With ski season in full swing I wanted to highlight some tips and give some advice after skiing for the first time with my stoma this year.
I had a lot of worries and was apprehensive about a lot of things such as the skiing itself, what support wear I would need, hydration, going to the toilet with ski clothing, eating on the slopes that may affect my output etc.
I reached out on social media and found there wasn’t much out there apart from a few people that had been and I think it’s important to pass this advice on for anyone that may going.
I made sure to pack half and half supplies as always, half in hand luggage and half in my case (just in case one went missing). I ordered a support belt that had the stoma protector to wear not only for support but also in case I had a fall and would have some protection around my stoma. I packed plenty of hydration tablets (which I found out later was well needed) and also Imodium in case my output was off with the change of food, alcohol etc. I packed all the usual ski gear and everything I packed was comfortable around my stoma. I also packed a bum bag to carry an emergency kit up on the slopes and I brought REFRESH 3in1 so it was less to carry.
My main issues were going to the toilet in the ski gear and ski boots and dehydration but apart from that I had an amazing time and didn’t feel afraid about skiing itself and would definitely go again. I only had to empty once a day whilst on the slopes so it was always on the break at lunch. I took coats, gloves, hat and goggles as much as I could off and went then. Hovering over the seat was too hard with the ski boots (as they make you lean forward) and I didn’t fancy sitting on the seats although you can get plastic seat covers to cover the seat if this was something you wanted to do. The ground was always wet so kneeling for me wasn’t an option so I just stood to empty as I found this the best method with what I had and it worked for me.
The dehydration was hard to manage due to a number of reasons and a mixture of things such as skiing itself. It can be hard work and tiring and you do sweat a lot. The altitude didn’t help especially if I was having a drink also. I found I had to up my hydration tablets and Dioralyte and take these everyday so my advice would be to take extra and be proactive rather than reactive on taking them.
I’m so glad I did it and loved every minute and I didn’t let these things ruin the trip for me or put me off going again. Hopefully this helps any of you who may be going in the future or have thought about it and would love to go but you are unsure with your stoma.
