With the sunshine well and truly here, it may be some new ostomates first summer. One topic that comes up often is if a stoma bag makes you feel uncomfortable and hotter in the warmer weather. Does it affect your bag sticking? Does it feel different underneath clothes?
Use of accessory products
Accessory products are the products you use to support your skin and stoma bag in working as efficiently as it can. This may include any creams, pastes, powders, seals or sprays. Everyones needs are different, and the general rule is less is more. If you are experiencing more leaks or shortened wear time with your stoma bag, talk to your stoma nurse about what is appropriate for you. For me, stoma powder has been a hero product when my skin health has taken a turn for the worst. Your bag should not last less time because of warmer weather in general.
Using the right stoma bag for you
It goes without saying that you should always have the right stoma bag for you. Our skin changes as we get older, teamed with hormonal changes and environmental changes. It is important to recognise if your peristomal skin (the skin surrounding your stoma) changes in any way such as breaking down or becoming sore. Contact your stoma nurse to explore options that are suitable for you. I would avoid ordering lots of samples from different manufacturers, as again this can be overwhelming, and the look of a bag should not overtake the need for the bag to be functional. The bonus of my stoma bag is the fold up in half option as I don’t like the feel of the bag hanging down. But if it was not serving me anymore, I would need to forgo this and find something else.
Belts and waistbands
There are more and more of these appearing on the market. For trusted and approved options your stoma product provider may produce their own variety, or recommend options that you may qualify for on prescription. Comfizz is a well established brand and has options for children and adults. There are some ostomates who have created their own products, and Amazon has a wide range of options also. You do not have to spend large amounts on these types of products, so please don’t be enticed by large prices that advertise that they are better for you. The options may feel overwhelming, so make sure to do your research and even reach out to fellow ostomates who use such products and see what they have experienced. If you are active on social media, be careful about getting lots of messages offering you discounts on products that claim to help with your stoma care. Always check with a health professional first.
Clothing choices
There is no reason why you can’t wear what you did pre-stoma in the summer, however if it makes you feel different and certain items don’t serve you anymore, that’s a different matter. Cycling shorts is my go to with anything dress or shirt wise. Having my bag tucked away in them makes it streamlined under my clothes, and I forget it is there. Some people will have their bag out on show and feel confident on the beach, and that’s wonderful! Don’t get disheartened if that is not you. Some of us never get to that place of such confidence, and for others it may take months if not years.
You are on your own journey
Remember that your stoma journey is individual to you, and the time-frame in which you reach your goals will vary from one person to the next. Every time you step out of the door with your stoma bag, carrying out jobs, going to a place of work, caring for your children, going for a loaf of bread, or meeting friends and family, be proud that you are doing so. Having a stoma weighs heavy for some, and extremely heavy for others. Take inspiration from others, but go by your own timeline.
