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surgery and vacation / need some feedback / please offer your thoughts.....

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Posted 4/10/2007 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
I have my temp. ileostomy surgery scheduled for april 20th (10 days!). I have a question for some of you old-timers...

I want a vacation!!!!! I am filling out my passport application today for a trip to Cancun at the end of July. I just read a post from someone else who is having an ileostomy surgery in Mid April and is also planning a trip for middle to the end of July.

It is good to hear someone else is planning a vacation so soon after their surgery. I figure I may not be able to take off my shirt as much as the last time I was in Cancun, but I will still be in paradise.

Question for the old timers, Can you still get Montezuma's Revenge (the runs brought on by mexico trips) when you have an ileostomy? if so, can you take imodium like before the ileostomy?

Also, do any of you know if one of those thin, white, A-shirt tank tops (they are often called a wife-beater shirt, I am not trying to offend anyone...sorry) would be adequate to conceal my pouch? It is the perfect kind of shirt to wear on my trip.

any other suggestions for a just turned thirty guy, to conceal his appliance/stoma would be appreciated. I hear you can swim without the pouch on. How long can you sit around without having to put it back on? I suppose it varies from person to person, and then, of course, by what you eat and/or drink. I am just wondering if I could sit by the pool with it off for a period of time, so I can get in and out as I chose.

Any and all responses are welcome, even if they are off topic or you can send direct to my email below.

Thanks everyone......... eyes eyes confused confused confused

Post Edited (Glad Bag) : 2/20/2017 5:28:57 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 4/11/2007 1:08 AM (GMT 0)

I don't think you can leave your pouch off with an ileostomy. I know I'd have a big wreck if I did.

There is no contol with an ileostomy, it does what it pleases when it pleases. redface

Have a good time on your trip! cool

Posted 4/11/2007 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
I am going to the beach at the first of July and having my surgery on tuesday, I think you are talkign about me, lol.  I am worried about it too!  I am glad you made this post!
Posted 4/12/2007 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
I was in Mexico a few years ago. Make sure the hotel uses filtered water for the shower and bathroom. If they don't, then change your appliance AFTER you shower and use bottled water.  Also, if the water in the bathroom isn't filtered, make sure you keep your eyes closed THE ENTIRE time you are taking a shower. Believe it or not, you can get Montezuma's Revenge by getting bad water in your tear ducts!!!! 'Sounds crazy, but it's true!!!
Posted 4/13/2007 6:19 PM (GMT 0)

I wouldn't take your pouch of with an Ileostomy, you never know when it is going to be active.

You can take Imodium, our stoma nurse recommended my partner[who has a permanent Ileostomy] take it just in case when we were going abroad.

My partner wears swimming shorts when swimming and they cover his bag fine. He wears swimming trunks under them and takes the shorts off to sun bathe in and dry his bag. At first he covered his bag with a Tshirt [only over the bag] to begin with, but now he is more confident he just lies with his bag uncovered.

Hope your trip goes well

Posted 4/15/2007 12:03 PM (GMT 0)
As others have said, don't take your bag off to go swimming - you'll definitely end up in a mess within 5 minutes :(

I've always been careful with the water in countries where the water is a bit 'iffy' and have never suffered from it as a consequence. Only drink bottled water and use it to brush your teeth in as well. Most hotels will leave a flask of cold treated water in your room which is fine to drink.

Depending on where your surgeon puts your stoma will decide whether normal swimming shorts will cover your bag. Try and get him/her to locate it below your belly button so it can be concealed properly. Speak to your stoma nurse about this before surgery and perhaps, try a bag or two beforehand to see if it's in a good location for you.

Before you go, it might be wise to soak in the bathtub for 1/2 hour or so to see if your pouch is up to the job. That way, if it does come off due to the water, you have time to experiment with other brands to find one that sticks to your skin better.

Have fun!
Posted 4/28/2007 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
thanks for the feedback. I had the surgery on friday last week and am already home and healing. things are going good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 5/1/2007 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
I am glad you are doing well!
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