Sure Seals. They help keep your wafer dry.
Posted 4/6/2015 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
Second on the sure seals. I swim almost every weekday and they are insurance. I also never change my bag/wafer right before swimming always after so if I made any mistake won't discover it In the pool.

Go slow at first. I found I got nauseous later in the day the first few days --- ab muscles spasming and tugging on the stoma. Got better.
Posted 4/9/2015 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
Another vote for Sure Seals. They are great. I just went in the swimming pool for the first time since surgery. I was terrified but all was well. The Sure Seal kept the water out of everything, and kept the wafer secure.
Posted 4/9/2015 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
I too, give Sure Seals a big thumbs up! But I do have a question- do you guys take the seal off after you swim? Or leave it on for xxx amount of days? Say I swim 3-4 days a week- use 1 Sure Seal for as long as it holds up, or ??? I've only actually used them once, at a water park- we were there for 3 days, & I put one on & kept it on, for the most part. I think I peeled it off around Day 2.... I'm not sure the best way to use them, are they single use or multiple days? I did find it a bit tricky to get on- most of the wafer, right around the plastic-y part, was exposed. I think if you cut them in half, & wrap it around, it may be easier to cover the whole wafer. Although does anyone swim regularly with nothing, no extra seal?
Posted 4/9/2015 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
I put the sure seal on when I change my pouch and leave it 5 or 6 days (with my old stoma, just got a new one so will see). When all goes well I swim every weekday so keep the sure seal for several swims.

To put it on I first cut the center to make it bigger then cut in half (perpendicular to the cut in the backing so it's easier to get the backing off). I fold to cut off some little pieces in bad places then apply -- take the backing off, stick, then carefully peel off the front.

It did take me a few times to get the hang of it. If you are cutting off a bit maybe try applying to your leg or something just to practice. An ostomy nurse can also show you.

Good luck
Posted 4/18/2015 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
I was nervous the first time I went swimming, too, and thought for sure that the wafer was going to fall off. The product I use - Coloplast Assura Extended Wear - is amazing and has never fallen off after swimming, showering, or exercising. I say, go for it, and let us know how it goes! :)
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