Sports with an ostomy

From the desk of Andy Manson…

This is my favourite section as I have met so many inspirational and active people with an ostomy and I would like to share their stories.

People with ostomies participate in every type of sport, from cycling to rock climbing to swimming, as well as surfing, hiking, martial arts, hockey, bowling and even the tough mudder.

People have ostomy surgery to save their life and now that they have recovered, they want to live life.

Points to think about:

  • Once your doctor or Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence (NSWOC) gives the OK to resume activities, go slow and rebuild your body safely.
  • The stoma is strong tissue and it is not easy to injure your stoma, yet it can bleed easily.
  • Use caution when participating in sports that require heavy lifting as you are at risk for developing a hernia.
  • Remember to stay hydrated, especially if you have an ileostomy.
  • Walking is an easy and effective form of exercise you can start after surgery.
  • A stoma guard or tight fitting band may help hold the pouch securely in place and protect the stoma

Yes, you can go swimming and you don’t need a special swim suit or special pouching system!

People with stomas can…

Rob Hill from Vancouver leads fund raising treks to different locales in the world. He has an ileostomy.

In 2009, I (Andrea Manson) climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with Rob as a fundraiser for Crohn’s and Colitis, Ostomy Canada Society and IDEAS. What a wonderful way to help others, meet new friends (with or without stomas) and explore new places!

Rob has climbed the tallest mountain on each continent as part of this fundraiser and to raise awareness about Crohn’s and Colitis, and continues to organize new treks. In 2015, Rob trekked the West Coast Trail in BC. His website, IDEAS, will give you more information about upcoming adventures you can participate in or support!

For more information about sports, please call us. We are happy to talk to you about resuming your activities.