So on Tuesday I decided to take the boys to our local waterpark. I have been swimming both in a pool and in the sea and have been in a hot tub since having my stoma surgery eight years ago, so have my routine nailed now – but I know some people really worry about it so I thought I’d share some of my tips with you hoping it will help you feel a little more confident!
1 – What To Wear
When I go swimming with the boys I tend to wear a full swimsuit anyway, as I’m jumping around the pool after the two of them and don’t want anything falling out!
One of my favourite swimsuits is actually one I picked up in Primark a few years ago. It has the tummy control panel and I feel this gives a nice level of support to my stomach and bag – size up if it feels too restrictive so you aren’t uncomfortable. I also have a couple of high-waisted bikinis which I use on holiday or in a hot tub. I don’t mind getting my bag out in a ‘normal’ bikini – but that’s purely when I am sunbathing and not in the pool as I prefer the support given by a full suit or high waisted bikini bottoms when swimming. What counts is you are comfortable and you feel good!
2 – Check your local pool
Our local pool has an attached water park which is where I went with the boys. However, they offer a range of sessions including women/men only and quiet time swims. The pool also has a wide range of equipment to help those with different disabilities, including hoists and lifts etc. and I know some pools have dedicated disabled friendly swim sessions.
My local IA (Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association) Support Group have arranged a few swimming events which is a great idea – the pool is privately booked for the group, meaning those who haven’t tried swimming since surgery can feel more confident getting in with a group of others in a similar position – as well as having members who regularly swim, and can help share their knowledge and experience. Check out Notts & Derby IA for more info!
3 – Hydration
Hydration is key when you have an ileostomy and when exercising it is even more important to stay on top of it. I have a fluid replacement sachet daily but will always have an extra one when I have done any form of exercise which includes swimming. I mix it up before I go and have it ready for when I get out the pool and head back to the changing room.
4 – Ostomy Bag Support
I have been in a hot tub and swimming without them before, but especially when going to the pool to swim with the boys, I will use the Brava Elastic Tape baseplate extenders to add some extra support.
I have tried a few different baseplate extenders but always came back tot these ones. You place these around the edge of your base[plate to add some extra security to your bag seal and while I almost never need them, when at the pool with the boys, I like the extra bit of confidence they give me. Always empty your bag before getting in the pool too, so you aren’t trying to navigate a full bag in there.
Order a sample of the Brava Elastic Tape
5 – Changing
I always take my emergency stoma kit with me when out and about, so have it with me when going swimming. However, when I am with the boys especially, I will usually dry off myself and my bag and wait to change it till I get home.
The boys are a bit older now and would happily wait for me, but this was trickier when they were younger and needed my help themselves, especially if I was on my own with them. Allowing the bag to dry off and waiting to change it till you get home is definitely easier when you have little ones with you and is definitely something I’d recommend doing. Always have your spare supplies on hand just in case, but I have never needed them after a swim session so far thank goodness!
I hope these tips are useful and will give you a little more confidence if you haven’t been swimming since your surgery.
Most of all – remember to have fun! Trying something new is always a bit daunting but having an ostoimy does not stop you from swimming or using a hot tub, and actually swimming is a great form of low impact exercise that will help strengthen your muscles, including those in your core. Please share any other tips you have in the comments that might help others, or tell me about your experiences.
Take care and happy swimming,
The Spoonie Mummy 
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