**Spoiler alert... You can! Read on for the things to consider...**
It is completely normal to find the idea of sports a little daunting after ostomy surgery, but the good news is, if you played contact sports before surgery or want to give it a go, you should be able to do so without a problem.
It goes without saying that you should take medical advice after stoma surgery about when to start doing sports again and exercise needs to be built up gradually with the right stoma support. It is essential to build up to be more strenuous exercise and sport.
Planning ahead
Having a stoma can mean that you feel more organised and in control if you plan ahead for playing contact sports.
You might be concerned about harming your stoma or causing a hernia. Damage to your ostomy is, however, highly unlikely but prevention is better than cure. You also may be worried that your ostomy bag could become loose or be ripped in contact sports which are more "hands on".
For that peace of mind, it's always best to wear supportwear. Every person will have different likes and products they feel are more suited to their needs but there are plenty of options out there, such as our level 2 waistbands or level 3 belts.
Also, emptying your bag before sports can make people feel more at ease, as well as drinking electrolyte-rich drinks before and after sport or rehydration solution (beware of sugar). You may also want to avoid certain foods to reduce thinner output which is more frequent. Bananas can be a go-to for a lot of people with an ileostomy to thicken output, provide energy and slow output down.
Letting other people on your team know that you have a stoma may also help to reduce your anxiety surrounding contact and team sports.
Ostique's Podcast: Contact Sports With A Stoma with Tom & Steven
Ostique have a podcast, "Chatting Sh*t With Ostique". Guests include IBD warriors, cancer survivors and thrivers and others from all walks of life and Ostique explore so many topics of ostomy life from sex to working out, helpful advice, ostomates’ stories, top tips, things to expect, all with honesty, giggles & a sprinkle of love on the top!
In the third episode of “Chatting Sh*t With Ostique", Tom & Steven joined host, Olivia, to discuss their experiences with IBD, the importance of exercise and how to get back into this post stoma-surgery, mental health, the pros of being part of a team, playing contact sports with a stoma & a breadth of other topics.
It's so interesting to listen to Tom & Steven's experiences. They discuss things such as whether playing rugby actually feels different with an ostomy and both explain how it isn’t barring how they prepare in terms of support wear etc. Also, Tom raised a really good point about how with contact sports, your body is geared up to defend yourself anyway, so you naturally look out for yourself and protect yourself.
It's so empowering listening to this episode realising that actually, having a stoma doesn't have to, and rarely, stops you from doing what you love. Sometimes you just have to make little adjustments to be extra cautious and protect your stoma.
Image credit: Ostique
Ostique have also launched their Sk.ns ostomy bag covers (above), created to make you feel confident and powerful in everyday life. Their Workout Bundle helps you to not only feel good through exercise, but enable you to look the part too when doing non-contact sports.
Protecting your stoma - Bag our Comfishield Set offer!
Protect your stoma comfortable with our versatile, simple to use Comfishield Set & get an extra pad free!
This two-piece set comes with a soft back pad that sits snuggly behind your stoma bag, ready to fit the semi-rigid polymer protector, which simply vecros on.
This set allows you the freedom to wear any garments with no restrictions and no straps or belts like other stoma protection products use, which means it brings the ultimate comfort. Note: This is a protective garment only and does not offer support.
Comfishield features include:
- Stoma protection from unwanted forces
- No uncomfortable straps needed to fit
- Feel confidence during sporting activities
- Protection from seatbelts, dogs, young children, contact sports etc
- Can be used in combination with any garments of your choice
- Easy to fit, wash and wear. Any time, any place.
Disclaimer: As always, this post is from our Social Media & Marketing Specialist, Amy's, experience of living with a permanent ileostomy, Crohn's Disease and from what she has researched. Nothing in our blog posts should be taken as medical advice. It's always best to consult a medical professional if you have queries or concerns.
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