One milestone post stoma surgery is going away for the weekend/night to an unfamiliar place. Questions may come up regarding what supplies to take, how to deal with a leak, and how to explore a new place confidently following such major surgery away from home. With some planning and preparation, there is no reason why with a stoma, you cannot enjoy your time and relax into it.
Preparation
Make sure to take enough supplies with you per day, including a few spare stoma bag changes. Not having enough is something no one wants to deal with. Respond Healthcare does have the ability to send out extra supplies in an emergency, anywhere in the country, so having their number saved is a sensible idea too if they are your dispensary company. I ensure I have two changes of stoma bag in my bag I wear out and about, then the rest in the car. It may comfort you to bring more, but for me leaks are very rare, and I don’t want to carry out lots of supplies if not needed.
I always take conti sheets which are complementary with Respond, and can be put under your bed sheets to stop any leaks going through. They look very similar to puppy training pads measuring 60 x 60cm. I always have a few in the car, and when going away from home if a bag change becomes messy and my output has rocketed. It can give you great peace of mind when sleeping in a bed that is not yours.
Do your research
Wherever you intend to spend your day, ensure you are satisfied with facilities available to sort any bag changes or toilet trips where you need more space. Taking a radar key and a card to show you need to use toilet facilities urgently is also helpful. If you are in receipt of disability benefits, or are a carer to someone who is, check if attractions have concession rates or a free carers ticket to book. This can half your admission price! Check online before going as some places need you to book over the phone as websites don’t always make these options visible. This does not mean it is not an option, so I always take the time to call and check.
Wardrobe, hydration and diet
Comfort above anything else! If you have outfits that make you feel fabulous and bring you comfort then that’s the goal. It can be easier said than done, but I always avoid tight clothing, and bring spare underwear in my bag as I wander around, just in case an emergency change is needed. Thankfully this has been very rare. If you are trying foods different from your normal diet and you aren’t the type of person that can get away with eating everything, take care of how your output may change. Make sure to chew, chew, chew!! You don’t want to have a blockage away from home.
It is so easily done to forget to drink regularly when you are somewhere new and exciting, the day can run away with you. Suddenly hours have gone by, and a headache may start or you feel drowsy, poorly and fatigued. I am guilty for this after covering 20,000 steps a day on a recent weekend away in London. I didn’t drink anywhere near as much as I should have, and suffered for it. If you use electrolytes make sure to take them with you. I bought some bottles of Lucozade, and drank little and often to make sure it would be absorbed and not just flush through me.
Above all else…
Having a stoma does not mean you can not go on holidays, weekends away, and see new places near or far without keeping these few things in check. It does take more consideration as an ostomate, which can feel overwhelming at times. Make lists, check them twice, and pack in good time in case you forget things. Always have spares supplies, not just on you, but in the car, or with someone else you may be traveling with. If you do lose luggage or things get damaged you know you have back ups. Take all the photos, and get stuck in. Have fun making memories and don’t let your stoma hold you back. You may be new to your stoma and think this is not possible. If this is you, give yourself time and test the water with little outings not far from home. When your confidence builds you can spread your wings.
