Being outdoor active with an ostomy

My life is different and yet the same as all others.  I have a stoma.  Yep, that is right and I still enjoy almost all the same things that I did before my stoma.  t is no surprise to most people that know me and I don't let that topic spoil any joy in my life.  The reality is that I had a colostomy and that I now have a stoma.  What didn't change in my life is well mostly my whole life.  The idea of having to do a few extra routine changes throughout the day did not deter me from having a nice and active life.  This is a reality that I try to impart to as many people as I can, especially if I know that they are slated for ostomy surgery.  Now the question I get the most and love to answer due to all of my social media posts is, can I hike with an ostomy. With my lifestyle, I get a lot of questions and I love them!

What I think is that you own personal medical provider knows you best and what works for you.  Not me, or any social media star.  Not all of us are the same and in fact, no one is.  We all have a stoma for different reasons or may have other things added on to our health and you should ask your healthcare provider what is reasonable for you.  But in general, I don't know anyone who is held back simply by their stoma. Mentally, we are held back from doing a whole lot of things and I sure know I am.  I do love being in the great outdoors and it helps me live and be free and happy. 

Being a gear guy I know that it matters and can change your life!  Many people are also in different climates and that can play a part in the gear you use.  I have found that talking to people smarter or simply more experienced than myself is the way to learn about what gear will be best.  I think finding the right type and size of the bag and maybe adding a belt is important.  The altitude that you are in may determine what type of bag and seal you use.  Pressure changes in different locations could mean something that works for me, would be a disaster for you.  So I suggest calling up different places to find out what may work best for your hike.  I work hard to keep my life the same as it was before the surgery and that is worth its weight in gold to me.

There are great customer service people who will rock life for you. This area is generally a low-stress area.  These people usually just want to help you go out and be the best you.  Now not everyone is that way and some people are simply having a bad day, but when I have called up some big companies they have answered my questions and giving me many more questions due to their knowledge base.  Also talking to your local pharmacist is a pretty good idea too. I love the local information because these people have been in the business and seen a whole lot.   Get outside, ask questions, and don't be afraid to learn and fail.