Swimming is considered to be the best choice of fitness fit
for everyone. It is one of the good workouts for people who have undergone
surgical operations, including ostomy, as it helps relieve any pain and
stiffness people may experience.
It is a mild form of exercise, which improves the
cardiovascular system without straining much on body joints. It can be enjoyed
by everyone who wants to start on less strenuous exercise, whatever their skill
level is. Swimming, as with any form of exercise, must be taken with the
approval of the doctor, though many people who have undergone any surgical
operations are advised to take up this uncomplicated sport.
Swimming too is a fun activity that can be shared with
families and friends. However, because of their condition, many ostomates fear
that other people may notice their stoma. Others doubt that they might not go
into the pool again, while most of them stop taking into the water at all.
Overcoming this psychological barrier is a great achievement
for people who have taken up swimming as their choice of fitness. It gives them
a whole new confidence after they have taken up this challenge. Not only they
succeed on this sport, but to also other activities that require showing a lot
of skin likes sun bathing or clothes hopping.
The problems many ostomate face are mostly concerned on how
they look. They feel embarrassed about their condition and fear that people
would notice and stare at their stoma. They should, however, try not to worry
because people would barely even notice the damp spot or recognize the pouch
beneath their suit. Some people don’t care what they see, and others are modest
enough not to mention about ostomy.
Some event that ostomates fear would happen is that their
pouches would leak out or set loose and drift away when they are in the pool. They
should give less concern as long as their pouching system is empty and is
sealed properly. They can try submerging into the tub filled with water at
home, and try to see it there is a leakage or any loosening of the seal.
For starters, try the bathing suit at home first before
going to the swimming pool. Make sure you have gone seeing yourself in the
mirror while your costume is wet so that you know how you look like and people
will see you when you are swimming. It gives you extra confidence you need for
your first swim.
You might try using a support garment to help keep your
pouch in place. Pouching systems are also available in smaller sizes and are
non-drainable. You don’t need to worry about your pouch loosening as modern
pouching system these days are water tights.
One last problem you encounter is changing into or out of
your bathing suit in the locker room. You are embarrassed getting changed in a
public place you can put on and oversized T-shirt as a cover-up. You may like
to change in a bathroom stall, or find a less crowded spot where you can change
your towel off.
Swimming should not be a problem for ostomates who are
overly conscious of their way look like in front of other people. Just remember
that this exercise, like any fitness program, have to be start first slowly
before going to a steady ace. Lastly, have fun swimming with your family and
friends.
