Riding the Waves with a Stoma

This year I got the most exciting experience I have ever had. I got the chance to wave surf and it was one of the most complicated and incredible things I have done.  Most people think I am crazy when I say this, not because it was so much fun and a bit complicated but because I have a stoma.  For some reason people always think that since I have a stoma that doing anything in the water is generally a shunned upon thing.  But that is really all just a bit of craziness and is highly unnecessary thinking.

I must say that it does help to do water sports when you have the right equipment.  Now this goes for lots of different areas and first I will start with ostomy gear.  I like to use ostomysupplies for my water gear.  I am really just a bit tied to the brand due to some of the benefits and the help they gave me.  The other year I called up ostomy supplies to see what worked best for water ostomy gear.  They gave me great advice and also hooked me up with free samples.  When I found the stuff that worked best I just kept ordering from them.  Why not, loyalty comes with good service in my book and they won me over.

Now when it comes to wake surfing I must say first and foremost you must have good swim trunks or a good swimsuit.  I would think it was pretty obvious but when you are being pulled by a boat at up to 30 to 40 Miles per hour it is really easy for loose swimwear to fall off or be ripped off.  So remember to get a good tight fitting suit on so your unmentionables stay unmentionable in public.  It is also a good idea to rock a stoma cap so your bag doesn't get ripped off. This is just my personal suggestion and you may want to do things a bit different and that is totally cool.

I would also suggest really good sunscreen.  There are some medical ones that are recommended by doctors and I would suggest you call your medical healthcare provider to find the best one for you and the skin around your stoma. Skin care is really important and you should take it very seriously. Stay safe, rock the water, and have a great time!

Run run don’t drop your ostomy bag

No, don’t be offended by the title. I think staying in shape and exercising is extremely important.  It is still important to stay in shape even if you have an ostomy.  Having an ostomy doesn't mean you shouldn’t live a normal life.  When it comes to staying in shape being in the position of having a stoma only means you have to work a little harder to workout.  Sometimes I have found that using Ostomy Supplies can help me in my daily workouts.

One thing that is important in staying fit with an ostomy is to not jump into it too fast.  You do have an injury or did and most likely your core muscles are not as strong as they were or are weakened to start with.  So don’t go lifting weights too fast.  Start at the lower end of weight and test the waters slow.  You are more likely to have issues with hernias with a stoma and so you should be aware of this. I suggest using a good belt to keep your bag in place.  Hollister ostomy supplies has lots of different products available.

I have had lots of luck using the Adapt Ostomy Belt and it suited me well.  You do have to have a bag that has the belt loops but this helps keep it all in place. I have found the material is very soft and the elastic is able to stretch around me comfortably even when I am breathing heavily.  I am not one to like tight fitted things especially under armour shirts. That type of compression shirt always makes me feel a little claustrophobic and I have not felt that with this belt at all.  It is also really nice to have so I know my bag wont be flopping all over the place and wont leak.  Its a safety measure that is comfortable and keeps my mental health secure as well.

Next time you think about working out and are afraid to. Don’t worry you are not alone. Many people who have an ostomy started out a afraid, but through learning have overcome and bene able to work out just like they used to. Being comfortable in your own skin and cloathing is an imporant part and having the right ostomy gear help with that confidence.  I would suggest trying out a belt or two and going to the gym and starting slow.  Then you can pick it up and start jogging safely and happily soon enough.

Summer Exercising with an Ostomy

The weather turned warm.  The grass has started to get a little greener and now summer is on the way.  This is the time of year we all start to try our short sleeves and shorts on and realize we have changed.  We are now not able to fit in those clothes like we did last year.  So it is time for a change.  Many will start by researching a new diet.  Many will take on an entire lifestyle change from working out and diet.  But what if you have an Ostomy. Can you still workout with a stoma.  Personally I use ostomy supplies when it comes to getting prepared for working out. But many people don’t think you can, but seek your healthcare providers advice and most likely the answer is yes.  Now with an ostomy you are at more risk or hernias and other health issues due to the reason you have had an ostomy.  But most people are able to get back on the horse and get to working out again.

So if you are new to having a stoma and an ostomy that is just fine.  Don’t start back 100% into an old routine. Yes you have actually changed and need to assess what you are currently capable of doing safely.  Yet again see your doctor or nurse and they can give you a starting point.  Then work your way back up. It is the same as if you had an injury. 

When I have sprained my ankles in the past it's been a long tough road to recover.  It takes weeks of being on crutches and hobbling around.  This is actually beneficial for your shoulders and triceps due to the excess work they get.  But then you realise your legs are getting weaker.  The pain from simply putting pressure on your leg keeps you from doing any exercise for months.

 Then every step for the next 3 to 9 months is painful.  Your ankle hurts with every step and then once you are able to walk about you start working out.  You will find it hurts to jog so instead you walk uphill.  Then you try to do it a bit faster.  After weeks, you give jogging a try and maybe it works one day and hurts too much the next. 

This slow progression is the same idea that you want to have when working out with an ostomy.  You go baby step by baby step. I also like to use the well known ostomy supplies products to make sure no leaks are occurring when I work out. Now, you may not have the pain from the sprained ankle to let you know when you have gone too far. So put limits on yourself before you work out.  Yes, it's worth it in order to not cause any physical problems. Stay safe and as always ask your healthcare provider before getting started.