I normally try to write posts in an order of sorts, but
right now, am choosing to right on what it is easiest. For now, this is
practical tips from real life, rather than in-depth information on conditions.
I wrote about unplanned, emergency surgery, but no details
regarding what those surgeries actually were. This blog is anonymous on purpose
to allow me to write about topics that can be uncomfortable to talk about.
However, even with anonymity, I find it hard to write about some things. The
first GI surgery was repairing complete rectal prolapse thanks to tissue laxity
from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. I am planning to write more about this in the
future. The second surgery was addressing bowel perforation, and cleaning
things up, resulted in a temporary colostomy to allow my GI tract to rest and
heal. It was a rough recovery in ICU as I was already malnourished from first
GI surgery complications—difficulty advancing ability to eat. I also do not
like surprises. I like to know what I am in for. I research things, plan ahead
the best I can. I go into every procedure hoping for the best but preparing for
the worst. However, no one, myself, surgeon, etc. saw this scenario coming. I
work to accept what life throws at me. But, I am struggling to accept the
colostomy. I did not ask for it, I do not want it, it is one more set of tasks
I have to take care of. But, it saved my life. I am choosing to be grateful for
it, am choosing to accept it for now, but most likely will be reversing it once
recovered enough to be able.
One of my major concerns when I discovered I had a
colostomy, was how it would affect swimming, pool therapy. I asked the ostomy
nurse and my surgeon about this while still in the ICU, even though I knew I
was nowhere near being able to consider getting into a pool. I couldn’t walk
very far and was slow, was not allowed out of bed without aid because of IVs
and other lines. But, swimming was so important, that it was a burning
question. Both assured me swimming is very doable and surgeon told me stories
of various athletes with ostomies.
Being new to the colostomy, afraid of leaks or issues, I was
really nervous with first attempt once surgeon cleared me for pool about a
month post op. Because I was still weak, deconditioned from lengthy hospital
stay, malnutrition after surgeries, first pool trip was short and sweet. I
taped the wafer down with kinesiology tape as that was what I had on hand, knew
from taping joints that kinesiology tape stays on in the pool. I also wore a
mild compression tank top to help hold appliance securely in place, then
regular swimsuit over top, except so swollen still through abdomen, I wore an
older, sort of stretched out suit. Things went well. Appliance stayed put, tape
stayed on, no issues. As I slowly got stronger, pool sessions slowly got
longer. I also experimented with other things. Online support groups are
amazing! I asked for advice from others with ostomies who swam. I was given
numerous ideas of things to try. Ostomy nurse suggested contacting companies,
asking about free samples to try before ordering something that might end up
not working. I did so. I tried barrier extenders and learned that when exposed
to water, these swell, get gummy, sticky, messy, and allow water to reach
wafer. They also pull up the wafer when removing the gooey strips. I used Hy
Tape, which sounded amazing. It is waterproof, designed for sensitive skin, is
latex-free, etc. That was my most disappointing experiment as it was the one I
most expected to help. The tape did not stay stuck, allowed water under wafer,
etc. I am only 12 weeks post op, so only been swimming several weeks, but have
already figured out that the appliance stays in place fine without any
additional strategies. Tape is not needed, tank top not needed, belt not needed,
special swim suit not needed. I do my normal appliance routine, wear my regular
one piece swimsuit that I have used for years (keep replacing as they wear out
with the same thing). If I am nearing change day for the appliance, then I will
sometimes tape it down with kinesiology tape and/or wear the simple little belt
that clips onto the ostomy bag. I am back up to 2-hour sessions at a time in
the pool with a mix of lap swimming, pool walking, and physical therapy
exercises in the pool. All going well. As I become aware of other possible
aids, I may try them, but for now, I have a system that works for me. I am so
grateful to be back to swimming, even with an ostomy. When I was assured in ICU
that swimming was possible, I envisioned it being a huge ordeal, taking months
to be able to get to that point. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that no,
or very little, additional steps need to be taken to be able to be in the pool
with an ostomy. I was also grateful to discover the time frame was based on
recovery from surgery, incision closure, similar to other surgeries. The ostomy
itself had no bearing. My body thrives in water, so being able to be back in
the pool has aided recovery and rehab from surgeries. This is one more hurdle
behind me on the road to recovery.
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