How to play basketball with an ostomy. That is a phrase you don't hear often, but It really makes me happy when the question arises. Being a part of the midwest implants a few things on your life. One you will love the color green, know the smell or corn by heart, and also be a die hard basketball fan. No matter what you can't get away from the sport and most of us are raised with the intention of all being NBA or WNBA players.
That is a truly hilarious thought and it sounds funny writing it, but it's true. Now when you find out you have a stoma or a high schooler with basketball ambitions finds out they can be initially crushed. I like to let them know that I hoop it up on the weekends and still do just fine.
Now the art of playing basketball is something that is diminishable and I try to stay up on my game. Having a stoma means that I have to have some gear to go along with me on the court. I first struggled with giant bags and didn't know if I was going to be able to keep up my hobby. But I ended up calling around and talked with customer service agents at a few companies that helped. I landed on ConvaTec Ostomy Supplies and they were pretty darn helpful. They laid out the movement and gear that would probably work for me. ConvaTec Ostomy Supplies also let me try out the stuff they suggested for free. You had better believe that helped instill some loyalty in me. I was elated to try out new gear while playing basketball in my driveway. It helped build up confidence that I could go out and play in public and not worry about leaks or smells.
Yes we all smell while playing basketball but no one wants to post up and guard the guy that literally smells of poo. And to be honest no one wants to be that guy either. So being able to talk out my issues with people was really great. Being able to try them out was good too. I got lots of advice about belts, the right sized bag and wicking clothes that could help with what I was doing. Being that active takes its toll on you and it is important to be geared up right.
