Your guide to shovelling snow as an ostomate
Embracing the winter often requires ostomates in colder climates to navigate unique challenges, particularly when facing the daunting task of snow shovelling. Beyond the usual precautions, those with stomas need to be especially mindful of the impact strenuous activities can have on their abdominal muscles and stoma.
Ostomates must exercise caution when engaging in snow-clearing activities like shovelling. Given the surgery incisions, ostomates face an elevated risk of strained abdominal muscle injuries and should take diligent measures to safeguard against potential harm to the stoma.
Before doing any shovelling (or any other kind of strenuous activity), please make sure that you’ve discussed it with your Stoma Care Nurse, particularly if your stoma is quite new and may not be fully healed yet. Doing any kind of heavy lifting too soon can cause a hernia to develop; it is better to prevent a hernia than to have to manage it afterwards.
If you do decide to undertake some snow shovelling, it is extremely important to use the safest method and technique. Opt for pushing a shovel full of snow over lifting and throwing it, as this places less strain on your back and abdomen (and therefore, your stoma site). Begin from one side, ploughing through to the other, and discharge the snow off the side of your driveway or walkway instead of attempting to throw it aside. It is also useful to hold the shovel handle to the side of your body, opposite your stoma, as you push it along. This positioning is safer, especially in the event of encountering uneven surfaces on the driveway or sidewalk, as it prevents the handle from driving into your abdomen or, more critically, your stoma.
Ensuring proper hydration is crucial before, during, and after engaging in snow shovelling. Ostomates who go into shovelling unprepared can experience overstrain and insufficient hydration, resulting in potential muscle strains. Approach snow shovelling with mindfulness and prioritise maintaining hydration levels to mitigate the risk of physical strain.
It is also important to take your time, particularly if your stoma surgery was quite recent. Take it slow and be sure to rest between each shovel pass. If you find yourself getting tired, take some time to go inside and rest before tackling some more of the job.
As the winter season unfolds, ostomates can confidently approach snow shovelling armed with the insights shared here. Remember, taking the necessary precautions today ensures a winter season filled not only with the beauty of snow but also with the assurance of a healthy stoma.