Hey guys...
So, I'm going to mexico in a couple weeks (you have NO idea how much i need a vacation!!)
But, i just realize, i haven't really been swimming at all since i've had the pouch.
to cover my stoma on a daily basis, i use cut up maxi-pads or nursing pads held in place with paper tape. works perfectly for me day to day.
but for swimming, what should i use? i have mestopore patches, but i'm pretty sure those aren't waterproof.
i have a giant box full of ampatch (perk of "modeling" for them i guess) but they tear my skin up. i couldn't imagine using them alot my skin would be raw.
any suggestions? (i think i saw someone mention in a thread here using tagaderm which may be a good option.
i dont' have a high moisture stoma. about 20 min. after intubating it doesn't drool very heavily.
suggestions?

hey becca
chris uses the n-4 ampatch when swimming. he isn't usually in the water for a prolonged time
he has never had a problem with them tearing his skin up.
i'm sending you a pm also
enjoy your vacation

I just pull swim trunks up over the stoma site. No cover necessary especially if it doesn't have output.

I spend hours in the pool or hot tub...I never put anything over the stoma....just go in and enjoy...I have jumped into Lake Powell from a houseboat...been in the ocean....checked out some lakes in mammoth lakes, ca...no problem...have a great trip!!

leslie disagreed, she expressed concern when i told her chris went to the beach without an ampatch and she expressed concern regarding bacteria, that would go for a hot tub as well.

My doc says no problem going into the water, hot tubs, ocean, etc. with NO patch over the K-pouch stoma.

I am not sure how long ago the dr told you that but we have red tide in the gulfcoast. a dangerous bacteria. I trust the opinion of better safe than sorry. Also, if the stoma oozes into the water isn't that causing bacteria?
I also believe lakes are much different ta\han oceans. Here in Florida we have sea lice from may- june, I would not want my stoma compromised. Jelly fish, mano-o-war, we have more threats here in the wate than most areas.
I can't imagine having the stoma stung and swelled closed. Could you?
Wearing an ampatch is peace of mind where we live.Getting dand in it? Possible?
I would want to avoid any irritation by prevention.

I don't know what the true correct answer is but I don't put any thing over my stoma when I swim. Never have. I excuse myself when I am finished with the water and place a paper towel over my stoma. I was told many years ago, that with the valve and collar of the BCIR, nothing can get in without the catheter. Pardon this, but its like having your rear repositioned to the front.

You are exactly right, Ellen. People don't plug up their rectums and put some kind of patch over it when they go into the water.

stinging jelly fish don't have to get in anywhere-they attack the surface as do sea lice, etc
i hardly think an intact rectum is any comparison to an exposed intestine. that is what a stoma is, correct?
i would think an ounce of prevention is worth the patch, especially in mexico

Sounds like many different opinions...maybe the best is to get in touch with your doctor for what may be correct for you...i know mammoth lakes and almost all lakes have guardia bacteria...but as long as you're not drinking the water i was under the belief that swimming would be ok...i've been backpackin' for weeks and figured out that most stuff just doesn't seem to bother me...but everyone's system is different..almost like a trial and error..have fun on your trip!!

I don't know whether anything can get "in" one's stoma, but regarding adding to the bacteria of the water in which one is swimming (in a pool or hot tub especially), wouldn't it be similar to opening one's mouth in the water and having one's saliva get into the water? Isn't the usual "moisture" from a stoma similar to the moisture throughout one's digestive tract and that would include one's mouth? Isn't saliva powerful enough to start to break down food? Yet lots of swimmers open their mouths sometimes.

I've swum (is that the right word?) without a covering, but if it's scary, by all means use a covering, even a four-sided band-aid. After all, swimming is supposed to be fun, and if it's scary, then that's not fun.

I cover my stoma always.

I have an issue, I don't care what anyone says, about anything that can contain bacteria coming in contact with the stoma.

You can all call me silly

My stoma, both of them, have always oozed mucous, and I feel a responsibility to 'keep it to myself'

Looks like there is no hard fast rule but good discussion. I am going to seek some opinions from the BCIR site as well. If I learn anything, I will let you know. I can tell you it is going to make me think this summer when I am swimming.

I will also add, that even on occasion that I'm in the bathtub, just me, myself and I , I cover, because my stoma secretes mucous.
And I don't want to be in tub water with the secretions.

I wish I was lucky enough to have a stoma that was 'dry' so to speak.