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Swimming with a high stoma, how do you hide the lump?

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Posted 12/26/2011 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there, I just had a question for those amongst us that go swimming.

I am particularly after men who have a high stoma. But would love to hear everyone else's views on the topic.

Basically, I have only swam ONCE since my surgery (thats nearly two years). I guess thats a bit nuts considering I live next to the beach... My problem isn't that I am worried about my bag leaking or anything, I'm totally confident in that department. My concerns are people noticing the bag.

My stoma is just under my belly button and therefore too high to cover with my board shorts. The only other alternative I can think of is wearing a rashie (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rash_guard or here: http://www.stingray.com.au/product_images/n/988/ST216S_M__43618_zoom.jpg ). I never used to wear a rashie, and at our beaches the only guys that ever wear them are surfers and anyone else that wear them are occasionally looked at as being out of fashion (most guys just go with no shirts). So my question is, is there an alternative? If there isn't I think I can handle the rashie, my problem would be the fact that when you get it wet it really sticks to your body so you can notice a lump where the stoma is (even thought I am also wearing an Omnigon support belt under my shirt which visually hides the bag and makes it stick to your body as opposed to being able to see the outline of the bag).


So how do other guys swim?

Thanks in advance!! :)
Posted 12/26/2011 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
Not a guy, but first I would not worry so much about what people think. I have learned the hard way that most people's minds are only really on themselves. Why not just get a long shirt and maybe swim with that on along with your shorts. Wear the Hy Tape swim tape or other swim tape to frame the flange and have a good swim or get one of these rashie things. Not familiar with that. Have fun. Life can be short. I know, easier said than done, but......

Good luck. YOu are lucky to live so close to a beach :-) Sincerely, Rosemary
Posted 12/26/2011 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
You might want to check out something called a stealth belt, which was made by a guy with similar concerns http://www.stealthbelt.com/
Posted 12/26/2011 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
Ostomy secrets has a swim belt coverup for men that's cheaper than the stealth belt
Posted 12/26/2011 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
There's also using a woman's tube top, which is even cheaper than the Ostomy secrets wrap. I don't know if it would stay up w/swimming, but it might (I got some of these.... have not been able to swim yet, though -- hope you can go enjoy!)

http://www.amazon.com/Seamless-Bandeau-Strapless-Tube-Black/dp/B0035QLRKS/ref=pd_sbs_a_1
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