Hi all, with all that we have gone through this question may seem silly but are hot tubs a problem for anyone?
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I talked to a doctor about this. A lot of people tend to get infections from hot tubs like: Urinary infections especially. And hot tub rash( Pseudomonas folliculitis. And Legionnaires' disease, a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. I never had a problem from a hot tub personally but I have done research on it. That is why i will not get into a hot tub probably.
Haven't been in a hot tub in 25 yrs, way before Jpouch. Never had problem before. The hot tubs were mine. Wouldn't think about today's world.
There is nothing specific about having a continent pouch and enjoying a hot tub that you should be cautious about for yourself. Talk to all the doctors you want, but the risk is mostly to your skin (skin infections), not your internal organs. You can get diarrhea if you drink the contaminated water. Just like anyone else, you want to get into a sanitary hot tub. I have been in oodles of hot tubs since my surgery in 1995. Never had a problem (yet). Granted, I have a regular j-pouch, not a k-pouch. You cannot stop living your life because of your surgery.
However, you want to be sure that you protect others from infection from YOU! I am not implying that you would leak into the hot tub, but anyone with an ostomy should take care that their stoma is well sealed before entering a hot tub or a swimming pool.
Jan 