Can I Go Swimming With A Colostomy Bag？
Table of Contents
Many stoma patients have such A question: “Can I Go Swimming With A Colostomy Bag?” . The answer is affirmative. The Colostomy bag is not a restraint of life, but another kind of rebirth. As long as one masters scientific ostomy care and methods and makes adequate and reasonable preparations of ostomy products. All stoma patients can enjoy go swimming with a colostomy bag to their heart’s content.
Zodelo is well aware that go swimming with a colostomy bag is an important life activity for stoma patients. We are always committed to providing all users with the highest quality and most comfortable full range of waterproof colostomy bags. At the same time, we also provide the latest knowledge and popular science about ostomy care. This article will give you A detailed explanation of “Can I Go Swimming With A Colostomy Bag?” .
What Is an Colostomy?
Colostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating a stoma on the patient’s abdominal wall. When some patients are unable to excrete due to inflammation, cancer or external injury in the intestinal or anal area, doctors will remove a part of the patient’s own colon from the surface of the abdominal wall to form an opening, which is called a stoma. Feces will bypass the lesion area and be discharged from the body through the stoma and enter the colostomy bag. This can allow the damaged intestines to have sufficient rest and healing, while avoiding contamination by excrement. Colostomy can help replace the original excretory function and assist patients in maintaining normal body metabolism.
1. When Do You Need a Colostomy?
When you have the following diseases, you need to undergo colostomy surgery.
- Colorectal cancer:Colorectal cancer can cause intestinal stenosis or even complete obstruction, requiring the removal of the rectal lesion to establish a permanent stoma.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) :such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc., these diseases can cause repeated inflammation, ulcers and even gastrointestinal perforation.
- Intestinal obstruction: If acute intestinal obstruction caused by inflammation or tumor temporarily makes the patient’s intestine unusable, a temporary colostomy is required, and a temporary colostomy bag should be used to prevent intestinal perforation.
- Intestinal damage caused by trauma: such as car accidents, knife wounds, gunshot wounds, etc., prevent the injured area from being further contaminated and deteriorated. Colostomy is needed to bypass the damaged area to allow it to rest and heal.
- Congenital malformations:such as congenital megacolon, congenital anal atresia, and the inability of newborns to excrete feces normally. colostomy surgery intervention is needed to help restore excretory function.
2. What Is a Colostomy Bag?
Many people will question can i go swimming with a colostomy bag. First of all, you need to understand what is a colostomy bag.
Colostomy bag is a medical collection bag specifically designed for collecting feces discharged from the stoma. The Colostomy bag is adhered and fixed to the patient’s abdomen through the skin barrier and fully adheres to the skin around the stoma to form a seal. It can not only prevent excrement from contaminating and irritating the skin, but also protect the skin, preventing leakage and odor. Help patients live confidently and comfortably and return to a normal life.
- One piece colostomy bag: The skin barrier and the bag body cannot be separated. When replacing, replace the entire unit. One piece colostomy bag is more thinner, lighter and more comfortable. The operation is simple and fast, suitable for beginners or those who pursue simple operation.
- Two piece colostomy bag: The wafer and the colostomy bag body are separated. The wafer can be adhered to the skin for multiple uses, and only the colostomy bag body needs to be replaced. There is no need to frequently change the wafer, which may irritate the skin. It is suitable for patients with frequent excretion or sensitive skin.
- Drainable colostomy bag: The bottom of the colostomy bag has an open excretion port for discharging the excrement inside the colostomy bag. It can be emptied and reused multiple times, which is more economical and practical. It is suitable for patients with loose stools or frequent or large bowel movements, such as those with ileostomy
- Closed-end colostomy bag: No discharge opening, for single use only, and discarded as a whole after use. It is more hygienic, easier to replace, and suitable for people with solid feces or regular excretion patterns, such as patients with ileostomy.
Can You Swim After A Colostomy Surgery?
Many people will wonder, can i go swimming with a colostomy bag? The answer is yes. Most colostomy patients after a complete recovery and professional guidance after the operation, the patient can fully engage in water sports such as swimming. However, it is necessary to use the appropriate waterproof colostomy bag, stoma swimsuit and stoma accessories. When the stoma has fully recovered and all stoma supplies are ready, you can enjoy water sports to your heart’s content.
- Recovery time after Colostomy surgery:
- Within 1month after the operation: The stoma is in a fragile and sensitive state and should be rested in bed.
- 1-2months after the operation: Only do light walking or stretching as permitted by the doctor, and avoid going into the water.
- 3months after the operation: When the stoma has fully recovered and all stoma supplies are ready, moderate water exercises can be carried out. However, surfing and impacts on the stoma should be avoided to prevent damage to the stoma.
- Assessment based on physical condition:
- Complete healing of the stoma: The stoma has recovered well and is normally in a bright red and moist state. There should be no exudate, redness, swelling, itching or any unpleasant odor at the wound site.
- Good skin around the stoma:The skin around the stoma should be dry, intact and free of ulceration. If symptoms such as dermatitis, exudation or irritation occur, swimming should be postponed.
- Regular and stable bowel movements:Avoid eating gas-producing or irritating foods such as beans several hours before swimming. Or drink carbonated beverages, alcohol, coffee and other drinks. Before entering the swimming pool, it is necessary to empty the colostomy bag.
Can I Go Swimming With A Colostomy Bag?
The answer is definitely yes. The vast majority of patients with colostomy or ileostomy can swim safely and freely after full recovery after the operation. Stoma will not restrict your activities and travel. As long as the appropriate waterproof colostomy bag, stoma swimsuit and stoma accessories are used, and the stoma is properly cared for before and after swimming. Swimming is not only safe and free, but also brings dual benefits of physical health and mental relaxation.
1.What Should You Do Before Swimming With an Colostomy Bag?
a. Physical examination and assessment
- Make sure the stoma is completely healed and in a normal state of bright red and moist.
- Make sure there is no skin damage, allergy, redness, swelling or itching around the stoma.
- Ensure good health and regular bowel movements.
b. Use waterproof Colostomy bags and stoma accessories
With the right waterproof Colostomy bag, you can choose the style and color that suit you.
c. Choose a suitable ostomy swimsuit
Stoma patients need to prepare the most suitable professional stoma swimsuits for themselves in advance before swimming, such as high-waisted flat-angle swimming trunks, one-piece, Swimsuit with Panel, Stoma Swimwear, sports quick-drying swimsuits, etc. While maintaining a good appearance, it also ensures the safety of one’s own health.
d. Control your diet
- Avoid eating gas-producing foods and beverages such as beans, cabbage and carbonated drinks before swimming. Avoid problems such as bag swelling and leakage.
- Before swimming, avoid eating foods with strong odors, such as garlic, Onions, fermented foods, durian, etc., to prevent the embarrassing problem of odors.
e. Empty and check the colostomy bag
- Before swimming, it is necessary to empty and replace the colostomy bag in time.
- It is necessary to check the skin fit and sealing performance of the colostomy bag to prevent leakage.
- Check whether the opening at the bottom of the colostomy bag is firmly closed.
- Check whether the secure lock of the two-piece colostomy bag is securely fastened to ensure a complete seal.
2. Which colostomy bag is suitable for swimming?
Go swimming with a colostomy bag needs to choose a colostomy bag that suits you best and is waterproof and leak-proof. Only in this way can the safety of swimming be ensured and one’s own health not be affected. You can choose the professional swimming colostomy bag:
- Waterproof one piece colostomy bag:The skin barrier is integrated with the colostomy bag body. It has strong overall sealing performance, a better fit to the body, and is light, thin and concealed. Suitable for swimming, fitness or those with a high level of physical activity.
- Two-piece colostomy bag with Secure Lock:The wafer and the colostomy bag body are separated. The wafer can be adhered to the skin for multiple uses, and only the colostomy bag body needs to be replaced. Secure Lock ensures the sealing of the entire colostomy bag and prevents leakage. It is suitable for patients with frequent excretion or sensitive skin.
- Colostomy bag with gas filter activated carbon system:The gas filter activated carbon can effectively adsorb gas, preventing odor and bag swelling problems. Suitable for users who are sensitive to odors or in public places.
- Transparent or matte colored colostomy bag:More invisible, closer to skin tone, and less noticeable. Suitable for users who pursue an aesthetically pleasing exterior.
3. What Type of Swimsuit Should You Wear With an Ostomy?
Go swimming with a colostomy bag also needs to choose a professional ostomy swimsuit. This is not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for the fixation of the colostomy bag body and its safety during swimming. Stoma swimsuits are mainly divided into the following four styles:
- High-waisted flat-angle swimming trunks:They cover more of the stoma area skin and provide better protection for the skin around the stoma and the colostomy bag. At the same time, prevent the bag body from being exposed.
- One-piece Swimsuit with Panel:Women can choose the style with abdominal support fabric layer to stabilize the position of the bag body.
- Stoma Swimwear:You can choose Stoma Swimwear from professional international brands, which features built-in hidden pockets and support structures. It makes you more comfortable and safe when swimming.
- Sporty quick-drying swimsuits:Excellent elasticity and high fit, effectively preventing the stoma from being squeezed against the colostomy bag and avoiding the bag body from rubbing against the skin. It dries quickly at the same time, preventing the skin from remaining damp for a long time.
4. How do you wear a swimsuit with a colostomy bag?
- After changing or emptying the colostomy bag, put on the stoma swimsuit.
- You can choose to use an Ostomy Belt or a Waist Wrap to help fix the colostomy bag and prevent leakage or displacement.
- Choose a professional colostomy swimsuit to completely wrap the colostomy bag. Make sure the colostomy bag fits well, without folding or excessive squeezing.
5. Enjoy go swimmining with a colostomy bag
Go swimming with a colostomy bag is not very restrictive or dangerous. Under proper care and professional operation, it has many positive effects on stoma patients. Patients should be encouraged to engage in swimming after the operation.
- Promoting physical recovery: The buoyancy of water can reduce the burden on the body, and the pressure of water combined with physical movement can improve blood circulation.
- Boosting confidence:Water sports such as swimming can bring the joy of exercise
- Enhancing muscle strength: Gentle exercise helps restore abdominal muscle tension after surgery.
- Overcome physical anxiety: embrace the joy of life again.
- Relieve stress and anxiety: Moderate exercise significantly reduces anxiety and loneliness.
What Should You Do After Go Swimming With a Colostomy Bag?
- Rinse the skin with clean water: After going swimming with a colostomy bag, the stoma area needs to be washed immediately with clean water. Avoid the residual chlorine or sea salt in the swimming pool from irritating and harming the skin and stoma. At the same time, it is necessary to avoid consuming bath and cleaning products containing alcohol or fragrance to prevent skin irritation.
- Dry the skin around the stoma:Gently pat the skin around the stoma dry with a soft wet wipe to keep it dry and prevent leakage and skin allergy. It can be used in combination with stoma powder to keep the skin comfortable and dry.
- Check the condition of the colostomy bag:After swimming, it is necessary to check whether there is any leakage or water ingress in the colostomy bag to prevent the stoma from being contaminated and thus getting infected.
- Replace colostomy bag in time: After go Swimming With a colostomy bag, a new colostomy bag needs to be replaced in time. Sealing rings or leak-proof ointment can be used in combination to enhance the adhesion and sealing performance of the skin barrier to the skin and prevent leakage.
- Observe the stoma and defecation conditions: After go swimming with a colostomy bag, it is necessary to check whether the stoma condition is normal and whether the defecation condition is normal. If there is excessive stoma secretion or bleeding, intestinal distension or other conditions, one should go to the hospital in time for medical treatment.
What Can You Not Do When Go Swimming With A Colostomy Bag?
- Do not enter the water before the stoma has healed:Before the stoma has fully recovered, it is sensitive and fragile, prone to bacterial infection, and may cause stoma pain, bleeding or bloating.
- Do not use professional colostomy swimsuits:Colostomy bags are prone to leakage or detachment and displacement during exercise.
- Neglecting skin barrier inspection: If the sealing property between the skin barrier and the skin is not checked in time, leakage or water ingress problems may occur.
- Prolonged immersion in water: If swimming for too long, the skin barrier may leak or enter due to sweating or weakened adhesion of the pool water.
- Reuse damp colostomy bags:The adhesion of damp colostomy bags will decrease, which can easily lead to leakage or water ingress.
Can You Go Into Hot Tubs With A Colostomy Bag?
Sure. However, attention should be paid to the influence of temperature, time, chemical substances and water flow pressure on the colostomy bag.
- Control water temperature:Try to avoid exceeding 40℃. Excessively high water temperature can soften the skin barrier colloid, resulting in leakage or water ingress.
- Control the duration:Prolonged soaking can also cause leakage or water ingress in the bag body.
- Avoid using chemical products:such as bath and cleaning products containing fragrances and alcohol, which may irritate the skin around the stoma.
- Water flow impact:Avoid high water flow impact on the stoma to prevent damage to it.
- Use stoma accessories:Sealing rings or sealing paste can be used to enhance the sealing performance of the colostomy bag body.
Can You Go Scuba Diving With A Colostomy Bag?
Yes, shallow recreational diving is available. However, professional assessment and guidance are required.
- Diving should be carried out only after being evaluated and confirmed by both the stoma doctor and the diving instructor.
- Stay within a shallow diving area of 10 meters. When it exceeds 10 meters, the external water pressure may squeeze the stoma and colostomy bag.
- Make sure the colostomy bag is completely sealed before diving.
- Make sure that the stoma is not overly compressed when wearing the diving suit.
Talk to Your Doctor if You Have Questions or Concerns
When the following phenomena occur during or after go swimming with a colostomy bag, it is necessary to seek medical treatment at the hospital in time.
Symptoms or conditions | Possible reasons | Suggested measures |
The skin around the stoma remains persistently red, itchy or oozing | Skin allergy or infection | Stop swimming and seek medical attention |
The bag body frequently falls off after swimming | The colloid is damaged or the model is inappropriate | Change the chassis model or brand |
Bleeding or pain from the stoma | Friction or external force can damage the stoma | Seek medical attention immediately |
Changes in the shape or protrusion of the stoma | Abdominal wall hernia or tissue changes | Conduct an imaging or physical examination assessment |
There is too much gas in the bag or it is swollen | Dietary or system sealing issues | Adjust your diet and check your exhaust system |
Conclusion - Can I Go Swimming With A Colostomy Bag
Go swimming with a colostomy bag is not only a love for life, but also an affirmation and confidence of oneself. So when faced with the question: Can I go swimming with a colostomy bag? All stoma patients should bravely answer “Yes” and actively exercise to relive the beauty of life. The Colostomy bag is not a limitation of life, but an important tool to help stoma patients start a good life again.
Zodelo is well aware of the significance of Go swimming with a colostomy bag to patients. Therefore, Zodelo has always been by the side of every user, constantly researching and innovating, all for the purpose of bringing the most comfortable and ultimate experience to all users. Zodelo offers a full range of high-quality colostomy bag products: Airlora Series, Calmlora Series, Mellora Series, Joylora Series. At the same time, we also offer the most considerate stoma care and companionship. If you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact us at any time or get our product catalogue.
More Resources:
- Colostomy: Surgery, Bags and Stoma Care– mayoclinic
- Adjusting to Life With an Ostomy Bag: What To Expect– clevelandclinic
- Swimming With An Ostomy– uoaa
- Caring for Your Wet Colostomy– mskcc
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