Learning Your Stoma and Working Out

In the United States, we like to be active and enjoy the outdoors. Part of his is why so many people who just find out that they are going to have to have a stoma get scared and sad. The wonderful thing that I am sometimes able to do is to let them know that there is nothing to fear. The reality is that many and most people who have an ostomy end up living normal and active lives. This is because technology has come a long way and that tolerance has also changed over the years. Now I know people who are hiking, swimming and doing iron man competitions with a stoma and it is a beautiful thing to see. There are a few things that can help you get into the active lifestyle with your stoma and I would love to go over a few that have helped me through situations that could have been way worse.

Lot's of people have stomas. Just know this. Because of this truth it means that there is a huge amount of information and willing people who would love to help you. That can come from online sources, pharmacies, or even the social media world. There are so many options to find information from and of course, I am not mentioning your healthcare provider who for all medical issues should be your first call. But I branch out all the time on my own and try new things. I think this is wise.

Get online and learn what you can. Know most of it is crap, but the more you learn you can decipher it all. Yes, social media and tons of blogs and forums are out there and can give lots of information. Some of it is good and some of it is bad, but the information is out there. I suggest finding multiple sources for each question and only start thinking they are right if they all lineup. So many people lie or have no idea what they are talking about so just be careful.

Youtube is a great start and some creators with stomas live active lifestyles. This to me is a little more social proof that what they are talking about is real because you are actually seeing. it. Now know that even ostomy sponsors exist and it is a real first world problem if they are paid to give a good review. Some will be honest and tell you if they are being paid and you can take their review with a grain of salt. But in general, I like this area of media and it helps me not only hike better, run better, but be more fashionable while doing it. I see so many trends that I never would have thought of before seeing it on Youtube and it helps keep me ahead of the game. That is important for being able to have fun outside.

Call new companies too. If I am going on a backpacking trip I want to know if any new gear is out there. If I have never gone on one I want to ask their opinions and see what people have done in the past. These companies are usually pretty awesome and will give free samples to back up their claims and have you test it out before you go on your trip. I love doing this and finding out what can improve my life.