First beach holiday with ileo.. top tips please!

I don't have an ileo (my daughter is facing surgery for UC) but have you looked at vanilla blush? They're in the UK too and have some really cute swimming suits, underwear etc. I hope you enjoy your trip!

That's so exciting, when do you leave?

I just bought some swim things today (just got permission to swim! will post on that separately). Many people on this list have talked about tankinis -- where the bottom is separate from the top, but the top is long. They make it easy to empty the bag and to hide it. I didn't see many in the stores shopping last minute, but I did get some running shorts w/a lining in them and one of those tight tops with a bra built in.... no idea how they'll hold up in the pool (also bought a regular suit, didn't seem to show the bag too much..... not at all flattering for me, as I gained so much weight on bed rest, but so it is; it fit and only one size bigger than i used to wear).

I know some people like the suits w/a skirt built in to hide the bag -- makes sense, if that fits your style.

Ostomy secrets in the US sells a swim wrap to hold in the pouch..... you could probably also use a tube top bra to do that if you need that.

I think sure seals or the equivalent is a good idea to hold the pouch on in the water (haven't been swimming quite yet, but I have taken lots of baths).

As for the plane, it seems that people have had better luck not saying anything about the bags..... don't always seem to find them in the x ray scanners, but they could (not sure if they are using them in the UK). You might want to check w/an ostomy association about airport security.

Hope you have a great time!

Hi Sarah

I too have an ileostomy and am based in the UK. I had mine in June last year and have had quite a few holidays since and now don't panic at all!

The first thing I did was get myself some good travel insurance. I took out a yearly policy and it was a great price - much cheaper than most but with great cover. I can't remember the name of the company but can find it for you if you like.

I take all my supplies in my hand luggage just in case my suitcase goes AWOL and haven't been questioned or stopped once despite having scissors with me too.

I was worried that my bag would blow up like a balloon with the cabin pressure during the flight - I'm pleased to report that it didn't behave any differently than usual!

As for swimwear - a lovely friend bought me a fantastic two piece where the top was quite long and pleated too so really disguised and lumps and I just emptied often. Ive since picked up a few similar things and find that pleats or patterns work well. I'm not much of a swimmer and only tend to go in the pool to cool down so can't comment on how well my wafer sticks.

Hope this information helps you and that you have a fabulous time xxx

Sarah, don't know how this is for you because you're a runner too, but I just felt awesome after I swam today! Nothing makes me feel like this .... I think it's going to help me lose weight -- not because my 18 slow laps burned so many calories, but because it made me feel even better than eating makes me feel....

Hope you get some progress w/your son.... sounds awful.... and be careful w/your knee....

And in the scheme of things, as you said, string bikinis are not that important.... but relaxing and enjoying nature and your family is very important!

Sarah,
I'm so excited for you and your family! It sounds like a much-needed vacation. My sister and her husband honeymooned in St. Lucia, and they loved it!

I live in Florida (where it's hot 6+ months out of the year), so I swim a lot to stay cool. My favorite bathing suit is a one piece with a skirt, because it's comfortable, flattering, and hides the pouch perfectly!

Thankfully, I've never had an issue with water compromising my wafer seal. I wear the Coloplast Assura Extended Wear Wafer (#2833) with matching cloth covered pouch (#13986) and don't need Sure Seals to prevent the wafer from peeling off. You might want to test your current wafer in the bathtub to see how it does. Since you have three weeks, you have time to prepare, in case you want to try out a different system.

Some tips are to pre-cut holes in your wafers, so you don't have to carry scissors in your hand luggage and pack all liquids (like deodorizers) in air-tight, ziploc bags in your suitcase, so they don't leak all over your clothes.

Make sure to take lots of photos and feel free to post some on our photobucket.com page! (username: crohnsdisease, password: 6mp3asa)

You're going to have a great time!
Cece

Ok.. 10 days and counting! I have the special card to go with my passport explaining about my ileo. Upgraded travel insurance and a fine collection of swimsuits! Even going for a spray tan before I go.. ha that will scare the beautician!

I got some great one piece swim suits from SeaFolly with a double layer and rusching over the front. Looks great! Even managed to find a bikini which was super exciting. It's got a little skirt over the pants and because my stoma is so low it looks vaguely ok! May even post a photo or two if I'm feeling brave...

Anyway.. my biggest worries are about food poisoning etc, but I'll just have to be careful.

Thanks everyone ! will update when we're back