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Swimming with ostomy: Any recommendations?

Ostomy | Last Active: Jan 3, 2022 | Replies (15)
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@patdame

Yes. He has crohns (diagnosed at age 17) regular colonoscopies every 2 years so we were shocked when the biopsies of the polyps showed malignancy. Had surgery, 10 cancerous tumors removed, 4 lymph nodes in mesentery were positive as well. It’s been quite an adjustment for both of us but we are okay. He also has a pituitary tumor with 80% removed in 2010. He’s still weak from surgery and has lost close to 50 pounds but he is at a healthy weight now. Hopefully the weight loss will level off. We are adjusting to the new normal. Thank you for asking.

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Replies to "Yes. He has crohns (diagnosed at age 17) regular colonoscopies every 2 years so we were..."
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 27, 2021

Hello @patdame

I would like to add my welcome to you as you recently joined Mayo Clinic Connect. I am glad that you posted about your husband's ostomy and interest in water activities including swimming.

I see that Colleen, @colleenyoung, posted some good information and websites. I also searched and found this website from the United Ostomy Associations of America. They discuss some interesting products that can be very helpful to those with ostomies who still want to be involved in water activities. Here is the link:
https://www.ostomy.org/swim-confidently-ostomy/
I can certainly appreciate that you were shocked when you learned that the polyps were now malignant. I take it that this diagnosis was more recent than the pituitary tumor in 2010. Is that correct?

Have all of these malignancies been diagnosed as NETs? I hope you are aware that Mayo Clinic holds a support group once a month for all people who have been diagnosed with NETs. The support group originates from Florida but is a Zoom meeting and people join from all over the country. There is a guest speaker every other month and it is usually a doctor or other medical professional who specializes in NET treatment. The meetings are facilitated by a Mayo Clinic Social Worker, Michelle Walsh. If you would like to reach her before the January meeting for more information, please just send a post to @michellewalsh. I'm sure she would be glad to provide more information.

I am pleased that you say, "We are adjusting to the new normal." It is a good attitude to have. It makes life much easier, doesn't it? I have had three surgeries for NET lesions in the duodenal bulb so I do understand the shock as well as the need for adjustments.

Is weakness your husband's main symptom right now? How is his appetite? Is he able to eat most foods or does he have restrictions and/or diarrhea?

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