There are amazing things in this world and seeing nature the way it was meant to be is one of them. I truly enjoy going out into the wild and seeing our planet in its natural form. Take away all the people and you are left with a beauty that is incredible. Now the leaves are green, but slowly turning in my area into a nice brown. On the inside, my heart begins to sing and that is because it’s camping time. Slowly my body feels the need to adventure and is in the great outdoors. It is the longing to be free and to explore the unknown and even though my heart tells me this is the right answer, I look down and see my stoma and wonder. I wonder what people will think about seeing a man change or empty his ostomy bag in the woods. Will they judge me? I wonder what my hiking partners that day will think. My mind raced on the topic of safety and will I be able to overcome any obstacles or emergencies in the great outdoors and if that will hinder me from enjoying what I love to do. The answer to all of these worries is complicated, and yet very simple. NO! If what your heart longs for is still possible, then you should make it happen and I mean it. This is the mind frame that I put myself into every fall. I do not let my stoma or the extra ostomy gear get in the way of what makes my heart sing. This is something that I try to pass along to others who have shied away from outdoor activities with a stoma and I try to give hope to those who have just had the surgery because they are in fear and have possibly been told a lot of lies by their reletives. I have seen it before.
Now learn all you can and that is important. Just because my medical provider says it is ok for me to go and do these things. He is the one who told me about the stoma bearer who ran an Iron Man Competition and finished. This was a moment that solidified the ability to still live and have a normal life in my mind. The fact is that the majority of people who have a stoma live normal lives. The adventure and go out and embrace the outdoors. Some activities are obviously inside and they are fit and rock the gym almost every single day. The best part is that your life does not end and that in reality people only admire you more for your accomplishments in the physical realm. It is a fun time too.
Now let me be clear, I did not learn it all on my own though. Most of the ideas came from talking to representatives of major companies and learning about my own disability. It was really easy, I called them up and they were happy to talk me through athletes that they have worked with and gave me advice based on their experiences. It was great, I even got samples of the gear they suggested I try before I buy and I like that part
Just work with what works for you. I tried it all and some companies ostomy bag with belt loops and an elastic belt worked great. Instead of just going on a hike I went on a walk and mini-hike around my neighborhood. Then I started to jog and simulate going up hills. Get out and enjoy life.
Ostomy Life 