One of my favorite things to do in the year is to hike. It is a sport that I got into when I was young because of church groups and backpacking trips. I began to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family and that is part of what always excites me about going outside. It has brought me so many memories with friends and family that I consider hiking to one of my favorite past-times. I think that when the weather turns cooler and the leaves start to change that it is the most beautiful time of the year. I also know that since I have a stoma I need to think about that a little bit while I am enjoying being outside. But the truth is that my goal is to not think about my ostomy bag or gear in any way shape or form while I am out enjoying nature and that is the whole goal I set each year.
See I love being outdoors and the last thing I want to think about is my stoma or having to deal with it. That is why having really great gear can help you to not only have confidence that you won't have any issues but assurance that if a true accident or emergency happens that you can take care of it without worrying about it. That is why being prepared ahead of time is something that allows me to enjoy my wonderful fall hikes without thinking about my stoma. If that doesn't make sense right now that is ok. I want to run through what I take with me and how I got to that conclusion to let you know why I am able to enjoy my Fall Hikes just like I used to do before my ostomy surgery happened.
After my surgery, I was worried about not being able to be active outside. I was afraid of being feeble or weaker now and that my stoma would stop me from enjoying the things that I love. But my Ostomy Nurse, Pharmacist and Doctor all gave me incredible advice and all led me to different places to find information to allow myself to enjoy doing what I love. They were all positive that I could hike and even backpack if done correctly and not have to really worry to much about my ostomy. The fact is that they sent me on a grand search to find ostomy gear that fit my stoma and body perfectly. From there I was able to create a small kit to take with me as a safety backup on the trails.
I like to be lightweight and I ended up looking into ultralight backpacking for gear ideas on how to carry my ostomy gear and not have it be bothersome. Anyone who hikes long distance knows that weight is the killer of fun and travel. So finding ways to lower that weight means you will have a better time and since I knew I needed to carry a whole changeout of gear and sanitary gear that this was important. I now take a small pouch with all my stuff that is waterproof and shockproof. So if something goes wrong or I fall down a hill and year things that I can replace it all and be safe. So pack well and get out and hike without fear.
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