Tips for Hitting to the Pool With Crohn’s or Colitis

It’s summertime and heading to the pool is all the rage. I live in Florida, so pool days are a way of life here. Most everyone has a pool in their backyard and you better believe more than half the population is swimming in them during the brutal, humid summer.

Going to pool can be stressful with IBD

But when you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, pool time is not always the best time. Many of us have anxiety because our symptoms can be so unpredictable. Urgency is a nightmare when you have a bathing suit on and are taking a swim. Just the thought of an accident can make you shutter.

Don’t you miss those days where you would just cannonball into the water with zero care in the world? I know I do.

Although hitting up the pool may come with more caution, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here are some tips I have come up with that help me enjoy lounging by the pool. Let’s take a look:

My tips for swimming with Crohn's or ulcerative colitis

1. Locate the restroom

For me, this is the most important step in lowering anxiety and having a solid game plan in case urgency hits. You don’t ever want to be caught off guard, you always need to know where the restroom is and how you are going to get there in the most efficient way.

Also, once the restroom is located, if there are lounge chairs nearby, put your things there so you are closest to the washroom. This will ease anxiety.

2. Don’t wear a complicated swimsuit

Swimsuits these days can have all sorts of accessories that make taking them off complicated. Some have belts, ties, wraps, etc. Well, if you are in a bind and need to get that swimsuit off as quickly as possible, these fashion accessories are going to hinder you.  

So wear comfortable and simple bathing suits that you can take off quickly. You will thank yourself if you do in fact have an emergency. Time is of the essence!

3. Bring safe, IBD-friendly foods for snacking

Everyone loves to snack by the pool. But don’t start experimenting with new foods at this moment. We all know symptoms can creep in fast if by chance we eat a trigger food, and no one wants that. 

So bring your safe foods so you can lounge, eat, and enjoy with everyone else.

4. Don’t overthink it

If you are completely terrified of having a pool day, then don’t put yourself through it. No point in torturing yourself. It is so important to be relaxed and free of anxiety to help symptoms remain calm.

Another option is to not get into the water. You can lounge in the lounge chairs and still enjoy the day out with friends and family and while not getting into the pool.

How about you? Are you still able to enjoy pool days since being diagnosed with Crohn’s or colitis? If so, what tips do you have to add? We love to hear from you, share below!