Diana Reeves, Neighbor

The year is winding down and the weather is starting to take a turn for the cooler. For my family this means that it is time to think about our last beach trip. We like to get and get our last full weekend of sun in at the end of the year and it has been a family tradition for a long time. But several years ago I ended up in surgery. I had my colon removed and my ended up with a stoma.

The fear was that I would never be able to go to the beach or enjoy that time with my family ever again. I had a lot of fears about an ostomy bag and what that might do to my lifestyle. My life has been fairly active and now that my children are a little older I have been able to make it even more active and include them in all the fun. The fear was something that I should never have worried about, but it is still a valid concern. It is indeed ok to have an ostomy and go to the beach.

I know that some people are a bit timid when it comes to ostomy bags, but I will tell you the truth you have ran into many people who have them and didn't even know it. The fact is that most people with a stoma live normal lives. Yes, the daily routine ends up changing due to the ostomy bag, but in reality not a whole lot changes with their life. I think the truth of the matter is that the average life of a person with a stoma is sometimes a little more active than someone without. When you are told you may not be able to do something it usually has the opposite effect. In my life the thought of not being an outdoorsman or being able to go to the beach made me want it even more. So I made sure that I found the right gear that allowed me to enjoy my family and the weather of the nearest sand.

Now I will say that if your doctor has a medical reason or tells you not to do something, then you need to follow those orders until either they or second opinion by another doctor comes in. Everyone's situation is different and no one fits into the same thing. That goes for your stoma as well. Not everyone is the same and the same gear that works for me may not work for you. I like to use a stoma cap at the beach and just know my timing on things really well. I also bring spare ostomy gear too. Keeping that gear safe is a big deal to me just in case I need it.

This means making sure I bring a little extra gear to the beach with me and the family. Yes, it is a bit annoying to grab my backpack that has my gear in it along with all the chairs, floaties, and water. But it is completely worth it to enjoy the times spent with family. I like to waterproof all my things with double bagging and then make sure that I don't get sand on it if I need it. Just be careful, use lots of sunscreen and UV proof shirts when you are wearing one. Have fun and enjoy being outside and yes, it's ok with your <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colostomy/">stoma</a>. I just wanted to share. Thank you!