Swimming in the Ocean with an Ileostomy?

Ok... I'm an ileostomy gal for a year now, lost my husband a couple of months after my surgery. I'm owning it... but I was afraid to go into the ocean. I've only been in my pool once out of fear. Does anyone go in the ocean to swim? I love the waves... PS... I named myself on here Ritz... I love those crackers!

I have been in the ocean many times in Puerto Vallarta. If your bag looks tight on land, it will stay tight in the ocean. I use a life jacket. I do not swim much but love to jump in the waves. I use Brava strips for extra security. I also wear a wrap. Go for it, have fun.

What is a wrap?

Hello Ritz.  As Xnine says - just go for it and enjoy yourself. What's the worst that can happen?  - Rest assured it's unlikely to happen.

Best wishes

Bill

Wrap is a bandeau or tube top. There are other things called wraps but that is what I use. Also a tummy sleeve from maternity shops.

Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Hi Ritz,

Never had any issue with the ocean other than always going to the beach on stupid hot days where I sweat like a pig if I wasn't in the water. I've had more issues with adhesion (or lack thereof) from perspiration than from being in the pool or ocean. I have to say that whenever I hear that expression of Bill's....ie "What's the worst that can happen"....I have to laugh. I have a lot of stories to tell because of not thinking through that saying. But hey......you only live once.....and the stories are funny......later on. Jump in.

Later,

Bob

Hey,

I have a pool in my backyard and get into it almost every day in the summer. I do not have any issues with it. I do use a filter cover to help the filter continue to work. I also cruise and snorkel in the ocean in the Caribbean. I have never had any issues there either. I do not wear anything other than my normal bathing suit. I save one-piece suits for home because they are just too hard to get up and down, especially once they are wet. Wouldn't a zipper be super at an appropriate place to empty your pouch! I wear either a skirt-type bottom or swimming shorts. Both work well. My top is always something with ruffles to hide not only my ostomy but that little fat roll I tend to get! Lol
Dive right in! Everyone is different, so be prepared with extra supplies in case you need them, but I have never needed to use mine and even forget to take them with me sometimes.

Good luck,

Puppyluv

Ritz and tomato soup. Yum

Funny - very funny....na