So I had postponed my family vacation due to this troublesome little thing on my belly - having to change three times a day was/is killing me. But then I thought... I could be changing three times a day here in the cold, or I could be changing three times a day in Myrtle Beach. So I packed tons of supplies and left on Saturday. We typically drive down to Myrtle Beach with my parents in separate cars. It takes us three days to drive about 16 hours. My parents are old and I humor them and their need to go VERY slow. Anyway, we all have our issues and they put up with mine in return 😀 We stop at hotels with indoor pools and try to make it part of the trip. I really appreciate the ability to use ostomy wraps in the pools. I typically don't mind people knowing I have an ostomy, but that all changes for.me when I'm swimming in public. In feel very secure, and.. covert I guess, when I wear a wrap type accessory and a higher waisted bathing suit. Anyway, just for those out there who are concerned about swimming with the thing on.. even though I've been having to change a lot, I'm still feeling comfortable in the water - especially if I use wafer extenders. It makes this little hell a little more bearable ☺️. Also, on a side note.. even though I packed a crapload of wafers.. Yesterday, I felt that I needed a different type or else I'd be changing FOUR times a day.. so I called up a company while I was driving (,hands free😂) and ordered $400 with of stuff, and it arrived at the resort today! Its nice to know that even when out of town you can rely on these companies to take your needs seriously. Anyway, thought I'd share. Oh.. I'm not covered for much of this stuff and just out itput it on my card, so negotiating insurance might be a different story. Chris, enjoy that balmy 27c down there! We got pounded by more freezing rain after you left! Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate. Good choice, Chris. Have a wonderful time! Onset of severe Ulcerative Colitus Oct.2012. Subtotal colectomy with illiostomy July 2015; Peristomal hernia repair ( Sugarbaker, mesh, laparoscopic) May 2017. Thanks. Ya Eric, we drove out at 7am Saturday morning.. I think that storm just followed us. Apparently warmer temps this weekend though! Chris I gotta hand it to you ! 16 hour trip you are braver than me ! My longest so far 5 hours . Were you able to just change along the road or did you find bathrooms along the way ? Proctectomy , Ileostomy , Ulcerative Colitis No no, it's not what it seems. We are only driving about 6-7 hours (with breaks) a day for three days. My parents can only handle that much so we tag along to keep them company. And we grab decent hotels with indoor pools to make it seem like part of the trip. Kids like that. I time the bag emptying breaks after every couple hours of driving. Works out well. Only changed twice yesterday and today, which was nice - but paid for it now with an itchy change with red peristomal skin. All in all however, it's nice to get away. I don't understand why humans can be so stupid as to settle in the Canadian climate. What the hell was wrong with those people? It just doesn't make sense.. when the winter comes.. you say.. "nope... This is stupid, let's go south". Done. Anyway.. I have gone off track. No, I don't drive 16 hours straight. But.. I think I could. I'd time the bulk of the driving through the night when I was less active.. and stops are plentiful on this trip, so there wouldn't really be an issue. Hey Chris I get it now that's a good way to do it . As for the Canada living and cold its the opposite for us here in parts of Southern California its the summer that has us wondering why the $%!! do we live here ! Enjoy your trip . Proctectomy , Ileostomy , Ulcerative Colitis Hi Chris! New to the forum, so I'm just jumping in here. Have you tried Sureseal Rings? I call them 'stickers' because they have a hole in the middle and affix around the base. I have swam in the ocean and pools (same day hopping back and forth) using them. I can typically get 3-4 days out of wearing one. Often, I will wear one while traveling and it will slow down a leak if I one starts. Have you tried Sureseal Rings? Welcome to the forums, gopeachy! Good call on the Sure Seal rings. I know many people who use them. Chris, a Canadian alternative that might be easier for you to get are these: https://www.veganostomy.ca/ostomyessentials-flange-seal-ring-review/ Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate. Thanks for the info. I carried a bunch of different makes with me actually. I had Brava ones, those ones you posted.. I even brought some strips of tape to use in an.emergency. I was nervous in the hottub when others came in, and I was always kinda conscious about the bulge that formed when the bag was filling up. But all in all, it was a successful swimming trip. I got into the ocean a few times as well, even during pretty rough waves. The ostomy wrap I used held my bag tight to my skin and I had no issues. Its really nice that we have all these accessories. Now, if I can just get some answers so I can stop changing 3 times a day. But that's coming. I have an appointment in June in Toronto. ☺️ Hi Chris, Hope you had fun at MB. I’m down the coast at Litchfield. Love living in South Carolina. I wear a tankini and extra C and Y extenders on my ileostomy pouch. I get out frequency and dry with a thin quick absorbent bath cloths. I think the key is practice and try different things to see what works best. Myrtle Beach is a beautiful very busy Beach. Hurry back hey Chris I hope your beach trip was fun for all. I'm so glad I looked at this post since I'll be in North Carolina in 40 days for my own vacation. And of course I've been worrying about how I can swim in the ocean. I think I'll have to try the Sure Seal rings as extra protection. Raine Hmmmmm, you all talking about swimming, and I along with some others haven't figured out the stupid shower bit. ??????? :-( Maybe we should dive right into that huh? I still after 3 1/2 years, have not showered with pouch and dress and go ......... See, Raine? We go at our own pace.. 2014 - 3 strangulations of colon, Ulcerative colitis, removal of colon, illiostomcy named woooh Nellie..
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~
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