I was very active before my diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and my ostomy surgery. After surgery I was so worried about pushing myself too hard that I didn’t let myself do the things that I loved. After doing a little bit of research about products that would help keep me healthy while exercising with an ostomy, and getting a pep talk from my colorectal surgeon, I started backpacking, running, hiking, rock climbing, biking, weight training, swimming and boogie boarding!
There are different products that can help protect your stoma, prevent peristomal hernias and secure your pouch while swimming or doing activities that may cause the pouch to flap. Here, we discuss the product options used in different situations.
Protecting the Stoma
If the stoma is at risk of being rubbed up against or exposed to blunt force it’s a good idea to use a stoma guard. Some ideal sports to use a stoma guard for are: football, soccer, baseball, basketball, etc.
Abdominal Support
If the abdominal muscles are being utilized, it’s a good idea to use a hernia belt or some sort of support-wear. Many people love the NuHope Hernia Support Belts. I like to use Spanx.
Securing the Ostomy
If the ostomy pouch will be a disturbance if it is flapping around, it is suggested you use a Stealth Belt or Spanx.
Getting the Pouch Wet
If the ostomy pouch will be getting wet, you have a few options. It’s not necessary to have any additional products, but you can use a stealth belt, pink tape, barrier extenders or Sure Seal (which is one of my personal favorites).
More Information
If you’re interested in more information on exercising with an ostomy, we have an article and a video that go into more detail.
For more information, see related ostomy product and exercise articles and other ostomy resources here:
- Tips for Swimming with an Ostomy – More Security | Ask Laura
- Ostomy Products | Options
- How to Exercise with an Ostomy
- Stomas and Seat Belts | Ask Laura
- Swimming with an Ostomy
Shield HealthCare | Stronger with Shield
For the past few months, I've found my stool has been pasty and sticky. Please tell me what to do to prevent ostomy "pancaking" from sticky stool.
Interested in exercise videos for ostomates
Hi Sandy! Thanks for commenting. Here is our video about exercising for ostomates. Hope you find it helpful! -Aimee, Shield HealthCare
Thank you SO Much for Sharing your experience with “the bag”! I wear mine different than how you have yours, which makes yours easy for toilet disposal. I also had never heard of putting anything but lukewarm water in my bag. Or guard for my stoma. I love my life without colitis! And do not mind the bag but I have not been able to be intimate as of yet. Besides the bag I have the most awful scar because they had to open me up twice.
Again, Thank you! Thank you!
Cindy
Hi I’m in the UK I’ve looked st your video on swimming & want to go in the pool but I want s bit of security & see you recommend Sure Seal is there something similar I can get in the UK as it seams that the Sure Seal is only available in the USA or Canada
Thank you for your time
Stuart
Hi Stuart. Thank you for your comment. We’re sorry to hear that you are unable to get Sure Seal in the UK. We actually did a more recent article all about having more security in the pool, and hopefully one of the suggested products is something that is available where you are. Best of luck! -Aimee, Shield HealthCare
I am new to the illiostomy world, of which I finally have accepted! However I still get POd of having to live with it…. My main problem issue is the Car Seat belt, it presses right to the bag and I feel hurting pressure on Stoma….What are some methods of relief? Thanks…
Hi Jack. Great question! Laura wrote an article that should address your question about seat belts, and we hope you find it helpful. Best of luck, and please let us know if you have any other questions! -Aimee, Shield HealthCare
Thank you for the article. I just received my stoma 15 days ago after being in a UC flare for 13 months. I’m healing quick and am starting to get restless (been home bound for a year now) but I’m nervous about causing a hernia. This article helped put those worries to rest and gave me a good place to start. I realize I still need to take it slow, but I’m not so nervous as to not even try now. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I have a urinary Miami
Pouch!!!any one else had experience with them?????????
Well I have my surgery on Tuesday to get a ostomy bag and I am worried I wont be me anymore I just hope my crohns pain will go away so I can workout again and lose all this extra weight
Hi Aimee,
I am planning on purchasing a Stealth Belt. I am an Early childhood Educator and will be working with 16 3&4yr olds. I would like something to protect my stoma when I return to the classroom. Could I use the Freedom Guard GTX with a Stealth Belt?
This seems to be the only product I have found that doesn’t apply a lot of direct pressure to the actual Stoma.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
When you used a spanx did you cut a hole to go around your ostomy ring so that the spanx won’t cause a leak under the flange. I would wear it for exercise and hernia prevention.
Hi 2019 I had an emergency to remove my large colon and bowel can I use an exercise hoop and swing ball