Swimming with an ostomy

Swimming is a huge milestone for most ostomates. You need to be in a place where you feel comfortable enough to wear swimwear, and feel confident in your ostomy products that you can go swimming with no leaks. This is not to be underestimated. When you are at that point you should be so, so, proud! There are lots of things you can do to feel more comfortable. Many ostomates online share their experiences and tips for how to manage swimming with a stoma. It is 100% possible to swim regularly with no issues, carry it on, or take it up as a sport, and even compete at a professional level. A stoma should not hold you back!

The use of disabled facilities 

You would most likely need to use disabled facilities if you need to change your stoma bag following a swimming session. This depends on your routine and what is best for you. Not everyone needs to. I do and my kids do, so you can imagine it’s quite the minefield with three people to facilitate this. Anywhere that has a swimming pool should have these. A quick check on the website, or a call can be done for peace of mind. The only issue I have run into is when there is a very small amount of them, and I am having to wait a while with the kids. That’s just something you have to accept may happen. It will be your turn soon enough. Some premises may require you to use a radar key, or a key they hold behind reception to access disabled facilities. Ensure you check this before you go for your swim so you don’t get caught out. 

Will your bag come away in the water?

Your ostomy bag should not come off in the pool. If you have this problem, reach out to your stoma nurse who can advise you. There are products that can support you feeling secure and confident that your bag won’t come away such as flange extenders, but fundamentally your bag should not come away in the water, the same way it shouldn’t when you bath or shower. 

Ostomy supplies

When packing to go, ensure you pack a few stoma bag changes in case things get wet accidentally, or you drop them. It can feel quite overwhelming the first time you come out from swimming and have to change your bag in a different environment than you are used to. Give yourself plenty of time. Ask a loved one to help you if need be.

Swimwear 

Swimwear does not need to be adapted for this, but if it makes you feel more comfortable to have extra room or coverage there are a few options. For women, you can wear maternity styles which allow for more room around the tummy, high waisted two piece swimwear, or there are some independent companies that specialise in swimwear for ostomates which you can find with a quick search online. For men the options are more limited, but a support band or a t-shirt may be an option to explore. They are specialist options to be found online too with another quick search online.

Will people notice my bag?

This is the main worry for most ostomates when they think about swimming for the first time following surgery, if you choose to have your bag covered up when in the pool. Ultimately, people could be looking, yes, but if they do you won’t be the only person they look at, and you should not feel embarrassed for it. Everyone has something whether it is visible or not, and a stoma bag may happen to be yours. In the pool people should be concentrating on what they are doing and having their own fun, and shouldn’t be concerned about what everyone else is doing or what they look like.

I have experienced some looks before with my laparotomy scar visible and my stoma bag, where I chose to smile back and carry on with my day. You can choose to let it bother you, or you can choose to accept that people may look. It doesn’t mean they are thinking negatively. Switch your thinking and focus on the alternatives. They may be due surgery themselves, they may have the same, or know someone who does. They may just be curious. Whatever the reason, don’t let it spoil your day. 

Rach x