Walking
Walking doesn't require special measures. However, if you are doing longer walks or going hiking, make sure you give your body the support it needs with a good pair of walking or hiking shoes.
Running
In most cases paying attention to the adhesive from time to time is enough, but if you want to feel even more secure using an ostomy belt will help keep your pouch in place.
Swimming
You can either use a standard-size bag and simply empty it before swimming –or if you want to be more discrete, you can use smaller ostomy bags designed to be less bulky.
Another way to hide your stoma is with specialty swimwear. Women might consider wearing snug swimsuits with dark colours or busy patterns, while board shorts can be a good choice for men.
If you fear that your appliance isn't resistant enough to be under water follow these few suggestions:
- Water can cause the edges of your baseplate to lift, so make sure that the edges of the appliance are completely secure.
- If you use the spa or bath, be sure to check your ostomy bag seal. Heat can affect your weartime, so you may need to change your ostomy appliance sooner.
- If you wear a bag with a filter don't forget to cover it with a filter sticker.
Golf
The torque involved in a golf swing can put some stress on your ostomy appliance. You can use tape to help your appliance follow your movement better. If you are using a 2-piece solution, an ostomy belt might be an option for you, to hold your appliance in place.
Golfers often find themselves on a green some way from any bathroom facilities. Perhaps you can scout the course in advance to know what your options are in this regard. You can also plan ahead and make sure you have the extra bags and accessories with you for when you might need them.
Strength training
Heavy lifting can put you at risk of getting a hernia. When you are lifting and/or using abdominal muscles, use a support garment to keep everything "in place". The support garment will need to be fitted to you, whether you do that yourself or ask your Stomal Therapy Nurse to help you.
Team sports
To prevent any problems with your ostomy solution, you can wear an ostomy belt to keep the pouch securely in place.
In contact sports such as football, rugby and martial arts there are protective ostomy guards that can help prevent injury to your stoma. Ask your ostomy care supplier about these items.
This website includes general guidelines. Always follow the instructions of your Healthcare Professional.
