Water parks and theme parks with a stoma | by Nikki
Water parks? Swimming? Aqua parks? Theme parks? With a stoma (or two)…
YES YOU ABSOLUTELY CAN.
So straight out of surgery, no these weren’t my biggest concerns… maybe we will dive into those another time! But of course, as time goes on, these sorts of things will pop up.
So here it is, you’re learning to live with your stoma, maybe you’re back to work, you’ve been on nights out with your friends, you’re managing to parent again. You’ve even been away for a night.
But suddenly there is a new hurdle and it looks like a massive floating obstacle course on a lake, or a rollercoaster, or just a dip in your local swimming pool or maybe you’re headed on holiday and you are ready for it all, but not the swimming! All these things that used to be enjoyable and a treat, suddenly fill you with fear and anxiety.
I have managed all of these things, and I can tell you; you will be fine. Your bag won’t blow up on the rollercoaster, it won’t just fall off as you’re going round the loop the loop, you won’t fill a swimming pool with poo and your bag won’t fill with water.
My top tips for trying to manage the anxiety and make sure your bag is super secure so you can enjoy life are below:
- Use flange extenders, these just add an extra bit to your baseplate so you have a bit more security.
- For rides/water activities wear a support band. Again, it gives you an extra level of security and will stop your bag flapping about or getting caught up.
- Double check before you go. Empty when you can at adventure sorts of places and not when you need to.
- And finally, start smaller and build yourself up. Confidence is built; it doesn’t come out of nowhere.
And as always, life is for living. Especially when you have a stoma. So, crack on, get yourself out there and go and enjoy life.
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