The festive period can bring unique challenges for ostomates, from managing your stoma during busy celebrations to navigating Christmas dinner. However you celebrate, this guide of 8 top tips will help you prepare for the season ahead so you can focus on enjoying time with loved ones and not worrying about your stoma.
1. Stock up on supplies
Make sure you have enough stoma supplies and medication to last through the festive period and into the new year. Delivery companies often close for several days over Christmas and there can be delays. Check your stock levels now and order early if needed.
This is especially important if you’re going away for Christmas. Calculate exactly how many products you’ll need, write a checklist if it helps, and pack plenty of extras to avoid potential stress. It’s better to have too much than risk running short when away from home and pharmacies and delivery services are closed. You might find our guide to travelling with a stoma helpful.
2. Put decorations up safely
Take extra care if decorating your home, particularly when lifting or reaching high. If you’ve had surgery recently, avoid putting any strain on your abdomen (read the section about ‘Building your strength after surgery’ in this guide to find out more). This is because, after stoma surgery, you are particularly vulnerable to developing a hernia.
You might consider wearing a support belt to keep your abdomen supported – speak to your stoma nurse about this. There are many stoma support belts available both through the NHS and from online shops.
Similarly, you should be careful when lifting anything heavy, whether it’s presents, shopping bags or even the turkey!
3. Store your products correctly
This time of year, when temperatures drop, be sure to check the storage conditions for your stoma products. Most should be kept at room temperature. Avoid keeping them somewhere too cold, such as the boot of a car in winter, as very low temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of adhesives and aerosols.
The adhesive on some pouches/seals work better when they are warmed up a little. Try rubbing the baseplate/seal between your hands before you start changing your pouch. This should warm up the adhesive and help your seal or pouch adhere to your skin better.
However, storing them anywhere too warm, like near a radiator, can cause adhesives to degrade.
4. Managing festive food
No matter how you celebrate, you may feel anxious about food choices. You want to enjoy the foods you love, but you might be apprehensive about how your stoma will respond. Here’s what can help:
- Chew everything well and take your time eating.
- Drink water regularly throughout the day.
- Be aware that if you’re eating more than usual, your pouch may need emptying or changing more frequently.
- It’s okay to play it safe and stick to foods your body handles well. Keeping a food diary makes this easier.
- For Christmas dinner, you may wish to peel your vegetables and cook them thoroughly to make them easier to digest. Read more about stoma-friendly food in our guide to eating with a stoma.
- Dried fruit and nuts (often found in Christmas pudding and mince pies) are common culprits for causing stoma blockages, so eat these mindfully. Read our guide to stoma blockages so you know what to look out for. BBC Good Food has a list of alternative Christmas cakes that might be more suitable.
- Sticking to a regular eating routine as much as possible can help regulate your output.
You might want to speak with your family or friends to explain any dietary requirements. But remember, you are under no obligation to explain it if you don’t want to and there’s no pressure to eat everything on offer. Choose what works for you.
5. Drink alcohol safely
The festive period often involves alcohol. It’s fine to drink in moderation if you want to, but be aware that as an ostomate, you’re at higher risk of dehydration. Drink plenty of water alongside any alcohol – ideally one glass of water for every alcoholic drink. Signs of dehydration include:
- Feeling thirsty or having a dry mouth
- Headache
- Dark or strong-smelling urine
- Decreased urine output
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Muscle cramps
Some drinks you could opt for to help rehydrate are:
- Full-sugar drinks (preferably not fizzy, as this can cause ballooning)
- Electrolyte sports drinks
- Oral rehydration sachets available from pharmacies
- Homemade St Mark’s Solution
Alcohol has a diuretic effect, so if you have a urostomy, you may need to empty your bag more often. If you have a bowel stoma, alcohol can loosen stool.
Be aware that many alcoholic drinks are carbonated (such as beer, sparkling wine, cider, spirits with tonic or lemonade), which can cause ballooning. You might want to opt for a flat option such as non-sparkling wine or using juice or squash as a mixer instead, for example.
6. Know where to get support
Make a note of where you can turn for help over the festive period if needed. Your usual stoma nurse or department may not be available over the bank holidays, so be aware of support groups or stoma charities you can contact. For example, Colostomy UK‘s Stoma Helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year on 0800 328 4257.
7. Look after your wellbeing
The festive period can be chaotic and busy, and your routine can be disrupted. On top of the mental strain this can cause, stress can also impact your stoma output.
It’s okay to take time for yourself. Although it’s easy to fill every day with socialising and celebrating, it’s important to schedule time to rest, relax and decompress.
8. What to wear at Christmas with a stoma
You might be worried about choosing your festive outfits if it is your first Christmas with a stoma, which is completely normal. Try not to wear your waistband too tightly so that it constricts your appliance. Otherwise, there are no restrictions on what you should wear with a stoma. There are specialist stoma clothing items available to buy, but you should be able to wear all of your favourite outfits from before your surgery.
Some ostomates find that high-waisted pants help to conceal their stoma bag comfortably, with a top of your choice. If opting for a dress, some ostomates swear by wearing cycling shorts underneath to keep the bag snug to your abdomen.
Bright patterns tend to conceal the outline of a bag more than plain colour. A classic Christmas jumper will be ideal! But you don’t have to hide your bag; you could wear it out and proud and even choose a festive stoma bag cover to accessorise your outfit!
Conclusion
With a bit of preparation and these practical strategies, you can navigate Christmas with a stoma with confidence. Remember that it’s your celebration, and you can approach it in whatever way feels right for you. If you’re uncertain about anything or experiencing problems, your stoma nurse can provide personalised advice.
Although all our articles are written alongside qualified medical professionals, this information is for guidance and does not replace advice given by your healthcare team.
