Winter activities with kids with a stoma | by Rachel
Name me a busier time of year than the festive period when you have children. It is relentless! Never mind the standard clubs, the medical appointments and medical treatments you may have to take your children to. Add in the novelty activities and festive events, and your feet don’t touch the ground.
As an ostomate, I hear a lot of fellow ostomates say that having a stoma doesn’t stop you. It may not stop most people, but it does mean you need to take more consideration into where you go and what you do. For some, accessibility may mean it does stop you. We all have a stoma for very different reasons, and some may make life more difficult than others. When it comes to children with a stoma, the same rules apply. Not all of them have the same reasons, and how it impacts their everyday life can differ greatly. As an ostomate, and a parent to one, I know first hand some of the potential barriers that a parent may come across.
Novelty events and sports
Ice skating is something that screams winter and festive magic. If your little one wants to go and you can, having a stoma shouldn’t stop you. If we are thinking about the worst case, then sharp skates and a bag of output and gas aren’t a great combination. The likelihood of anything happening, and falling directly into the skate is very small. Having the bag tucked away, and layers of clothes as it’s usually cold, should mean the stoma is safe and sound. Making sure to start the session with an empty bag so you don’t need to stop during the middle of it, and knowing where the facilities are is essential. Toilets are rarely right next to a rink whether it is inside or outside. Give yourself plenty of time to get sorted.
Santa visits and venues
Places are popping up all over the place to offer Santa visits, breakfast with Santa and all that comes with it. What once was a pumpkin field is turning into a Christmas village and outdoor venues on farms have offerings to. What about visiting these places with a stoma? Having been to quite a few, it may be difficult to find accessible toilets for managing a stoma if you require more space. This is normally more important where young children are concerned, when as a parent, you need to assist a child in the toilet which for a standard toilet cubicle, is impossible. Make sure to check toilet facilities before you attend anywhere. Venues may also offer a concession rate, which a lot of them don’t advertise. If you are in receipt of Carers Allowance or DLA, you should qualify. It could save you a lot of money!
Finally…
I have found myself in more situations than I would care to admit, where the facilities at these places are not to standard, and I have had to empty a stoma bag in the car. This time of year, the car emergency kit is used more than ever. Make sure to store items according to the manufacturer’s instructions and if you think they have been affected negatively by the cold weather, switch them out for new. It is easy to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do everything on offer this time of year but having quality time and doing a few festive things, whether it is at home or out, is more than enough. Leaving the house with little ones with additional needs can be so stressful and a logistical nightmare. Find the joy where you can – I hope you have the best time!
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