Swimming with an Ileostomy on a Cruise - Tips?

I am going on my first Caribbean cruise and I would love to be able to swim with my friends. However, I am worried about my Hollister flange getting wet. Any suggestions on keeping it dry? I did read about Hypafix tape but am not sure if that would work. Do I just tape the flange...?

Add tape or flange extenders and enjoy. It’s ok if your stuff gets wet. 

If it's tight on land, it should be good in the water.

Go and enjoy your cruise. Don't overthink it. Remember to stay hydrated 🍷

I swim and I wear a wrap but that's all I need to keep it secure. Enjoy your time with friends and try not to worry about it.

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Oh no... you can't go swimming! If your barrier leaks, you'll fill up with water through your stoma and sink to the bottom! It's a terrible way to go!

Ok... just kidding. As stated, you can use extenders if you're concerned about the edges of your barrier lifting, or you can use any waterproof medical grade tape. Unless you plan on spending hours on end in the water, you won't have any problems.

Have fun!

;O)

Hah - can't tell you how many times I've said that about my stoma... "It is a terrible way to go"!!! jb

Just go for it. My ileostomy never stopped me from going swimming.

I just went this Saturday to a clothing optional swim.

Nothing on but my bag, very liberating.

Most ostomates get their appliances wet every day when they shower or bathe, so getting it wet is not an issue.  I swim regularly and then go into the steam room, where it's hot and humid as well as wet, then back into the pool for another while, before a final steam.  I've never had a problem, and I've never done anything special, ie, extenders, etc.  If it makes you feel more secure, as others have said, use the extenders.  Go and enjoy yourself!

Terry

Thank you 😊 

Thank you 😊 

Thank you

Thank you 😁

Thank you 😁

I have swum with an ileostomy. Tape the flange with a certain water repellent or paper

tape. Use a hair dryer on cool or warm on the ostomy.

You are set to go and enjoy!

Guess what? The pouch is waterproof on the inside, so it is on the outside too! I use the extenders all around when swimming - and since I don't like the feel of the wet pouch on my skin, I purchased a bathing suit made for us - with a little pocket to hold it away from your skin. Both SIIL and CUI make beautiful bathing suits.

There is a product that you can put over your flange to seal it. I use it for hot springs and hot tubs https://myeverythingstore.ca/products/ostomy-essentials-flange-seal-rings-size-medium-45mm-57mm-70mm?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACIxr0bbJvbpAPwOhMUsJAG1fVx0q&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIluKVvquMiQMVmAutBh2cTRoAEAYYBCABEgJBQfD_BwE&variant=41383173816517

Invented in Canada by an ostomate.

Thank you very much

Thank you 😊 

Thank you!!

I go abroad every year and sit by the pool all day sunbathing, in and out of the pool. I have an ileostomy and have never had any problems at all. So go and enjoy yourself and don't worry, you will be okay.