Hen do abroad with a stoma | by Ayesha
Packing
When preparing for any trip away I always over-pack. I’d much rather have too much than too little when it comes to stoma products. I’ll pack a few supplies into my suitcase, a few products in my hand luggage and some products in the suitcase of who I’m travelling with.
As well as all my stoma supplies, I also pack daily essentials such as electrolytes, supplements and dioralyte. It’s very easy to become dehydrated with a stoma bag and this is an even bigger concern in a warm country.
I like to think of myself as being prepared and organised when it comes to my ileostomy. I always make sure to pack extra underwear, extra bikinis and even extra outfits. Just in the worst case scenario where I may have a leak.
I’ll always pack extra dry wipes and soft tissues to keep in my handbag for heading out, just to avoid accidents or running out of toilet roll.
Managing a busy schedule
A hen party is usually crazy busy from start to finish! The week before I’ll make sure to rest and recover as much as possible to ensure that I don’t end up burning myself out before it even gets started.
If the week/weekend away is jam packed, I’ll make sure and take a few little moments to myself where I’ll take myself off to empty my bag or take a few moments to myself while doing quick check ins.
As it can be busy from the get-go, I’ll always take some time to do a fresh bag change that morning – just to give myself a little confidence boost for that day and to start my day off right.
Anyone who knows me, knows about my stoma bag so I won’t have the guilt of taking too long in the bathroom or friends/family not understanding if I need to slip away which is a relief for me.
A huge tip would be to not let your stoma hold you back. I do everything my friends do and more when away. I don’t let me stoma define me and don’t allow it to be a reason or a preventative to stop me from joining in or having fun, it sometimes just needs extra thinking and a few extra toilet trips in between but that’s the only real difference!
Socialising and alcohol
I never find any issues with socialising and alcohol when I’m away. I just try to know my own limits and ensure I stay hydrated and drink loads of water, I always try to stay ahead of the game.
I’ll be a bit more careful of what I’m eating and drinking when I’m away. I’ll try and eat more plain, stoma friendly food and avoid risky foods that can cause me to become bloated or feel unwell.
If I feel it’s necessary I’ll give myself a little breather in between the food and drinks just to allow my stoma some breathing time too!
Other challenges
A lot of the time you have to prepare yourself for the funny and inquisitive looks you can get when on holiday. I feel that this is something that gets easier with time and if I choose to wear a bikini and have my bag on show, it’s just part and partial of this.
I always wear what I want when I’m on holiday too. I’ll make sure that my outfits are comfortable and not too tight around my stoma. Most of the time though I can wear my holiday outfits without a second thought.
I’ll also make sure and say no if I’m not comfortable with something or I feel it could cause difficulty. For example, I would be very hesitant of trying water sports on holiday or anything that could cause impact to my stomach area. I don’t find issues with setting boundaries and I think it’s so important to do what’s best for you. Just always make sure to have loads of fun!
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