A Stress Free Christmas With an Ostomy

It’s not something I discuss or divulge very often but Christmas pre stoma pretty much landed me in hospital for every new year for about 6 years running. Christmas is always meant to be the most wonderful time of the year but it’s also hectic, crazy and incredibly stressful and stress is one thing my body does not agree with. I was originally diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in December of 2003. I got to Boxing Day, couldn’t take anymore and ended up being admitted for close to a month, received my diagnosis and then treatment started.

Why did Christmas pre-stoma make me ill?

Christmas pre-stoma was always a bit like playing Russian roulette, due to scar tissue and short bowel after my reversal surgery I would either end up in hospital with a bowel obstruction, Crohn’s flare or my favourite acute renal failure.

December then was always a will she/won’t she. In the end I used to spend Christmas at home to make sure I was at least relaxed and lessened the stress on my system.

I used to forget to eat, not drink enough, forget to take my meds or end up catching every bug going around. I would always check and if anyone said they had been ill or mentioned the word stomach bug, I would steer well clear. Working in a large office at the time also didn’t help.

Louise – Pre stoma

Stress was also a major factor in all of this as well, my anxiety does not like stress, my body also doesn’t find it agreeable. It has taken me a while to find a set routine and keep things calm and settled during the festive month. Which is why I prepare and plan. Yes I may be slightly smug and get all my orders in and shopping sorted pre-festive month but I would rather that than end up panicking about silly little things.

Christmas after my stoma

I will admit my first Christmas after my stoma was a pretty timid relaxed affair. I spent Christmas day with my brother and husband doing the cooking so my diet was catered for only having been a month postoperative then.

Since then the last 5 Christmas periods have been spent relatively unscathed, I was admitted for acute renal failure early December in 2017 but since then between my dietician and my stoma nurse we have got my high output under control and I am on fluid restrictions between November and January to help my needs and reduce the risk of severe dehydration. This is just something that I have to live with and this won’t be the same for most ostomates.

I know what I can and can’t eat these days, I limit my alcohol intake and just play it safe. We have a set routine with family too so this eases the stress of the situation. I get all my shopping done before the 3rd of December and in the current climate of covid most of it is online and delivered to my house.

This year I am fingers crossed going to be up with my mum on the big day and I will be playing second in command as my husband is cooking and I will be helping and boxing day will be spent at the in-laws, so I will avoid cooking and just help with the clean up. I have supplies at both houses just in case with my stoma and I can just creep off and nap if needed.

Christmas at the relatives

If you are relatively new to stoma life the best advice I can give is to put in your food requests with the people hosting that particular day so you can be relaxed and at ease and not worrying about having to leave half the plate.

Stoma Supplies

Packing a stoma kit is usually advisable over the period as one to many sherbets or being just plain tired can cause plans to change and you staying over for the night. I usually pack enough to last me 3 changes to account for the odd mishap or just needing to change my bag

That’s about as much advice as I can give for the festive period. Stay safe, have fun and most importantly have a fantastic Christmas.

Many thanks for reading

Louise X