You absolutely can go to a concert with an ostomy.
Having stoma surgery is life-changing, and for many, including myself, life-saving.
Being a huge music fan, one of the things I really couldn’t wait to be able to do after stoma surgery was going to a concert.
So many people worry about going to a concert after stoma surgery, but I’m here to tell you that it absolutely can be done. Since my surgery in 2011, I’ve easily averaged five concerts a year, and I’ve only ever experienced times where my ostomy took priority twice. That’s good going if you ask me.
Please note that this is with regards to my experiences living with an ileostomy and using a one-piece, drainable ostomy bag. Let’s get started.
I’ll briefly set the scene and give you the background info. My stoma, ‘Stacey’, was formed in 2011, when I was 19 years old. I needed her due to severe Crohn’s disease (a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)) and due to a large, benign tumour on my colon, the size of a watermelon. Surgeons didn’t find this until they operated. If surgeons had left things even a few hours, I was told I wouldn’t be here, so she literally saved my life.
“Is it too soon after surgery to go to a concert?”
This is something that is so personal to the individual. The answer is that it’s different for everybody and that for you, it’s
important to decide this based on how you feel and with what your medical team have advised.
I went to my first concert, with my mum, just three months after my surgery. I found it difficult in the respect that I felt low in energy and a bit light-headed, because I hadn’t felt able to go to a concert for years before my surgery, without being in pain or needing to rush to a toilet. I didn’t know what it was like to enjoy it. I had some fruit pastilles, stayed hydrated and stayed near the back with my mum (it was standing) so I could be out the crowds, until we decided it was time to leave, and it was really refreshing and new to be able to stand there without pain or needing the toilet suddenly. It was one of the first times after my surgery that I truly started to see what things my ostomy was already enabling me to do and enjoy. I wore leggings, a band t-shirt, a cardigan, my stoma supportwear and took a small bag with a spare ostomy bag change in.
“What do I wear to a concert with an ostomy bag?”
When preparing for a concert, this can feel like quite the mind marathon! I always find an outfit with layers is a good option for ostomy fashion and usually wear something like a band t-shirt, with high waisted shorts or a high waisted skirt, tights and knee length, lace-up boots or some Dr Martens and tights. I then usually have a cardigan on top or a shirt left open, to give me an option to layer up if I’m cold or want to have an option to cover myself more if my bag is filling up and I don’t want to go to the toilet yet! But to be honest, the person who is most likely to notice your ostomy bag is you. I always wear stoma support wear too (usually high waisted knickers) underneath to help smooth out any bag bulges and keep my bag securely in place and feel more protected. Here are some examples of festival and concert outfits I have worn:
Going through bag searches and concert security
The thought of this used to really make me worry! I’ve not had a bad experience yet when it comes to this. Nobody has ever patted me down or asked me about my ostomy bag under my outfit and I let them know about my spare ostomy supplies and tablets I may need when I open my concert bag that I take with me.
You can get free, downloadable documents to carry with you in your concert bag to explain about your ostomy if you don’t want to explain, such as this from Respond.
Eating and drinking at a concert
Maintaining hydration and energy at a concert is something that can take a bit of trial and error. I don’t drink alcohol anymore as it doesn’t agree with me personally, but I know plenty of people who do drink and have no problems.
I always get water to stay hydrated and usually something like ready salted crisps or sweets if I need a sugar boost. A good meal before hand is key (or my energy hits a wall half way through) and I usually have a fizzy drink too for a bit of sugar. I always change my ostomy bag before concerts to avoid ballooning from the fizzy drinks and so that the filters are fresh. I also use a maxi bag, where as in the day I wear a midi.
Other concert tips with an ostomy
Other tips I find useful are:
- Going to the toilet before entering the concert.
- Taking loperamide to slow my output down if it’s watery.
- Taking a waist bag or small bag to take a spare ostomy bag kit in. This usually includes 2 bag changes as I find if I have a leak or a problem, I get a couple in quick succession.
- Dance like nobody’s watching – nobody knows you have a stoma unless you’ve told them.
- If you’re worried about getting bumped, stay somewhere where you have more space, if you can, or get a seated ticket.
- Contact the venue for accessibility arrangements – I’ve never done this as I’ve not felt I’ve needed it, but it is an option.
Choosing an efficient delivery service
Respond have made my life so much easier with a stoma, because I know I’ll always have supplies. I have regular, repeat orders that they send out without me needing to contact them. Only if I need something changing do I need to get in touch. I get regular updates every step of the way when it comes to my delivery and I don’t need to panic about not having supplies. It’s always great to know when my deliveries will arrive, especially if I’m planning on going away to a concert for a few days.
Respond’s useful advice and support
Respond have a blog full of posts from other ostomates on their website. Some blog posts in their lifestyle section are:
- Travelling with a stoma – by me
- Travelling with a stoma bag – by Maryrose
Respond’s ‘Care Range’ is also great to combine products into one to make it easier to take things with you to a concert, without cramming your concert bag full!
In summary, having an ostomy doesn’t stop me from attending concerts. It enables me to and to dance like nobody is watching! I’ve had leaks at one concert, which did put a bit of a downer on the experience, but I got to the toilet easily and sorted it. I was prepared. However, it’s okay to sometimes feel down about having your ostomy, it’s a big change to your body. Just remember, you’re not alone and you deserve support.
For many, including myself, an ostomy isn’t the end, it is just the beginning!
