Seven weeks post op. illeostomy. At home, self sufficient, almost ready to go back to work. Take down in June.

I would like to start working out, running, cycling, paddling; but I don't feel real confident about bag staying on firmly.

Can anyone tell me if their is a support appliance, some kind of brace used for sports and to hold in place. I've seen a few advirtised in medical supply catalogue.
Also saw special underwear. Would love to hear suggestions.

Eric

I used to run 10 miles three times a week when I had my bag, work out in the gym, garden, everything I wanted to do in fact and never had any problems with the bag not staying on. I go back to a permanent ileostomy on the 16th April after a year's struggle with a j pouch and frankly can't wait to be fit enough again to run etc. I found having a bag so easy!

Thanks. Wow you are doing a reverse. How come? Glad you have a good attitude. Personally I hope j pouch works for me.

When I had my temp. stoma, I wore a belt 24/7, including when I was working out. I never felt that the bag would come off, no matter what I was doing (which including running, kayaking, light weight lifting and yoga).

There have been many posts on this "belt" in the Ostomy section of the forum, but you can check out www.ostomysupportsystem.com to see what it looks like (note: I ordered mine from Byram directly and it cost me nothing - my insurance picked up the entire cost.)


Good luck.

Hi

I am very active as well.

I suggest wearing the thin white Hollister or other belt for most sports;
AND for very physical activity, I ordered a protective belt from 'Sto-Med" to ear over the white one-it has a protective 'cup' in front and is made to order.
They have many other great products for pouchers!

Good luck, Good Health

Eric, I second the idea of the ostomy belt. I had alot of leaking issues and constant appliance changes before I started to use the belt. For something like 20 bucks its worth its weight in gold. When working out just be aware that dehydration is a huge issue with the diverting ileostomy, my advice is take things slow at first and learn what the symptoms of dehydration are, as you probably know already dehydration is serious. Good Luck, Scott Mc

Eric,
I biked, ran and paddled with an ostomy appliance without any major problems. I used Hollister two piece appliances and wore a belt 24/7. I had 3 belts and changed them regularly. I also used Mefix tape around the edges of the wafer and replaced it when it became loose. The appliance would easily last 5 days even after swimming, paddling and biking. The only problem I had was a persistent rash in the area where the belt rubbed on my skin if I wore it after getting wet or sweating. A steroidal cream cleared up the rash within a few days.
Spandex bike shorts and lined running shorts held the appliance in place.

While biking, I had a knee problem because I had begun to move my right knee outwards on the upstroke to avoid the ostomy and appliance. Something to think of if you bike alot.

Good luck and have fun.
PR