Ileostomy and swimming

[crohniegr]

Hi Everyone! Nice to meet you all!

My name is Nikos, I come from Greece and 10 days ago I had my loop ileostomy.

Everything was ok with the surgery. I have even started going out, meeting with friends etc., but now what bothers me the most is what happens with swimming.

I can't imagine the rest of the summer to pass without being able to swim in our wonderful beaches, but on the other hand, I don't feel comfortable to show my pouch to everyone. Whether they understand what it is about or not, I just don't feel like it.

In Greece, I cannot find anything related to belts made by waterproof material which I could use. The problem is that by doing a little research on the net I cannot find similar products either on EU websites. The only result of my research are: a) Stealthbelt.com - looks great but apart from the relatively high cost, it says that they need 21 days just to be able to send it, b) awestomy.com - I found a waist wrap, which unfortunately cannot be posted to Greece, and c) ostomysecrets.com - same as (b).

Any ideas from the more expert ones?:sign0085:

 

[TheyCallMeRC]

I remember looking for one when I had mine but the price was too much for just going to have it a year.

I live in US so may not be much help but if I see anything I will shout at ya.

Best of luck

 

[PsychoJane]

You don't have to worry about getting a waterproof protection. The stoma appliance are able to handle hours of water without falling apart if that was one of your concern. It is likely that you will have to change the appliance more often when you swim a lot. For example, if I go to a all-inclusive trip (which means I'll spend 1-2 hours in the water a day min pool or ocean), I'll have to change my appliance at roughly day 5 instead of day 7. I feel safer doing so.

For what it is of not showing the bag, well, I have to apologize for asking but I don't know if I am addressing to a man or a woman here since I can't relate to the name Nikos.
Either way, if you are looking for a wrap type of thing, I often end up finding something that hug my body just like I want in the ladies lingerie section of "superstore". It is suppose to be for tummy tuck but really you take whatever size, it is stretchable and I could imagine it being ok for male or female. They generally come in plain black, white or beige. I guess this could be helping.

In all cases, don't keep yourself from the beaches

 

[crohniegr]

First of all, thank you both for your replies. I will keep on searching and see what I can do. On Monday, I will visit a store which sells stoma care products and I hope that I will find something. Anyways, I will keep you posted and if anyone else has any ideas, I am all ears!

@PsychoJane: Nikos is a male name.

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Hi Nikos! I took my first swim after my ileostomy surgery in Rhodes on my ileostomy's first birthday! I didn't wear my band in the water.. even when I wore a bikini!

But anyway.. this is where I get my bands from and you can wear them in the water if you wish! I'll link you direct to the men's page! http://www.comfizz.com/products/ostomy/level1/mens.html

They are a UK based company but I checked and they do ship worldwide

 

[crohniegr]

Hi Nikos! I took my first swim after my ileostomy surgery in Rhodes on my ileostomy's first birthday! I didn't wear my band in the water.. even when I wore a bikini!

But anyway.. this is where I get my bands from and you can wear them in the water if you wish! I'll link you direct to the men's page.

They are a UK based company but I checked and they do ship worldwide

Thank you so much for the info Misty-Eyed! I 've already ordered one and I 'm waiting for it to arrive.

PS. I don't know if you liked Rhodes, but if you did, there is much more to see and like in the Greek islands.

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Whoopp! Glad I could help!

And yes, I know! I have also been to Symi, Kos and Zakynthos My parents have been to quite a few more! Wish I was there now!

 

[Samboi]

I just wear a singlet to cover it all up and keep it neat and tidy.
I have sat in my spa for hours without any problems at all.

 

[crohniegr]

The wrap I ordered hasn't arrived yet, but I couldn't resist visiting one of the nearest beaches. In the beginning, I was quite worried about what people would think, when seeing my bag, but after taking the first swim, I didn't care about it at all!

It felt great!

 

[crohniegr]

edit: double post