Ulcerative Colitis Guide: Surviving Bathing Suit Season

Believe it or not, bathing suit season can be a problem for a person with Ulcerative Colitis. I define bathing suit season as the time when you swim outdoors at a public pool or at a beach.

The very first problem is wearing a suit, for men swimming trunks and for women a bathing suit or bikini. In both cases the suits can and often do have to be somewhat tight for safety as well as looks. Unfortunately, sometimes Ulcerative Colitis sufferers have to consider that issue and wear very loose-fitting trunks or suits and don't truly enjoy their water excursions. The problem is that a suit of any type can constrict and cause pressure on the bowel or stomach.

I always wear boxer style trunks with elastic at the top. They seem to be the least offensive over the course of a swimming period and they stay on. Women that I know who suffer from Ulcerative Colitis tend to eschew bikinis which tend to be tight for suits that may be standard or, depending on age, even a basic suit with a loose fitting sun top.

Bathing suit season also brings along other problems. Most are problems an Ulcerative Colitis sufferer faces everyday. When swimming, as with any function that can isolate you, you can be at risk for untoward symptoms such as unexpected diarrhea. The part that is nerve-racking is the possibility of a minor flare or cramping while in the water and, even worse, an involuntary discharge.

Diet is important. So often at the beach or a party with a pool, there is alcohol or other "triggers" that can cause a problem for people with Ulcerative Colitis. It is very important to avoid foods with high sugar content. Drinking water is even more important than usual, because when you are swimming, you can lose fluids through sweating say on the beach and not be aware of it because you are wet and don't notice the fluid loss.

If you suffer from Ulcerative Colitis you may have a problem with crowds or just an intense group. I only like to be with family or a few close friends when I swim because I get tense otherwise and tend to cramp.

While exercise is very important to a person with Ulcerative Colitis, intense swimming is a little different and involves the midsection more than running so it is a good idea to start slowly during the year and build up. You may hit a level of exercise that bothers you and then you know your limits with respect to intensity.

However, the big problem, as with every other situation for the person with Ulcerative Colitis is knowing where the bathroom can be found. Additionally, in the case of bathing suit season, you may find yourself away from shore or having to exit the pool hurriedly to get to a restroom.

So what should a person with Ulcerative Colitis do when the weather beckons you to the wonders and joys of water?

As I said, first get a suit that doesn't constrict the waist. As I do with every outing I try and avoid a problem by taking some medication which is usually Mylanta and a Valium. It tends to relax my bowel without endangering me.

I do not spend a long time on the beach trying to get a tan because that creates fluid loss. I am more of a water walker, opting to stay near the shore as opposed to swimming far out, however that is a personal decision. I would simply suggest building up your stamina a little at a time. Further, I think it is extremely important someone keeps an eye on you in the event you cramp severely and have a problem continuing to swim. In fact, if you are swimming an inordinate distance from shore it may make sense to wear a life jacket or paddle inside an inflated ring.

At a social function don't let the aura of the party sway you from what you know is good for you. The Ulcerative Colitis battle is a day-to-day fight.

A comment was made to me by a friend who has had chronic and severe Ulcerative Colitis and happens to know a lot about the ocean. While a little humorous, he said when swimming in the ocean remember that sharks don't care if you have Ulcerative Colitis or not and if you get in a situation where you are struggling to swim or emitting any type of fluids you could be a target; although admittedly unlikely.

Wear a reasonable swimming suit, prepare for the outing, watch what you ingest; swim with caution and built up stamina, be careful of dehydration, make sure you know where the bathrooms are and make sure someone knows where you are.

One final note would be that if you are on medications that are bringing a flare under control, make sure to know their side-effect with respect to cramping and fluid loss.

Swimming suit season can be a lot of fun for a person with Ulcerative Colitis, but, as with every other endeavor one undertakes it should be approached with caution and preparedness.