Returning to swimming post-surgery
Can you swim with a stoma? Absolutely. Your stoma bag is waterproof, and your surgeon will give you the all-clear once your wound has healed.
For the first six weeks after stoma surgery, you'll be advised not to swim. Your body is recovering from major abdominal surgery, and both your incision wound and stoma need to stay dry to heal properly. Your surgeon will tell you when it's safe to return to water.
Once you receive the all-clear, swimming is an excellent form of gentle exercise. You can start slowly and gently build up your stamina. As your wound and stoma heal, there's no reason why you cannot enjoy swimming with a stoma for years to come.
Before you dive in, know the basics
Check your bag for waterproofing
First things first, before you take a dip in the water, make sure that your flange and pouch are fully waterproof. Most modern stoma bags are waterproof, but it never hurts to double-check with your delivery company especially if you're unsure.
Consider a flange extender
For some extra protection during swimming, some ostomates apply flange extenders around the edges of their flange. These help extend wear time in the water and give you some extra security.
Don’t forget the filter cover!
If your bag comes with a filter at the top, you'll need a filter cover before you go swimming. These circular sticker covers come in your box of bags and prevent water from entering the pouch whilst you're in the water.
Give yourself a trial run
Before heading to a public pool, try your colostomy bag (or ileostomy/urostomy pouch) in the bath at home first. This allows you to see how the pouch behaves underwater and confirms it stays secure. It's also a great way to test your chosen swimwear in private.
How to choose the right type of stoma swimwear
Pick what makes you feel good
Finding stoma swimwear that fits well and feels comfortable is possibly the most important part of getting back into the pool. Your choice depends on your stoma position and personal preference. If you feel confident in your swimwear, you'll feel confident getting into the pool!
Patterned and darker fabrics work best
Bright colours and patterned swimwear tend to make people feel more confident as they make any outline of the bag less visible. Likewise, darker fabrics provide better discretion than plain, light-coloured materials. Nobody in the water will notice your bag anyways but picking swimwear that makes you feel good is all that matters.
Consider specialist options
Some companies offer tailor-made stoma swimwear with ruching designed to hide creases where your pouch sits. Men's trunks are often designed with higher waistbands to incorporate stoma pouches securely. There are also swimwear options with internal pockets to hold your pouch in place.
With that being said, a specialist stoma swimwear isn't essential. High street brands work just as well. It's all about finding a style that suits you and your budget. Shop around and try before you buy.
The beach wrap as a quick tip
If you're feeling self-conscious, just throw a beach wrap or sarong around your waist. They're stylish, easy to slip on, and give you some extra reassurance.
What to do before you enter the water with an ostomy bag
Empty your bag
Before entering the pool, always drain your stoma bag completely. This simple step reduces pressure on the flange and minimises any risk of stoma leakage.
Check the water temperature
Cold water can sometimes cause output, so be aware of pool temperature. If it's way too cold, you might want to empty your bag again halfway through your swim if you've been in for a while.
Bring extra stoma supplies
Always carry extra stoma supplies with you when swimming, just in case. You never know when you might need them, and having a backup makes you feel at ease.
In the water: Relax and enjoy
Once you're in the water, there's no reason to worry. Your bag is secure, it's waterproof, and nobody can see it. This is your time to enjoy yourself and feel proud of overcoming this obstacle.
Post-swim: Drying and changing
Use the disabled changing room
After your swim, use the disabled changing room if available. Make sure you have a radar key (your delivery company can give you one), as these rooms are usually less crowded and give you the space and privacy you need.
Dry your bag
Whilst changing, use the hand dryer or hair dryer available in most disabled changing rooms. Drying your bag for a minute or two helps it stay in place if there's no output in it. If the bag feels damp but secure, you can also just leave it on.
Change your bag if needed
If you need to change your ostomy bag after swimming, do so as you would at home. Use the nappy or sanitary bin provided in the changing room to dispose of your used bag.
Carry a spare
Always bring spare supplies when you go swimming, just in case you're somewhere with limited facilities.
Key takeaways on swimming with an ostomy bag
Swimming with a stoma is not only possible, but it’s also a wonderful way to stay active, healthy, and connected to the activities you love. With the right preparation, the right supplies, and the right mindset, you can quickly get back in the water with confidence.
Remember that people need different amounts of time to return to physical a activities, and that's completely normal. Take as much time as you need but always remember that having a stoma should never stop you from doing anything.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ): Swimming with a stoma
Can you go in a swimming pool with a stoma?
Yes, you can absolutely go in a swimming pool with a stoma. Your stoma bag is waterproof and designed to handle water exposure. The key is making sure your flange and pouch are fully waterproof, and that you have a filter cover on if your bag has a filter. Once your stoma has healed (usually around six weeks after surgery), swimming is perfectly safe and enjoyable.
How do you keep an ostomy dry while swimming?
To keep your ostomy dry whilst swimming, follow these steps:
- Use a filter cover: If your bag has a filter, apply the circular sticker cover before entering the water to prevent water from entering the pouch.
- Check your flange and pouch: Make sure they're fully waterproof before you swim.
- Consider flange extenders: These add extra security around the edges of your flange.
- Drain your bag beforehand: Always empty your pouch completely before entering the pool.
- Dry after swimming: Use a hand dryer or hair dryer to gently dry your bag after you leave the water.
The reality is that modern stoma bags are highly waterproof, so keeping your ostomy "dry" is rarely a problem, it's more about maintaining the integrity of your seal.
What activities can you do with a stoma?
Most everyday activities are perfectly fine with a stoma including swimming, exercising, playing sports, and enjoying social occasions. However, there are a few general guidelines:
- Avoid heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks after surgery: Your abdominal muscles need time to heal.
- Take time before returning to contact sports: Discuss with your healthcare team when it's safe to resume high-impact activities.
- Be cautious with very strenuous exercise initially: Build up gradually once you've healed.
- Consider your comfort: Some people find certain activities uncomfortable with a stoma, but this is subjective. With the right support garments or bag positioning, most things are doable.
The most important thing is listening to your body and working with your healthcare team.
Is it safe to swim after stoma surgery?
Swimming is completely safe after stoma surgery, but only once you've fully healed. The timeline would roughly look like:
- First 6 weeks: Avoid swimming whilst your incision and stoma heal. Your surgeon will tell you when it's safe to return.
- After 6 weeks: Once healed, swimming is perfectly safe and encouraged. It's a gentle, low-impact form of exercise.
- Long-term: There's absolutely no reason you can't swim regularly with a stoma for the rest of your life.
Always follow your surgeon's advice on when to return to water activities, as individual healing times can vary.
Can I swim with a stoma bag without a filter cover?
If your stoma bag has a filter, you should always use a filter cover when swimming as the filter is specifically designed to allow gas to escape, and water can enter through it. But if your bag doesn't have a filter, you don't need a cover.
The filter covers are small, circular stickers that come in your box of bags. They're affordable, easy to apply, and take just seconds, so it's worth using one if your bag requires it. If you're not really sure whether your bag has a filter, you can check with your delivery company or look at the top of your pouch.
What should I do if my stoma bag leaks while swimming?
Leaks whilst swimming are rare if you've prepared properly, but if it happens:
- Stay calm: It's highly unlikely that anyone will notice in the water.
- Exit the pool calmly: If you feel uncomfortable, simply get out and head to the changing room.
- Change your bag: Use the disabled changing room to change into a fresh pouch.
- Dry thoroughly: Make sure the skin around your stoma is completely dry before applying a new bag.
- Carry spares: Always bring extra supplies to avoid being caught out.
Give yourself a trial run in the bath at home first to make sure your flange is secure and use flange extenders if needed. Most ostomates who prepare properly have no issues at all.