Going outdoors with a stoma – UK

Going outdoors with a stoma

Going outdoors with a stoma can be a liberating experience once you learn how to manage it with confidence. Many people feel nervous at first about going outdoors with a stoma, but preparation makes all the difference. Before you head out, pack a small travel kit with spare pouches, wipes, and disposal bags — this ensures that going outdoors with a stoma never catches you off guard. Lightweight, breathable clothing also helps you stay comfortable and keeps your stoma discreet while enjoying nature or social events.

One of the biggest benefits of going outdoors with a stoma is the sense of freedom it brings. Whether you’re walking your dog, exploring new trails, or simply sitting in the sunshine, going outdoors with a stoma helps restore your confidence and independence. Remember to stay hydrated, plan ahead, and locate restrooms before your trip. With time and practice, going outdoors with a stoma becomes just another part of your lifestyle — not a limitation. Embracing the outdoors can truly transform how you feel about your body and your journey with a stoma.

Going outdoors with a stoma - Ultimate Guide

For ostomates, a priority, going out to socialize or doing any kind of outing outside their comfort zone can be somewhat distressing. It is common to think about the possibility of having a leak, the absence of adapted bathrooms to take care of the stoma if necessary or any other inconvenience that may occur with the ostomy pouch.

Don’t worry. To leave with peace of mind, go prepared with a bag or toiletry kit. It is recommended to bring everything you need to be able to do a complete device change, such as in case of a leak, as well as to empty the pouch and clean the stoma.

Take with you all the necessary material for your safety and peace of mind, or at least what you need to deal with an emergency situation until you can return to a suitable or trusted place to carry out the change or cleaning tasks. Many ostomates find it reassuring to have a change of clothes in case of a “generous” leak, to have clean clothes like the SIIL Ostomy line ostomy panties.

When going outdoors with a stoma, the most important thing is peace of mind — and that starts with being prepared. Always carry a small bag or toiletry kit with everything you might need in case of a leak or an unexpected situation. When going outdoors with a stoma, it’s best to include all the essentials for a complete device change: spare pouches, cleaning wipes, disposal bags, and accessories to empty and clean the stoma properly. Feeling prepared helps you enjoy your time outside without constant worry.

For your safety and comfort when going outdoors with a stoma, bring along the materials you need to manage any emergency until you can reach a trusted place to handle a full change or cleaning. Many ostomates also like to pack a change of clothes in case of a larger leak. Having clean, comfortable clothing — such as SIIL Ostomy line ostomy panties — makes going outdoors with a stoma much more reassuring. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy every outing with confidence and ease.

It is normal that at the beginning, in the adaptation period, you will feel clumsy when facing this type of situations, but with time you will gain confidence in yourself, you will have skills and your own tricks to handle them.

What to carry in the toilet bag, kit or toiletry bag?

1. Several spare bags.
2. Plates previously cut to the necessary size.
3. Opaque garbage bags, so that the discarded material is not visible.
4. Moist towelettes, so that the cleaning action is as fast as possible.
5. Small mirror for those who need it.
6. Paste, rings, all the material you need for the change of the complete device. In case you use paste, you can use the trick of carrying a plastic syringe filled with it, so that the application of the paste is done in a faster and cleaner way.

In the case of women you can easily carry everything in a large bag and in the case of men there are small bags, or for larger kit use a backpack.

But with the necessary confidence you can go reducing luggage.

In SIIL we have small toiletry bags to prepare your basic material for any outing, as well as large toiletry bags, suitable for those who need to carry more material and thus feel more secure.