Can you swim with a stoma? | by Summer
Swimming with a stoma for the first time after surgery can be daunting, I get it, I have been there. I remember the first time I went swimming, I was wrecked with nerves and spent more time with my hand over my stomach than actually doing much swimming. But that was 5 years ago now and to say I have come a long way since then is probably an understatement. So let me walk you through some common misconceptions, how to prepare and some top tips to get you back swimming!
What to wear
When I go swimming I almost always opt for a swimsuit. Now this is not because I am trying to hide my stoma away, I just find it more secure. I spend less time worrying about my stoma bag flapping around as it floats up in the water and more time focused on swimming itself. If wearing a swimsuit or high-waisted bottoms isn’t an option for you, you could try using a waterproof stoma support band.
Are there any other products to help you feel more secure?
The answer is yes. Have a look at getting some flange extenders, I use flange extenders in size small. These are really great for securing your bag in place and ensuring it won’t budge. And if you’re after some tried and tested product assurance, I used them when I was scuba diving down to 20 meters and my bag stayed put. Those flange extenders are made out of sturdy stuff!
Top tips for swimming for the first time after stoma surgery
The thought of going swimming in a public pool for the first time after surgery worrying about your bag leaking is enough to put you off for life! So as a keen swimmer, let me share some of my top tips from ostomate to ostomate:
- Bring spare supplies with you. Depending on where you are you may want to freshen up after your swim and put a clean & dry bag on.
- Consider taking a Loperamide before. If you are worried about active output, 30 mins before you go take a Loperamide to slow things down while you are in the water.
- Put on a fresh bag before you go & consider adding flange extenders to your routine.
- Empty your bag before you get in the water, while this might feel like a really obvious one, it’s also really important.
I promise the thought is much worse than the reality and when you’ve done it once you’ll be thinking, why was I even worried in the first place!
Common misconceptions
“My bag will leak on the plane“
Let’s debunk some myths because there are a lot of common misconceptions around swimming with a stoma:
“Your bag will come off or leak”
Stoma bags are designed with life in mind and are created to be water resistant and airtight. So the bag won’t come off or let any water in.
“Everyone will notice my bag”
Everyone is going to be so focused on their own swimming they won’t take any notice of you, let alone your bag. If this is something you are worried about then maybe opt for a swimsuit over a bikini!
“Swimming with a stoma is embarrassing”
Confidence comes after the first time you swim with a stoma and you realise that you built it up in your head when in reality it was fine. Doing something for the first time is always hard but that just means next time will be easier!
“You can’t swim underwater with a stoma”
You can swim underwater in the sea, jump in the pool, snorkel, and even scuba dive with a stoma – trust me, I have done it all!
Final thoughts
Swimming with a stoma can feel like a huge step at first, but it really does get easier once you’ve done it for the first time – I promise! With the right swimwear, some extra preparation and the confidence to try, there really is no reason why your stoma should stop you from getting in the water.
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