Embracing adventure with a stoma

Can’t quite believe I’m saying this already, but Happy August!

This year is going so quickly, and it seems as though Summer has forgotten to turn up in the UK... Anyone else sick of having to take their raincoat everywhere?

Having this unpredictable weather at the moment really does make you want to jet off on an adventure somewhere, so this really ties in with my topic for this month’s blog post – Travel & Adventure with an ostomy!

I absolutely LOVE to travel and have been to many places around the world since having my ileostomy, but it certainly does come with some fears. I love exploring, seeing new landscapes, new cultures and experiencing new things. Having an ileostomy and travelling can seem a daunting thing but with planning, it doesn’t have to be!

PREPARE

Like with most things, preparation is KEY! Before you set off, have a quick check and see where you might be able to make toilet stops if necessary and grab yourself a bottle of water.

Always, always, always, overpack your supplies! If I’m going away for a week, I’ll take double the amount of supplies I’d usually use. I want to make sure I have enough for one change per day, plus extras for emergencies or if I want a fresh bag for an evening out. I’d probably say, take double the amount you would usually use.

LOCATION

Having an ostomy may make you a little less ‘spontaneous’ when choosing your location, for example, maybe don’t choose going backpacking through a remote desert for your first trip after surgery...

When choosing where to travel to, I like to go for places that feel ‘reliable’. For me that means, decent toilets, medical services and clean running water, for drinking and showering!

SPARE OUTFIT

If you’re on holiday, chances are you might fancy a little explore, which could mean that you venture further away from a toilet. When I go on an adventure, I take my stoma supplies and I like to wear a baggy fit top so that it conceals a full bag a little better. If it’s your first adventure with your stoma, you may find taking a spare outfit just puts your mind at ease.

INSURANCE

Investing in comprehensive travel insurance is a wise move for anyone, but it's especially crucial for those with unique medical needs. Ensure your policy covers any potential complications related to your stoma. Obviously, it varies from person to person, but I’ve never found the prices of insurance are that eye watering since my ostomy.

If you plan to travel multiple times in the year, you may find that purchasing annual travel insurance works our slightly cheaper than doing it for each individual trip!

HYDRATION/VITAMINS

As an ileostomate, I'm REALLY big on hydration. I tend to feel quite ill if I don’t drink enough, and that combined with hot weather or climbing a mountain is not fun! So, water and hydration drinks are an absolute must.

I also like to take my vitamins with me on trips. I decant them into a weekly pill box, which just saves me taking all the bulkier packaging with me!

If you want to learn more about Diet and Hydration, download SecuriCare’s FREE Diet and Nutrition Guide.

EXPLORING AND ACTIVITIES

Having a stoma doesn’t need to limit your adventures! I was always so worried that my stoma would stop me from seeing the world, but boy was I wrong!

I may not be an extreme sports kinda guy, but I can hike, snorkel, swim and go on all the city tours I like. If you ARE an “extreme sporter”, simply let the activity organisers know about your pouch, and any adjustments you might need, in advance.

SUPPORT

I love writing blogs and being active on socials. I want to connect with other people who have gone through similar experiences so we can share invaluable insights and emotional support.!

Online forums, social media groups and local ostomy support networks can offer a platform for you to voice any questions or concerns you have, and you can learn tips and tricks from other ostomates that you might find helpful!

You can always message me on Instagram @thatsnathan and I'd be happy to try and answer your questions as best I can.

If you have any questions about getting products delivered discreetly to your home or if you need advice on what product might be suitable for your holiday, you can always contact SecuriCare or request FREE product samples from CliniMed.

With planning and a strong mindset, we can achieve ANYTHING. Experiencing the world is for everyone! Medical conditions or not!

Your Ileostomy bag is just a small part of your life story, and it should never hold you back from embracing adventure.

So, go ahead and set out on your next adventure, knowing that you have the knowledge and tools to make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Keep smiling!

Nathan x