Welcome, Mrs. Shoob!

I don't ski, but I've used quite a few stoma guards, so I think I can still help :)

Are you looking for protection from impact, clothing, or both? Some styles offer greater protection at the cost of bulk, while others are small but don't offer the same protection.

That said, it's entirely possible that the clothing you layer over your appliance will offer enough protection from ordinary bumps and whatnot; more so if you're using a 2pc appliance with a mechanical coupling.

Hi and welcome, As Eric says you may not need a guard. If you wanna check out a UK company try Comfizz. They mainly do underwear and wraps but also a stoma guard. 

@veganostomy Hi and many thanks for your reply. It's mostly for protection in case of a fall. I have a one piece. Didn't even know there were 2 pieces until watching your videos so thanks for the education and information. Also, I hadn't even thought about the whole seat belt issue until recently and I've had my stoma for almost a year so a guard for that will also be useful. I'm a veggie/almost vegan so am really excited about what else I can learn from your page. :-)

@john68 This is brilliant as was thinking about getting some kind of wrap. 😀 Thank you

Posted by: @mrs-shoob

It's mostly for protection in case of a fall. I have a one piece.

This is good info to know. Do you have a colostomy or ileostomy? More importantly, does your bag fill quickly/often, or is your output pretty infrequent?

One thing to keep in mind with guards that are held in place using a band or under some abdominal binder, is that they will reduce the capacity of your pouch.

So, for instance, if you have frequent output or your bag fills up quickly, you may run into issues with a guard since your bag will want to expand, but the guard won't let it (i.e. leaks can happen!.

I'm going to make an assumption, but I would imagine that falling on snow while skiing, especially if you have gear on, should not hurt the stoma. Unless, of course, abdominal impact is common with these types of falls :o

At the end of the day, you may need to balance comfort with protection.

@veganostomy Hi Eric, I have a colostomy and, as it's only been almost a year, the output monitoring is still in the early stages. We've booked an apartment and won't stray far so if my bag fills up then I can change it quickly. I've just ordered a Stoma Gear Guard as it looks the most suitable for my requirements. Thank you for your help.

@mrs-shoob  Hi Mrs. Shoob! Welcome to VO!!   It Sounds like your well on your feet/skis & ready to go full on into as nornal a life as you had before.  Its a great goal to have! Congrats to you!! 

I used to snow & water ski a lot.  Please give feed back on how you find the gaurd you purchased to work for this sport for you,   If I were to snow ski again I think I wear enough warm clothing that my ileostomy would be protected enough from a fall.  But please give feedback, I too would be really interested to know how this gaurd works for you.  

All the best to you!! 

Linda

@dlkfiretruck Hi Linda and thanks very much for your comment. We're hoping to be skiing into our 80's as we love it so much. Been thinking and it's not just a potential fall but perhaps a stray pole or a chairlift bar or there are days when it's so busy you have to squeeze into a gondola! We'll just be happy to see powder, after a 3 year break. And yes, I'll leave some feedback about the guard when we return. 😀

@mrs-shoob  ...Hmmm, I agree! There are the usual objects that are not usually considered a danger that suddenly have warning on them now. 

Just yesterday I took the end of floor mop handle directly to my face jamming under my cheek bone leaving a very colorful bump & bruise. However, It did make me remember this forum & my reply!  Lol! 

So, I do APPOLOGIZE here  & now as I really was only thinking that falling is the only real danger while skiing but your RIGHT !!  Hitting any seemingly innocent looking object or living  being that we use or are around every day can cause damage to a Stoma if hit in the right way/place.  Its been a while, but I've had my little dog step on/in my stoma causing it to sink in then rise several hours later causing fortunately minimal bleeding & also compliments of my GrandD an accidental but similar hit to my stoma caused a badly swollen stoma & some bleeding.  Toddlers should wear caution notes on their foreheads & t-shirts!!  Lol! 

So yes,  darn that mop handle, I too will be shopping for a stoma gaurd or two for myself for when I do housework or grooming my little dog with equally little & potentially dangerous furry feet & even for my sitting my adorable toddler GrandD!! Lol!   I've had my stoma for 13 yrs & never really considered getting a stoma gaurd past one day but being forced to look back on these injuries... well... maybe its overdue for me to...PROTECT my stoma also!  

Please give any feed back on what works for you as you head back into skiing!  Why not shoot for your 90's!!  I hope you really enjoy being back on skis and have a very safe fun & well protected time in the white stuff!!  

Linda

@dlkfiretruck OMG I hope you didn't hurt yourself with that pesky mop handle. Housework is dangerous and should be prohibited LOL. You're right-kids and animals should have warnings on their foreheads LOL. This reminds me of when I worked in Oil & Gas where safety is paramount and we'd say "Safety is no accident". Take care now 🤗

Posted by: @mrs-shoob

Hello,

This is my first post. I'm looking for any advice on stoma protection products for skiing. I am a newbie and have not yet purchased any accessories for my stoma. Also, are there any distributors in the UK for these kind of products? Any advice or help is greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

Hi,

Ostomy Armor ships world wide, they are a British / American couple that are now located in the USA.

I have been using their product ( Petite Ostomy Armor ) for 5 months and I am quite happy with it. 

My seat belt rides below my ostomy so I do not wear a protective belt while driving unless I am going to an activity that I would be wearing my ostomy armor any way.   

Have fun on the slopes!

cygo