Colostomy and the Sea + 11 Tips for Everyday Life with a Stoma

Life with a stoma is not very different from that of someone without one , but it certainly takes time to adjust and often psychological support from one's environment. In any case, the body needs about 3 months to recover after colostomy, ileostomy, ureterostomy or nephrostomy surgery . During this time, many people suffer from depression and this is where help and psychological support from their loved ones is extremely important.

One of the most important issues that concern those with a colostomy is the sea, the pool, and in general what happens when the bag gets wet .

But as you will discover later, the stoma is the key to continuing your life as before , leaving behind all the problems you had without it. So let's see what everyday life is like after ostomy surgery, how you will comfortably go to the beach and why you don't have to fear anything.

1. Swimming in the sea with a stoma? Of course!

Swimming in the sea and in general, swimming is not just fun, but one of the best ways to stay fit and is truly an activity that you can do for your entire life, even with an ostomy.

Unfortunately for most people with a stoma, the sea can be a huge challenge. The fear of a leak and the possible reaction of others actually prevents a huge number of people from enjoying the sea in the summer and it's a real shame because we live in Greece where we can usually be at a beach in less than an hour.

But it's even more of a shame, because a colostomy can't stop you from going to the beach .

Which ostomy bag is suitable for swimming?

For better or worse, the ostomy bag you use is the one that plays the most important role for a carefree day at the beach .

• In general, one-piece pouches are considered by many to be the most suitable for swimming because they usually have a low profile and are almost unnoticeable under a swimsuit. On the other hand, they can cause skin irritation if you change them a lot during the day.
• Two-piece systems give you the option to insert a smaller pouch or choose a closed pouch (if you normally use open ileostomy pouches).

Ultimately, the choice of bag depends entirely on you , on what suits you and makes you feel comfortable. All of this sounds easy in theory, but at the end of the day , the colostomy bag of the manufacturer you choose should be able to cope with the special conditions of the beach . And this is not a given without a quality colostomy, ileostomy, ureterostomy or nephrostomy bag.

What are the characteristics that the colostomy bag I will take to the beach should have?

The first thing to keep in mind when thinking about swimming with an ostomy is that the bags are designed to be waterproof. But that's just the beginning, as there are many negative scenarios that everyone puts into their minds.

Poor bag quality forces many people to come up with various solutions , the most popular being to stick waterproof adhesive tape to the edges of the base to be sure. Of course, if this helps you overcome your initial anxiety then you can try it , but unfortunately these methods are completely optional and almost always irritate the skin while creating bigger problems than they are intended to solve.

If you think your bag does not have these features, then it's time to try a B Braun colostomy, ileostomy, ureterostomy or nephrostomy bag completely free of charge .

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Some tips that will give you the confidence you may be lacking the first time.

• Don't overdo it from day one. Start simple, just putting your feet in the water while sitting on the beach or at the edge of a pool. Next time, take a short dip and gradually increase the time.
• Do a “dry” dress rehearsal at home. Get used to the image of yourself in a swimsuit and colostomy bag at the beach because you can and, above all, because you deserve it .
• Doctors recommend that in cases of colostomy and ileostomy, you don't eat anything before getting into the water, so that your stomach is empty. But on the other hand, you know your stoma best and when it usually works, so with a little experience you will know exactly what to do.
• Empty your bag (if you can) before entering the water.
• If you are using a filter bag, it is important to cover it with a protective sticker to maintain its performance. These stickers are provided in the bag packaging (certainly with B Braun bags). Don't forget to remove the filter protective sticker after bathing, showering or swimming.

• Don't apply a new base right before swimming. Make sure to wait a few hours before getting in the water to be absolutely sure that the one- or two-piece system has fully adhered to the skin.
• On the contrary, you don't need to change your bag immediately after swimming. Just take a look to make sure everything is okay and if everything is okay, continue sunbathing or dive again.
• Remember to check occasionally if the system starts to loosen. Most of the hundreds of people we supply with ostomy materials each month report that they can stay in the water for hours without any problems . But this is different for everyone and you will have to find out what works best for you.
• When you get out of the water, you can let the bag dry on its own or, if you want, dry it with a towel or even a hair dryer (on low) before getting dressed.

What is the right swimsuit for an ostomy?

The real question is whether you want to hide your stoma. You should never be ashamed of it, but if you are not completely comfortable letting others see your pouch then you have the right to do so.

The choice of swimsuit plays a role mainly in the self-confidence you feel. This does not necessarily mean that you have to buy special colostomy swimsuits. Just check how well the swimsuit hides the pouch. Usually most people prefer a swimsuit that holds the pouch firmly on the body mainly to have more security, that is, the feeling that “everything is and remains in its place”.

Tips for hiding your bag

• Play with the overall look. Your choice may vary depending on the occasion, e.g. pool or beach. You can also layer by wearing tighter clothes under looser ones or wearing support underwear under your swimsuit. Support underwear is a great option to prevent your bag from showing through your wet swimsuit.
• If you prefer a two-piece swimsuit, you can try a high-waisted shorts or swimsuit combined with a bikini. Of course, high-waisted shorts are a great choice for men too.
• Patterned swimsuits hide the outline of the stoma, making it less noticeable. Ruffled swimsuits are also another great option for women.
• Corsets and leggings also help keep the bag firmly attached to your body.
• If you're feeling anxious, try another test at home. Get wet in the shower and then check how you look in front of a mirror.

2. Can I take a bath or shower normally?

As long as your ostomy materials are fully waterproof and truly water resistant you will not have any problems showering or bathing. However, if you enjoy extremely hot water, the high heat may affect the adhesion of the base to the skin.

Of course, don't forget to cover the filter to maintain its effectiveness. On the other hand, if you choose to bathe without the bag, there is a possibility that you will experience uncontrolled fecal leakage.

Finally, it would be a good idea to avoid common shower gels because they leave the skin greasy, making it more difficult for the bag to adhere to the skin, which can cause possible irritation. That's why it's always bettergr/el/product/2523-b-braun-softaskin-1000ml-kremosapouno-gia-sychno-plysimo-euais8hta-cheria"> choose products with neutral pH, without fragrance and dyes.

3. How can I adapt psychologically to the new situation?

I know it all seems overwhelming at first. Having a stoma makes your body look and work differently, and there will be times when it will be hard to cope. You may feel angry about having a stoma, and think that you will never live a “normal” life. Don’t worry, it’s not like that at all.

At first, it's common and completely normal to feel a bit uncomfortable when dealing with your stoma's secretions. Most people aren't used to having such close contact with their bodily functions, so it may take some time to adjust. But it will happen!

Your partner may also feel upset and emotionally charged about all of this happening to you. Sometimes, your partner may be even more troubled than you are, and may also need time to adjust and psychological support. You will get through this together !

So, after you return home, during the first few weeks, it is normal that all you will think about is your stoma and whether it will always be like this. Depending on the reasons that led to your stoma surgery, you may have moody tendencies, or sometimes feel sad for no apparent reason.

At this stage it is important to talk to someone you feel comfortable with to help you cope with the situation. Even if you have not experienced emotional problems in the past, you may have trouble managing your emotions, so don't necessarily try to handle it on your own.

Do not hesitate to call us for any problem you are facing with your stoma .

Traumacare is always by your side, providing advice and all the ostomy materials you will need for a better quality of life.

If you are at the beginning of this journey, everything may seem overwhelming. But I promise you that as time goes by, you will become less aware of your stoma and instead love the possibilities it offers you.

4. Stoma and recovery period

When you return home, you may feel tired for the first time and should rest in the afternoons. Try to avoid staying awake all day, as this can make you tired to the point of not being able to sleep at night.

When you want to start exercising again, it is still advisable to start gently, for example, with a daily walk or gentle swimming . If you are not exercising, but would like to start doing housework again, start with easy tasks and take frequent breaks. Of course, avoid lifting heavy objects, as your abdomen has become more sensitive due to the stoma.

In other words, in a few weeks your body will have fully adapted to the new conditions. All it takes is a little patience.

5. Can I engage in sports activities again?

Exercising and maintaining a healthy and energetic lifestyle is not incompatible with having your stoma, quite the opposite!

The stoma is actually the means to your full recovery and will help you regain your self-confidence .

Swimming, cycling, hiking, skiing and horseback riding are recommended sports. However, avoid sports that stress the abdominal muscles, such as weightlifting, rowing and martial arts, as they can injure your stoma. Of course, you will choose the type of sport that you enjoy, even if it is scuba diving!

Of course, just to be sure, a colostomy belt will be extremely useful for protecting your stoma during sports activities.

6. Why do I still feel right?

The phenomenon of still having sensation in the rectum is similar to the phenomenon experienced by people who have undergone some type of amputation, where they feel the amputated limb as if it were still present.

If you feel your bowel movements the same as before surgery, this is normal. This may continue to happen even for years after surgery.

If your rectum has not been removed, you are likely to experience this sensation or may also experience discharge when you are on the toilet. In fact, several people who have had their rectums removed have reported that the sensation is greatly relieved just by sitting on the toilet seat, as it feels as if they have had a bowel movement.

7. What should I know before taking a trip?

Having a stoma will not prevent you from traveling, but on the contrary, it will help you to do so. It will just require proper preparation for a smooth and problem-free trip.

When you decide to travel for the first time after your surgery, remember to be cautious. Start by going away for a weekend or visiting a familiar place, where you will be able to relax but also feel completely safe.

After all, the main goal of this first trip is to boost your self-confidence! The following simple instructions will help you go on vacation wherever you want without any problems:

• Make sure you have medical insurance that covers pre-existing conditions
• Make sure the toilet facilities in your accommodation are adequate.
• Plan the best time to empty your ostomy bag or change your adhesive pouch.
• If you have a long vacation planned, send your ostomy supplies to your destination in advance or arrange for delivery while you are there.
• Take extra bags that can be emptied in case of diarrhea
• Mini bags are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Most bags also have a mini version that will suit you.
• If you are traveling by plane, separate your ostomy supplies between your carry-on and your suitcase to avoid problems if they get lost. Avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks and continue to drink plenty of water. To prevent gas from forming in your stomach, eat yogurt daily before flying and avoid gas-causing foods.
• If drinking the water of the area you will be visiting is contraindicated, you should avoid salads and ice in drinks.

8. When can I start driving?

You will be fully prepared to get back behind the wheel when you feel comfortable with turbulence or sudden braking, without discomfort from your abdominal muscles or stoma. This can take up to 8 weeks.

For added safety, the first time you drive again, prefer to drive a short distance or ask another experienced driver to come with you in case you encounter a problem.

If you are concerned about this issue, please consult your doctor.

9. Can I wear whatever clothes I want?

Yes! It would be a good idea to discuss your clothing preferences with your doctor before your surgery. If your surgery was an emergency or if the location of your stoma was not determined before surgery, it's not the end of the world, but you may need to make some minor adjustments to the way you dress in the abdominal area.

However, immediately after surgery, you may initially feel more comfortable in loose clothing as your belly will be swollen and you may still feel some pain. This will gradually subside over the first few months, but after that you will then be able to start wearing the type of clothing you want as the ostomy bag will be completely covered by your clothes.

You may also feel a little embarrassed about the pouch the first few times you go out, but don't worry because it's completely normal! Over time and as you get back to your usual lifestyle, this feeling will disappear. Again, wearing an ostomy belt will make you feel more secure.

So, although there are special colostomy clothes, you don't have to say goodbye to tight clothes if that's your style, except for a short while. At the same time, although there are also colostomy underwear and swimwear, you don't necessarily need them.

Don't forget that there is always the ideal mini ostomy bag for you that will allow you to wear whatever you want without showing anything .

10. I have been invited to a dinner, meeting, party. What should I do?

The quality of the ostomy bags should be such that nothing is visible and there are no odors and risks of leaks . The bags close securely, sealing everything inside. To feel more comfortable, however, it is best to avoid foods that cause gas and always carry extra materials with you, such as a bag, cleaning wipes, and a garbage bag.

Especially if you are using the enema method, you can use an ostomy plug.

11. When can I return to work?

There is no reason why your stoma should prevent you from working unless your doctor has specifically advised you to do so. Before returning to work, think about the practicalities.

For example, think about how you will change or empty your bag in the restrooms at the workplace. The time and equipment you will need and of course if there is a particular restroom that would be better to use (such as one that might be larger or have a hanger on the door or a shelf, a window or simply one that is used less).

If your commute is long, check to see if there are toilets available that you can use to empty your bag if necessary. This way you won't have any unpleasant surprises or worries and therefore won't be stressed.

Also, consider whether you want to talk about your stoma with your colleagues and to whom, as no one other than your employer needs to know if you don't want to tell them. The decision is entirely yours.

If you are concerned about your performance, talk to your employer about whether you can return to work part-time. Start by working only in the mornings or only in the afternoons, or only on certain days of the week. Talk to your employer to find out what works best for both of you. However, most people are able to return to work fully within 3 months, depending on their ostomy surgery and occupation .

In any case, of course, talk to your doctor and make sure that your work duties are compatible with your stoma (if physical effort is required, if the workplace is special, etc.).

12. Should I adjust my medication?

Generally, coated tablets or capsules may be discarded whole into the bag. In most cases, this means that you have not taken the medicine.

If you notice this, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. There may be other medications you can use to make sure they work for you. Liquid or gel medications tend to be absorbed more quickly and may be better for you .