Hiking and backpacking with an ostomy

I haven't been around much this spring because real life caught up with me and tried to drag me under. I was ask to take 18 girls backpacking in the high mountains by my home in Alberta. Lots of planning, teaching, training to walk all day and praying for decent weather, which actually came through. While trying to keep my regular job and take care of home and kids.

So the day finally comes and I have 50 pounds on my back when I only weigh 110. Yes, that is more than the recommended amount. I thought I could do it. It wasn't the weight that got me really...it was the belt I couldn't get small enough and kept slipping down on to my poor Bubbles. I thought she would be scrapped off at one point. I held the pack from behind to keep it high enough. Finally we worked out pulling up one side and hooking it so it didn't get touched and rubbed too raw.

Then there was the whole thing leaking on one side at the end of the day and going into the woods to change. No way was I going to spend change time in the outhouse... They Sink!! I had been wearing a one piece the Ostomy nurse had recommended I try. Had tons of wet wipes and they work well. Have to keep them and pack them all out, wish I hadn't had a clear bag to put them in, oww gross. Then I put on the Hollister 2 piece standby I had packed. That stayed on until I got home two days later. The stress of worrying if it would fall off was enormous!! Crawling out of the tent at 3:00 am in the cild wasn't so fun either. I had only brought one change thinking it wouldn't happen at all and then it did. I will travel with lots of extras now. No blow dryer handy so I used a lighter to heat up the flange and stick it on as tight as possible. Plus I am totally sold on the adapt ring stuff.

Really I love the outdoors and enjoyed the experience, but the minor problem.

10 months and I am still looking for the right product for me. All your tricks have helped a lot I must say. Belt, sure seal, rings, ect. I would like to get 5 days out of these things once in a while!!

So what do you guys do in hiking and outdoor situations?

I do alot of outdoor stuff and in TX its HOT this time of year. I find that I do have to change more often from the sweat and I think excess body heat. This just breaks down the barrier. Sure Seal seems to work good for me too.

Trigirl~good for you...getting out and enjoying life! Don't worry about the little things so much, if they happen, they happen!

Someone mentioned "ostomy armor" on here...it's a tougher cover that you wear on a belt to protect your appliance...try and google it.

You don't need "heat" to warm up the wafer and adapt ring...just body heat will do the trick. Put them either between your legs, under your arm or in your sleeping bag with you (I take the seals out of their outer packaging and leave the backing on the wafer until I am ready to apply)...keep them warm (I do between my thighs) until you've gotten everything off and put it all together and apply!

I know we get attached to our gear, but what about shopping for a new pack? You may be surprised to find a different one that fits better...we have more fun (and less worry) when our gear is right for our "new" plumbing. I know I've had to take extra time to find "appliance friendly" gear but it is SO WORTH IT!!!

You can also try the cute diaper trash bags that people carry in diaper bags...the are colorful, NOT see through and smell nice, too! Then you can put them in the clear Ziploc type of bag.

And I tell ya what, I don't get 5 full days of wear out of my appliance, my activities and body type don't do me any favors! Don't worry about changing every 3-4 days...I have piece of mind when I am out riding/running/kayaking and haven't had any issues (knocking hard on wood right now since I'll be out running at 6am)!!!

Hi! This is sweetpes. My mom usually posts. This is my first. I am 8 months out of my total colectomy and jpouch formation with diverting ileostomy. 1 week ago I went backpacking in banff canada for 3 days! It was wonderful! Trixie (my stoma) behaved so well! The bottom strap of ny backpack was directly over my ostomy which actually made me feel more secure. One thing that really helped was this spanx like stretchy body shaper (less tight than spanx). It gave extra support and made me feel more confident my two piece would not separate! Hope you all have safe travels and are feeling well!

Yes, I was going to recommend Heidi's blog (Blueheron -- she does post here), ostomy outdoors. I know she wears a 2 piece with closed end bags and just snaps them out. She's got a lot of information, including some videos, on her site. Definitely check it out.