Ostomy is a general term used to describe surgically created connections between internal organs and the surface of your skin. These connections are used for a variety of reasons, including temporary or permanent elimination of your feces or urine in cases of bowel or urinary dysfunction, says HealthCommunities.com. Typically, an ostomy doesn't hinder your ability to exercise normally.
Ostomy Basics
The names of ostomy procedures vary with the name of the organ accessed during surgery. For instance, an ostomy that accesses the ileal section of your small intestine is called an ileostomy. Colostomies access your colon. After surgery, your health care provider fits your ostomy opening with a disposable, plastic device called an ostomy appliance or pouch. This pouch catches waste from the accessed organ and allows you to discard it in a safe, sanitary manner. Ostomy pouches are securely attached to your body with adhesive and rarely spill or break.
Exercise Effects
After your ostomy site heals, you can usually return to your normal exercise activities, according to the Mayo Clinic and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, or ASCRS. However, if you previously participated in rough or contact sports, you may have to forgo these activities or be fitted with a special device that protects your ostomy pouch from potential damage. Your doctor can also provide you with special adaptive devices that protect your pouch while you swim, run, lift weights or participate in any other activity that can loosen the connection between the pouch and ostomy opening.
Maintaining Privacy
Typically, you can hide your ostomy bag during exercise or other activities, the Mayo Clinic says. Depending on your circumstances and the tightness of the clothing required for your activity, you can wear your normal clothing or buy workout clothes specifically designed for ostomy patients. You can also take a number of steps to reduce the visibility of your ostomy pouch, including emptying your pouch before it's full enough to bulge under your clothing and trying different pouching systems that can reduce external signs of your condition.
Considerations
Even professional athletes can wear ostomy pouches without significantly reducing their levels of performance, the ASCRS notes. If you're worried about the smell when you change or empty your pouch, you can purchase special sprays or deodorants that help keep any generated odor to a minimum. Consult your doctor for more information on ostomy procedures and their effects on your exercise routine and lifestyle.
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