If you have a traditional ileostomy, you know that while swimming is possible, it can be a challenge. You’ll need to secure your stoma with either an ostomy product to ensure there’s no leakage into the pool.
Fortunately, there are ostomy options that will give you freedom to swim without worry. You’ll be able to jump right in the pool without taking time to secure your colostomy stoma.
The traditional ileostomy is also called a Brooke ileostomy. It involves a stoma on your abdomen through which solid waste constantly flows into a colostomy bag. That’s why it’s difficult to swim. The bag won’t stay on in the water, but the waste will continue to flow. You’ll have to cover the stoma with a specialized product to keep waste inside until you’re finished swimming. The skin around the stoma can get irritated by ostomy products and continual waste flow.
A very common ostomy option, the ileoanal J-pouch creates a reservoir in the anal canal where waste is stored until you’re ready to empty it. This option provides more control over your bowel movements and you don’t wear an external colostomy bag. However, the j-pouch does leak and you can have up to seven stools per day. And when the reservoir gets full, you’ll have to empty it within an hour.
With this option, a small part of your intestine is used to make an internal reservoir. The resevoir is connected to a flat stoma in the lower part of your abdomen. A self-sealing valve keeps waste inside until you empty the reservoir using a small catheter. The stoma is easily concealed and the valve decreases the chances of waste or gas escaping. You have complete control over elimination of waste with the BCIR, and you can empty the reservoir a few as three times a day.
This option is a true life-changer for people with ostomies since it gives you freedom you’ve never had with other options. You’ll be able to swim without worry!
To learn more about the Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir, please request a free 30-minute consultation with Dr. Schiller today. He’s recognized as a national expert on the BRIR and can fully answer your questions about this life-changing ileostomy treatment.