Tips for your Stoma at the Beach

Vacation is one of my favorite times of the year. Simply being able to get away from all the business of life and enjoy the great outdoors with my family is a wonderful thing. One of our favorite things to do at least once a year is to pack up and head to a beach. It may be a saltwater vacation or vacation to a great lakes beach. We love them both and I have learned a few things about heading on this type of vacation with a stoma. I have found that life is just as fun and full as before my ostomy surgery, but I think that planning ahead and being prepared is not a hassle it is simply wise. So that is what I do when I go on vacation. I like to have a good plan and follow through so I am actually not worried about my stoma at all. That is the best part of vacation is leaving worries behind and simply living free. So let me go over my beach vacations and some of the things I do with my stoma.

The first thing to know is that it is still ok to have fun. Sometimes I am shocked at what people think about themselves after getting an ostomy surgery. They completely shut down and lose the joy of life. Slap yourself in the face if you feel that way. Having a stoma is not the end of the world. It is a learning curve at first, but once you get the hang of it and find some great gear that fits your body well you can do anything. Really, there are people who have done Iron Mans with a stoma. So don't feel like going to the beach is too much. It really isn't. Now I will say if your doctor has told you not to do it then obviously follow their reasoning. They know you and are your primary healthcare giver so they know what is best. But for the vast majority of people being active and heading on vacation is normal and I think necessary.

Now I usually use a very small bag or a stoma cap at the beach depending on the time of day and my personal feelings at the moment. But I always keep spares on hand of all my gear to change out in case I need to. For me this means keeping my spare gear safe and secure. I always bring a bag or backpack to the beach for my sunscreen and towel and books, so bringing extra ostomy gear is no big deal to me. But I keep it all double-bagged in zip lock bags and also a waterproof container. This is because sand and water simply get everywhere. If I need this gear I want ot be able to wipe my hands of all the sand and germs and get to my gear safely. So plan it out that you will be able to get to those pieces first without hurting the rest of your stuff. Now go have fun!