When I was ill, I had no desire to do any kind of vigorous physical activity. After my operation, while I felt better, I was still worried about taking part in any activities, especially athletic ones. I was afraid that my appliance would fall off, that I would strain my abdomen, and that I would feel inhibited from really throwing myself into as port. But, by starting to do various exercises, and by taking a certain number of precautions, I not only have enjoyed vigorous activity, but have also found myselfdoing many sports I had never done even before my illness. This successful activity has in turn increased my courage and made it easier for me to accept my ileostomy. It has certainly brightened my outlook many times over.
Swimming is one of the first sports an ileostomate should try. It is a gentle form of exercise that uses all your muscles and should get your body into good enough shape to start any other sport. I would suggest to ostomates to wear waterproof tape around the appliance. No water will seep under it to loosen the appliance. (I have worn a temporary appliance to the beach and found this perfectly satisfactory.) I also suggest wearing some sort of re-enforcer (a stretch panty, the panty part of pantyhose, or a gentle support belt) under your bathing suit. This will keep your appliance from moving around, loosening or causing discomfort.
(Barbara Hurewitz)
Swimming Undercover
Are you a beach bum afraid to go in the water this summer? No Fear. Here are some ways to cover-up so no one has to know you are wearing a pouch.
First off, select disposable child-size or closed-end mini pouches. This eliminates the bulkiness and line of a clip. A patterned suit hides lines much better than a solid color swimsuit. Swimsuits tend to run small so choose a size 1-2 times bigger than you normally wear. It’s easy for a man to select swim trunks. A women’s suit with more Lycra than nylon will be more slimming and keep a pouch in place.
A two-piece is not out of the question. Women may benefit from a tank style that fits loosely over the abdomen. Make sure the bottom has a high waist. Beware of suits with high cut legs that may not adequately cover a mini pouch. Boy leg short suits may hide more but it takes a slim figure to pull it off. Scars lighten months and years after surgery. It’s up to you how comfortable you feel bearing your abdomen. If a two-piece is not your style, try swimsuits with skirts, or matching shorts. No one said you couldn’t go swimming in shorts! Sarongs are great cover-ups while not in the water. Don’t let a day at the beach or pool pass you by. Swimming is great for toning all muscles of the body.
Tips For Swimming With An Ostomy
Allow considerable time after changing a flange before swimming (overnight is best, but at least several hours). Flanges with waterproof tape built into the flange (flexible ostomy system) work best. If not using a flexible flange, "picture frame" the flange with waterproof tape (that is, put tape around all four sides of the flange, as if you were putting it in a picture frame). Some say the pink tape is most effective. Micropore and similar paper-like tapes can be made more waterproof by covering them with Skin Prep after they are in place. Cloth belts stretch in water, so wear a rubber belt if you wear one at all.
Swimsuits, with "busy" patterns camouflage the pouch; solid colors reveal the pouch. Skirts, bows, sashes, ties, drapes on a swimsuit can camouflage the pouch. Boxerstyle trunks work well for men. A tight garment under your swimsuit can help hold the pouch in place. Try a lightweight two-way stretch panty girdle, the top part of old panty hose, biking shorts, or sew a pocket in the lining of your swimsuit to support the pouch. These are "unisex" ideas! Men can also try a pair of jockey shorts for similar support. Mini, non-drainable pouches may be more comfortable and have a lower profile under swimsuits than your usual pouching system. They may be used over and over if you rinse them out and air dry after every use. Avoid pouches with built-in filters for swimming. Water can get in, and water mixed with stool can soil your clothing.
Plan ahead for swimming. Try to calculate your transit time (how long it takes food to get from mouth to pouch), and eat your meals at a time that will allow you to have the least amount of output when you plan to swim. For most people, the first few hours after getting up in the morning will be the time of least output.
