The holiday season is here. During the holidays, you may do more traveling, eating, drinking, and celebrating than you usually do. If you have an ostomy, this requires a unique approach. Learn about having an ostomy with the holidays by reading on.
If you are traveling for the holidays, travel prepared. Make sure you pack enough supplies. Plan your bag changes throughout your trip, and then pack twice as many supplies as you determined you need. This way, if you have to unexpectedly change your bag, you can do so without running low on anything you need. Consider bringing odor reducers and aerosol sprays with you to deal with any ostomy smells. If you are traveling by plane, pack your supplies in your carry-on luggage just in case the airline loses your baggage.
One of the best parts of the holidays is the meals, but post-ostomy diets are different. Certain foods may be off-limits to you. If you have tight restrictions, make sure to follow these requirements. Some great options for those with tight dietary restrictions include homemade applesauce, turkey-shaped pasta, or macaroni and cheese. Whatever you’re eating, be sure to chew your food as much as possible to help your body with the digestion process.
If you do decide to drink this holiday season, try to limit your consumption of alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates everyone, but this is especially crucial for people with ostomies. For every alcoholic drink you have, wash it down with a glass of water or an electrolyte beverage. Warm drinks like tea and hot chocolate are also great beverage choices.
Some of your holiday traditions may have to be altered if you have an ostomy, but that doesn’t mean they will be any less fun. If you want to make holiday cookies, but your current recipe has hard-to-digest ingredients, try a new recipe. Other fun holiday traditions you can enjoy with an ostomy include holiday movie marathons and walks through the winter weather.
If you are in need of ostomy care supplies this holiday season, check out Sarasota Medical Products Inc. For more information about our products or services please call 941-377-1451