Can you walk in the rain with an ostomy?

Many people are laughing or just shrugged their shoulders in disbelief at the title.  But to be honest this is the crazy kind of questions that many people think of when you tell them you have had an ostomy.  It brings about a hilarious amount of misinformation. The truth is the crazy questions don't bother me at all and I find them pretty funny and now entertaining.  Yes, yes indeed you can walk in the rain with an ostomy.  As a matter of fact you can do pretty much every single thing that a person without one can do.

 

Never be handicapped by your own thoughts.  This is something I heard when I first found out I was going to have a stoma and was really worried about what it would limit me to doing.  Luckily I had an amazing ostomy surgeon and a great team of nurses as well to get me through.  I had originally thought I was a maimed creature who would have to hide away from the world and carry my own excrement around like the black plague. Hey, we are all guilty of going overboard on reality and what we think it will be when we find out an ostomy is in the future.  Some of us were afraid we would never swim again either, but that really is not the case.

 

In fact I was given some great information from talking to an online retailer about swimming. I ended up talking to ostomy supplies about ways and products to do in order to go swimming.  Now I was told by others that this company gave free samples.  I was intrigued by this but after looking online at their website I was still a bit lost.  There were so many products on ostomy supplies sight that I didn't know where to begin. So I simply called them up and got ahold of their customer service agents and was pleasantly surprised. They clearly got that question all the time and were super helpful and nice about getting a few samples of products for me to try at home or in the tub before going out and testing at the ocean.

 

They gave me great advice, and I am here to say yes there are lots of waterproof and safe rainproof options! Now there are also some awesome swim options as well anywhere from stoma caps to small bags and I highly suggest calling up companies before ordering.

Useful Information About Ostomy Skin Barrier

An ostomy skin barrier goes against the peristomal skin while allowing the stoma to pass through the opening at its center. This barrier sticks to the peristomal skin to form a seal that prevents leakage of the stomal output.

In a two-piece ostomy pouching system, the barrier and bag are two separate devices. Both these devices connect to allow the pouching system to function. However, a one-piece ostomy pouching system comes with the pouch and barrier already connected, and they are inseparable. The barrier or flange is commonly square, and it comes in pre-cut, cut-to-fit, and moldable varieties.

Pre-cut ostomy barriers

If you have a stoma that is common amongst most of the individuals with ostomies, you can consider using a pre-cut ostomy barrier. These barriers are uniform and circular. The most significant advantage of a pre-cut barrier is that you don’t have to cut it. The barrier is ready to use the moment you open the box. However, you are going to have to make sure that it fits the size of your stoma. Forcing the barrier to fit over a stoma can result in injury to the stoma. A pre-cut barrier works best when your stoma is fully developed.

Cut-to-fit barriers

A cut-to-fit barrier comes with printed lines that guide the user to create an opening of any particular size. And this barrier doesn’t limit a user to only create a circular opening. You can create an opening of any shape, depending on the shape of your stoma. Even if you have an irregular-shaped stoma, you can use scissors on a cut-to-fit barrier to creating an opening that fits the size and shape of your stoma. The only concern caused by cut-to-fit barriers is that cutting them might be time-consuming. The best way to tackle this issue is to cut wafers for a week or month ahead of time. Readying several barriers beforehand can be particularly beneficial if you are planning to travel abroad because most of the airports in the world do not allow passengers to carry scissors in their luggage.

Moldable wafers or barriers

Newer technologies have made things even easier for ostomates. Take ostomy barriers, for instance. There are moldable barriers available that are much easier to use than all other conventional types of barriers. The concept of the moldable barrier is much similar to that of a cut-to-fit barrier. The only difference is that you are not going to have to use scissors to shape the opening in a moldable barrier. All you have to do is to roll edges of the opening outward and unravel them after applying the barrier on the peristomal skin. That will form a leak-proof cuff around the stoma. The moldable material in the barrier is so soft that it doesn’t trigger any irritation in the stoma or peristomal skin. Yet, it adheres to the skin very nicely to prevent the leakage of stomal output in the best possible way.

Pouching Solutions For Ostomates Who Are Unwilling To Use Scissors

A significant cause of concern, for people with ostomies, is the preparation of pouching systems, which might involve the use of scissors. However, the inability to cut the flange can result in complications to the stoma or the skin surrounding it. That may be the reason most of the ostomates prefer using cut-to-fit products.

However, cut-to-fit pouching systems are not an answer to all of the concerns. A stoma might not be a regular-shaped protrusion. Hence, it might not do well with a cut-to-fit solution. And since we are talking about the unwillingness or inability of ostomates to use scissors to prepare their pouching systems, it may be worth talking about some other more preferable options.

Pre-cut Pouching Systems

Let’s start with a simple solution. If your stoma has a regular round shape, you can opt for a pre-cut pouching system. There are many options available in pre-cut systems. You can choose one depending on the size and shape of your stoma. The range of these options usually starts with a small 3/4-inch (19mm) flange opening. The next alternative comes with a size increase of 1/8-inch (3-4 mm). The last option comes with a 1¾ (44mm) or 2-inch (51mm) opening.

When selecting a pouching system, you need to make sure that you are going for the one with a flange opening 1/8-inch (3-4 mm) larger than the base of your stoma. The opening of the same size as that of your stoma can result in injury to your stoma. Remember, not all styles of bags come with pre-cut options. So, you might need to switch to a different option if you must use a pre-cut system.

Using scissors

The good news is that you can easily cut the opening of your flange with a flange cutter, which is a specific type of scissor for creating or resizing flange openings. Several companies that manufacture ostomy supplies make round and oval-shaped flange cutters. These tools look pretty much like cookie cutters that can cut through the flange with the help of their sharp blades. And what’s interesting is that you do not need fine motor skills to produce the aspired shape of the flange opening.

New technology

If you want to make ostomy care an even easier job, you can consider using ConvaTec Moldable Technology™ (CMT). This pouching system comes with a barrier portion that doesn’t require any cutting. Instead, it uses a unique pliable technology that helps you create an opening of your desired shape and size. All you have to do is to work your fingers to roll the inner edge of the flange outward to expand the opening up to the size of your stoma. After setting the barrier onto the stoma, you will need to unroll the rolled edge until it touches the stoma. The soft cuff formed will not cause any irritation to the stoma even if it enlarges from time to time.

Does an Ostomy Mean an End to Hunting?

After having a surgery like an ostomy, it can really strip away your self-confidence. Not just physically, although that can really be a gut punch (literally), but it can also leave you mentally drained and anxious. You’ll begin to wonder if you’ll ever be able to go back to the things that you loved to do. And if you’re like me, I love being able to go and be outdoors and really get face to face with nature, especially in the form of hunting. But when you have a hole in your abdomen and a pouch hanging from it that can really take the joy out of things. Not to mention make it difficult to climb a tree or track down the deer you just got the perfect shot on. And to be honest, that was a major concern for me. Not just because of my love of being outdoors and being able to hunt. But because I have such strict dietary restrictions that my only choice for meat was to look to wild venison. And to wonder if that option had now been taken from me because of a surgery, well, it was a little much to take. Thankfully though, with some research, a few talks with my doctor, and finding the right gear, I’ve been able to come back into the hunting world swinging…well technically shooting. 

 

It may take some time, but hunting, or really any other outdoor hobby, doesn’t have to be a distant memory. Rather, it can be a very present fun and enjoyable activity. Like I said, you just need to know a few things before you jump back on the horse. 

 

The first thing important to know is that you want to be able to properly secure your pouch. Mostly just to make sure it stays in place and you don’t have to worry about it moving around on you or causing problems while trying to climb or move quickly through the brush. The best way to do this is by securing it with an ostomy pouch belt or even using athletic tape to hold it in place. Either works great, it just really depends on personal preference and budget. 

 

Once you have your pouch locked in, you need to focus your attention on apparel. This is where the hunting world shines. Not only are their dozens of options to choose from, but they’re the best kind of options. And while the look of hunting clothes doesn’t’ change all that much, you have at your fingertips dri-fit options that will not only help whisk away sweat and moisture, but also your smell. Hunting clothes, at the least the good ones, are designed to help mask your odors. Which is great because sometimes the pouches have a tendency to be a little smelly. 

 

That brings up the last thing you really need to think about, other than having the best time ever, and that’s you need to do what you can to help mask odors. The clothes will help, but there are few other things you can implement that will make sure the job gets done right. Those options are pouch deodorizers, filters, a diet that avoids things that are gassy, odor eliminating sprays, and most importantly making sure you have a pouch that is good quality and fits correctly. This will ensure you won’t have any leaks. 

 

All-in-all if you follow these tips, you too can get back to doing what you love with nothing stopping you. Happy hunting! 

Looking Into How to Avoid Ostomy Odor

Do you need an ostomy? It may be temporary or permanent. You need to make some of these lifestyle changes at some point. While there is no need to change your diet for eternity, the food and drinks you consume usually have a direct relation to what you’ll be expelling. One of the challenges that you’ll experience is changing your diet. Also, you’ll experience ostomy odor, which can be managed using the following tips:

1. The Ostomy Pouch Should Be Emptied Regularly

The ostomy pouch is supposed to be emptied regularly if you want to avoid the ostomy odor. If you allow the waste to build up, the odor tends to become stronger. To ensure the odor won’t pose an issue, you should empty the ostomy bag when it’s half full. If you wait for it to become full, it becomes heavier, which means the seal on the appliance will loosen, and the waste and odor will leak out.

For those who’ve had an ostomy recently, liaise with your nurse or media, and they’ll offer some insight into how the pouch can be emptied both in private or public. There are different pouching systems, and the steps to empty each will be different, which means you should adhere to the recommendations issued. Depending on your beverage and food intake, you’re supposed to empty the pouch at least once a day.

2. Use a Filter

There are different ways to filter the ostomy pouch. If the gas builds up in the pouch, the pressure causes the bag to inflate, and the seal will strain. If you fail to address the issue on time, the gas will start to leak. If there are any odor issues after the pouch inflates, there are options that you can utilize, such as inserting a filter that will help with the odor reduction. The filter can be attached directly to the system.

3. Monitor the Body’s Response to Beverages and Food

To avoid ostomy odor, you should start by monitoring the response of the body to beverages and food. When digested by the body, there are drinks and food that will lead to the production of gas or odor produced. For those who’ve had an ostomy, some foods lead to an increase in gas in the ostomy pouch. Some of these foods have high sugar content, including artificial or natural. Each person’s body will react differently, and there is the need to pay attention to the beverages and food you consume and the effects you’ll experience.

Some of the beverages and foods you can start with and monitor how your body reacts include:

• Apples

• Asparagus

• Beer

• Apricots

• Cabbage

• Onions

• Nuts

• Soda

• Mangoes

• Dairy products

• Pears

When you introduce some of these foods into your diet, you should monitor how your body responds. In the process, you’ll get to understand better what is leading to an increase in the gases in your body. You’ll also tailor your diet depending on your needs. Ensure you’re avoiding foods that will lead to an increase in the odor of your urine. You should also stay hydrated at all times.

Final Thoughts

To reap the benefits of ostomy care, there is the need to acquire medical grade and high-quality ostomy supplies. Acquire ostomy flanges, ostomy pouches, skin prep essentials, and stoma powder such that you can improve your way of living.

Having the right mindset for your ostomy

I think that knowing what is needed and having the ability to get it is important in life.  I know also that having the right gear for your stoma can be the difference between having a wonderful life and a bad one.   Mentally you can really help and harm yourself by thinking badly about your situation. Now luckily in my life one thing I love to do is hunting and I have never let my stoma stop me from enjoying it.  I have been told many times that people who have stoma's shouldn't go out and be active or enjoy the great outdoors.  I know that these comments came from ignorant people who had no knowledge of what they were talking about or who had simply given up on life.  That is a sad thing to see and many people who are convinced that life won't get better usually are simply completely to blame.  My stoma works for me and not the other way around.

Even with an ostomy bag you can go out and be an active person. I am rather athletic and in pretty good shape and I do it all with an ostomy bag on my hip. The truth is that most people can live an active and full life with a stoma and those who don't choose not to.  I first learned of people who had run the Iron Man competition with a stoma and then I found not one, but two guys who had done it recently with a stoma and normal ostomy gear.  Just think about it.  People with an ostomy bag went out and did some of the most brutal physical challenges in the world.  That is a crazy amount of running. But these guys didn't just run 24 miles, they also swam two miles in the ocean before doing that.  Now swimming in the ocean is no easy thing! So he went with is ostomy set up and transitioned from swimming to running back to back.  After all of this, they also biked 100 or so miles and that is just wild.  How could I not be active knowing that this could be done. 

What I do is nothing in comparison and this gave me a lot of confidence. I do some pretty physical things, but nothing like that. I have to be able to climb into a tree stand and also lift heavy animals.  Some states require you to drag your animals out while others allow you to carry only the meat.  This means that in some cases I may have to drag a super heavy deer half a mile.  This means I need cardio and also a whole lot of strength.  But with the right gear, I am able to keep my stoma safe and since I work out knowing this I prepare for the amount of weight that is needed to be pulled or carried. It is not the easiest thing in the world to do but I train for it and don't let my stoma get in the way.  I love the journey and learning about how to get right in the mind. It is part of being whole with life and living a good one. So don't stop learning and don't be afraid to fail. 

Does your stoma limit you?

If you just got out of an ostomy surgery then you know that your life has changed.  I was afraid of a lot of things but luckily you also have the internet.  Now being afraid, terrified, and super angry are more likely is not abnormal but you can quickly overcome it.  Don't worry though that is how I felt, but I was worried that my life outside and my looks would simply end.  No one would find me beautiful and that my outdoor passions would just stop overnight.  But the best part of unfounded fears is that they are unfounded.  It turns out that my life pretty much stayed the exact same after my surgery.  Yes, I have a stoma and now I have to do my routine business a little differently, but after a few weeks like went back to normal.  Now, just know that you can totally get back to your normal life after your surgery.  It takes some work, but life is just starting.

The first thing that I wanted to jump right back into was being in the woods and going on my trails again.  What it really took was the right gear that fit my body well and seeled up with a great flange I went back to the outdoors.  I love hiking and find outside filling my soul with life.  The passion I have for being in the outdoors is vast and I am such a huge fan of recharging my personality by being outside.  The fact is that I ended up learning how to hike and backpack like an ultra-light backpacker and used a lot of tips and tricks from that field to increase my capabilities and to go out and enjoy the outdoors without much hassle.

 Don't be fooled by super high costing gear.  You can get stuff to allow you to carry the same amount of weight since I had to bring my ostomy gear along with me for peace of mind.  I always like to make sure I have extra gear in case something happens.  It is usually better safe than sorry, but for the most part, it is no big deal to stock up and add in another day's worth of gear. 

Now if you are anything like me then you can also get back into your favorite hunting seasons.  There is nothing better than being able to hunt and stalk an intelligent creature.  The aftermath of the challenge is also the fact that you are able to harvest incredibly healthy food for a very low price as well.  I have never had an issue with being able to get out into the wild and deal with my ostomy bag as well.   There are sweet pills and sprays that can help with the order and even scent-blocking clothing to go on top.  I have used all of these items and find that I like to put them all together when I go out for deer season.  So far I have been rather successful full and my stoma has not hurt me at all.  I am careful when dragging or carrying the animals after I am done hunting. It took me a long time to get back into physical condition to hunt well again.

Just know that you life is not over and you can get back into what you want to get back into.