Wherever you’re planning to travel this summer, having a stoma shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your holiday. It’s all about packing the right things, having confidence in your products and being prepared for sun, sea and everything in between. Here are some top tips to make sure you jet off without worries…

1. Stock up on supplies

 At least four weeks before you leave, make sure to contact your delivery company or GP to organise extra supplies. This will give you a chance to stock up on the number of bags and stoma care essentials you need as well as order any additional items. One holiday must-have is our Genii™ flange extenders. They’re waterproof, lightweight and flexible – making your bag feel more secure in hot weather or when swimming. Trio Pearls® gelling and odour control sachets are also really helpful for reducing accidents and extending wear time.

2. Pack with precision

 Start by working out how many supplies you need to pack. You can do this by writing down what you normally use in a day – such as bags, stoma paste, seals – and doubling it. Split your supplies between your main suitcase and hand luggage so that you always have something spare if your case is lost or stolen. You may want to store your stoma care products and any medication in a cool bag if you’re going somewhere very hot. Take a travel certificate with you and find out the details of your nearest ostomy supplier just in case. Your nurse or delivery company can help you with this.

3. Stay hydrated in hot weather

It’s easy to get dehydrated in sunny climates because we consume more alcohol and often don’t drink enough water. If your urine is any darker than pale yellow, you’re likely to be dehydrated. Thicker or reduced output might also indicate a problem. Take Dioralyte™ rehydration sachets and top up your water levels with juicy fruit or ice lollies. If travelling abroad, avoid things that may give you diarrhoea, such as ice cubes and tap water, and be sure to alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks.

4. Dodge a dicky tummy

Hot weather, eating different foods and even drinking the local tap water can cause stomach upsets when travelling abroad. Problems can be more common for ostomates but with a little planning it needn’t ruin your holiday. Your stoma nurse will be able to prescribe some anti-diarrhoea medication and can order some drainable bags if you have a colostomy to make contents easier to empty.  Trio Pearls® gelling and odour control sachets can be added to your pouch if you have a very liquid output.

5. Stay safe in the sun

Suntan lotion is an important part of any sunny holiday and needs to be regularly applied, especially if you’re doing lots of swimming. Always put it on after attaching your bag as it may affect adhesion. This is the same when applying any other lotions, such as aftersun, shower gels or skin creams. If your skin around the stoma is sore or itchy, use Trio Elisse® Sting Free Silicone Skin Barrier spray or wipes to soothe and calm the affected area.

6. Feel secure when swimming

 Who doesn’t love jumping into a pool to cool off on holiday? Swimming is one of our favourite holiday pastimes so it’s important you feel confident to take the plunge. Apply a fresh bag to dry skin and make sure it’s empty before going for a dip. Our Genii™ Flange Extenders will help you feel more secure – especially if you’re diving or playing pool games. Always remember to use filter cover stickers to protect the filter while you’re in the water and you could even try stoma caps for extra discretion under your swimwear.

Whatever you have planned this summer, there should be nothing to stop you travelling, swimming, sunning and enjoying every moment. Find out more about our ostomy products