Self-care with a stoma

Self-care with a stoma

With the festive season upon us comes a lot of pressure for us ostomates, and those of us with hidden illnesses. Everyone is busy making plans, lots of meals, nights out, events with friends and family. Packing in so much during the month and the busy lead up to Christmas can be stressful and tiresome, which if you are missing major organs can take a strain. Self care is more important than ever. At a time when it feels like we need to be everything for others, it’s important not to lose sight of what we need also.

Keeping hydrated
Alcohol plays a big part during this season, but a lot of us stay away from the stuff with the effects of dehydration taking its toll, and secondary conditions making it a no go. If you are indulging in a few drinks and you aren’t one of the lucky few that can drink and get merry until your heart’s content – know your limits. Alternating between non alcoholic drinks and spacing them out is a great shout. It’s easier on the bank account too. Hydration drinks are good to be stocked up with. Dioralyte can be in short supply this time of year with winter bugs about, so if you see a box (or an alternative) be sure to grab one just in case. You can make your own solution also if you give it a google! Being busy and travelling to see friends and family can mean rushing and being away from home, changing access to drinks and having to remember to drink more. Take a bottle out with you and keep track of your intake. There is nothing worse than a headache setting in and realising you’ve hardly drunk much that day.

Reflection and rest
Taking the chance to reflect on the year gone by can be more painful for some than others given the year and what has happened. I know for me it has been the most transformative year. A lot has happened and it has been heavy and traumatic at times. Christmas can be a painful reminder of things we can not do that perhaps others without a chronic illness can, such as restricting activities, yummy food and trips away. It is assumed that we all have lovely plans and will be at home merry, making festive memories, but unfortunately that isn’t the case for all. Winter bugs hit us ostomates hard with many of us admitted into hospital over the coming months. Try not to put pressure on yourself to be the happiest you can be and make lots of plans. Take each day as it comes and be in the present, incredibly difficult during modern times I know. If you have had a wonderful year, end the year with a bang and enjoy. If it has been challenging, be proud of how far you have come and know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. No tunnel ends without taking more steps each day. Keep moving forward best you can.

Supplies
It can be anxiety inducing wondering what will happen with supplies this time of year with your deliveries. My little ostomate and I have been with Respond for nearly 8 years now, and they always publish well in advance their opening hours over the period of multiple bank holidays and early closures. A courtesy call or email is made to see if we need anything. I have never been worried or left without supplies. If you are unsure of when your delivery service operates over the Christmas period, check their website or give them a call. You don’t want to have your Christmas break ruined by worry when there is no need to be. If you feel you are short on supplies or become ill resulting in you using more supplies than planned, give them a call ASAP and organise more. Explain the situation and be honest with them. Your supplier should be sympathetic and help.

Learning to say no and socialising
Extra stress can cause difficulty when you live with a bowel condition. According to the NHS (find source here):

“In some people, stress slows down digestion, causing bloating, pain and constipation, while in others it speeds it up, causing diarrhoea and frequent trips to the loo. Some people lose their appetite completely.”

During the festive period there are more socialising opportunities than ever with seeing friends, family and work parties. It can be tempting to want to say yes to everything and take every opportunity to make memories at this time of year. The dreaded fear of missing out can loom, and not wanting to let people down if they really want to spend time with you. We all know too well that getting poorly can come on very quickly, or that niggling tummy ache can make going out not pleasurable at all. I know myself I am guilty of saying yes when I know deep down I should rest and stay at home, but we want to see our loved ones happy. I have learnt to take a step back and listen to my mind and body more. If something in me says it’s too much I need to say no. If it’s a meal out and drinks after then why not just attend the meal and let people know you will need to head home after, but wish them a lovely time. Can’t make it through the meal? Be honest and say it will have to be another time, even if it is last minute you feel you can’t. If they care about you they will understand and be supportive. Pushing yourself too hard will only make you worse for the next plan, and god forbid the arrival of Santa himself! Look out for the signs and go with your gut. There will always be next time!

Until next time,
Rach (@gutsy.mum) x