Preparing for a holiday with a stoma

Preparing for a holiday with a stoma: my experience and tips

Preparing for a holiday with a stoma might seem a bit intimidating, but trust me, with a bit of preparation, you can have an amazing and stress-free trip. I’ve been on several holidays since my stoma surgery, and I thought I’d share some of my tips and experiences to help you feel more confident and ready for your next holiday!

Packing supplies

First things first, let’s talk about packing. I have always been a bit of an over packer anyway but better to be safe than sorry! especially when it comes to stoma supplies. For reference I normally change my bag once a day and this is what I packed for my 10-day trip to Mexico:

• 30 Pelican ModaVi stoma bags
• 30 freeseals
• 30 lavender barrier wipes
• 3 cans of REFRESH
• Dry wipes
• Disposable bags

I split these equally across three bags: one in my hand luggage and one in each of my two checked-in cases. This way, if any of my bags get lost, I’ll still have enough supplies. Overpacking might seem excessive, but trust me, it gives peace of mind.

Airport security tips

Navigating airport security with stoma supplies can be a bit daunting. Here are some tips to ease the process:

Make sure all supplies are the correct size for hand luggage. Aerosols count as liquids, so if you have a remover spray, ensure it’s the right size. Be prepared to explain your stoma if needed. If I’m pulled aside for a pat-down search, I inform the security personnel about my stoma bag and ask them to be careful around my stomach area. Carry a stoma card explaining what a stoma bag is and why you have it. These cards are available in different languages, which is super handy if you’re traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language.

Clothes and swimwear options

Packing the right clothes and swimwear can make your holiday much more comfortable. I always pack a mixture of bikinis and swimsuits. The first time you wear a bikini with your stoma bag out can be quite daunting. I was really nervous about how people would react. But honestly, people don’t really care. Everyone is busy enjoying their holiday, just like you should be! I’ve only had one person come up to me and mention my stoma, and it was a fellow ostomate. She said she’d never had the confidence to wear a bikini but loved that I was rocking my stoma bag and looked amazing. We had the loveliest chat, and I was so glad I wore my bikini that day.

Clothing-wise, I tend to opt for evening dresses that are a little more flowing to stay cool and not restrict my bag. I always pack a few pairs of linen shorts to dress up for the evenings or dress down for the day. I also love throw-over beach cover-up dresses for going to breakfast and lunch!

Swimming

When it comes to swimming, I have a couple of strategies to ensure my stoma bag stays secure. For activities like snorkelling, I prefer a swimsuit or high-waisted bikini to keep my stoma bag secure. For pool or beach days, I either fold up my Pelican ModaVi bag in half or tuck it into my bikini bottoms.

Traveling with a stoma might require a bit more planning, but it shouldn’t stop you from having a fantastic holiday. Embrace your stoma, pack wisely, and enjoy your holiday!

Summer
@summers_stoma