Hen do with a stoma | by Summer
I recently got back from the most amazing trip to Ibiza to celebrate my best friend’s hen do. This is the first girls trip I have done with my stoma and first hen do, so I wanted to share some top tops if you’re heading to your first hen do with a stoma!
Preparing for the trip
Planning is key with any hen do, especially if you are like us and have a different theme each night! Knowing what outfits I was going to wear each night actually made things a lot less stressful once I was there as I knew exactly how each dress fitted and concealed my bag.
When it comes to stoma supplies, for 4 nights I packed:
- 15 stoma bags
- 15 freeseals®
- 15 lavender wipes
- Adhesive remover
- 1 pack of baby wipes
- Disposable bags
Yes, it’s a lot – but I’m an over packer! When packing, I always split stoma supplies 50/50 over checked in and hand luggage, just in case my case ever goes missing, I know I have enough. In reality, I only used 5/6 of each as I changed my bag once a day.
Staying hydrated and managing alcohol
Now I’m not usually a massive drinker, so drinking for 5 days certainly pushed me and my bag to our limits! When it comes to drinking by the pool or at a beach club in the day, I will usually have one or two mojitos but with a soft drink in between. I always take a big, insulated water bottle with me so I can make sure I drink lots of water in between too. Throughout the day, I will also have either electrolyte tablets or a rehydration sachet just to top up. Then when it comes to the evenings and going out, I usually try to stick to one type of drink and have a glass of water too – until the shots come out that is…
My ultimate hack? Get in a rehydration sachet with a couple of paracetamols, and wake up hangover-free (well, mostly)!
Eating out with confidence
I am one of those people who will religiously check the menu before going out to eat and being on a hen do is no different! We went to some of the most amazing restaurants in Ibiza and my stoma didn’t interfere once! I stuck with foods I know digest well but also allowed myself to try new things. I had the most amazing sea bass dish; I am still dreaming about to this day! My advice would be to check the menu before and if you are worried about any particular foods, double check with your waiter.
Handling stoma care while away
Make sure you keep your stoma products in a cool air-conditioned room, to make bag changes a bit easier! I changed my pouch daily, usually post pool so I’d feel fresh and confident for the night ahead.
Enjoying the moment
Having a stoma shouldn’t stop you from going on a hen do or having an amazing time. Being with the girls on a trip like that, felt like having your own personal hype team so if you’re feeling anxious or not very confident then lean on your friends – that is what they are there for! Enjoy every single moment celebrating your bride to be!
I’m thinking of doing part two for the wedding? Let me know if you’d like to hear how it goes being a bridesmaid with a stoma!
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