The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and festivities. For ostomy, stoma users, it’s also a time for planning and preparation. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and stress-free holiday season:
Essential Supplies
- Extra Supplies: Always carry extra supplies, including pouches, skin barriers, and ostomy, stoma belts. You never know when you might need them.
- Medication: Pack all necessary medications, including pain relievers, anti-diarrheals, and any other medications you may need. Make sure that you order in plenty of time. It is so easy to get caught up in the holiday planning.
- Hydration: Remember to stay hydrated, especially during travel. Carry a reusable water bottle with you, as you can keep an eye on what you have drank.
- Healthy Snacks: Or not so healthy snacks depending on what you can eat. Remember that small amounts of food throughout the day keeps your energy up. Plus I have found that if I don’t eat regularly my stoma, ostomy becomes really noisy. The brass band erupts.
An ace guide of what to eat as you live with your ostomy, stoma https://bit.ly/3RBSE76
Travel Tips
- Notify Airline: Inform your airline about your ostomy, stoma and the needs you have, many travel services will give you extra baggage allowance for medical supplies, plus you could be nearer the toilet.
- Carry-On Bag: Keep essential supplies in your carry-on bag to avoid losing them in checked baggage. More often than not you will be given more carry-on bag allowance. Then you don’t have to worry of it getting lost.
- Compact Supplies: Consider using smaller, travel-sized supplies to save space in your luggage.
- Airport Security: Be prepared for airport security screenings. Have a letter from your doctor explaining your medical condition if necessary. The new scanners seem to show the stoma, ostomy bag but not panic. You can ask to have a private room to explain your medical needs.
This free PDF has many apps that you can use on any smartphone so you know where the toilets are Plus they are rated as well. How cool is that?? https://bit.ly/3ULhino
Holiday Gatherings
- Host or Guest: Whether you’re hosting or attending a gathering, communicate your dietary needs to the host. If I am eating out I take a look at the menu beforehand to see what there is to eat. I am gluten intolerant which is a pain but much more heightened due to the radiotherapy. Has your food intake changed since your surgery or treatment?
- Comfort is Key: Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your ostomy, stoma pouch. If you have that beautiful dress to wear or suit I would recommend that you wear and give it a dry run to gaining assess to your bag.
- Stress Management: Practice stress management techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to reduce anxiety. One quick tip is to take one deep breathe and this sends a message to your brain that it is all okay. That you are safe.
- Emergency Plan: Have a plan in place in case of an ostomy, stoma-related emergency. Know where the nearest restroom is and have a backup supply of supplies. I have found that having a person that trust that will cover for you if you need space to deal with your bag. I have a codeword so that I don’t have to explain myself to anyone as my trusted person will step in and cover for me. This has taken a load of my mind.
Great tips and tools in this amazing FREE PDF https://bit.ly/3V4xMod
By following these tips, you can enjoy the holiday season without worrying about your ostomy. Remember, you are not alone. Many other ostomy, stoma users navigate the holidays successfully.
Do you have any specific questions about holiday prep for ostomy users?
In 2013, my life changed forever when I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. After battling through surgery and treatment, I received a second chance at life, but it came with a new reality—a permanent ileostomy. Navigating the emotional and physical challenges of living with a stoma was not easy, but it has shaped me into the person I am today: resilient, compassionate, and determined to help others on similar journeys.
As a trained clinical therapist, I bring both professional expertise and personal experience to my work. I understand the mental toll conditions like cancer, anxiety, stress, and grief can take, especially when compounded by living with a stoma, ostomy. My passion lies in breaking the barriers and stigma surrounding stoma care, providing support, and empowering individuals to embrace life with confidence. Life with a stoma can be challenging, but it is still precious, and I believe in helping others discover that they can still live fully and thrive.
