How to be Confident Outdoors With a Stoma
Clare, a children’s nurse in the UK, refused to let her permanent colostomy hold her back. After surgery, she returned to swimming, camping, and conquering mountains. She now shares tips to help others regain their confidence and enjoy outdoor activities.
Discover how Clare manages her stoma during outdoor adventures.
When Clare was diagnosed with rectal cancer, her life changed in an instant. Within a week, she had surgery and began living with a permanent colostomy. At first, the idea of returning to her previous lifestyle felt impossible. She loved to hike, camp, and swim, but these activities seemed out of reach because of one overwhelming fear: what if her stoma pouch leaked?
Clare's journey from uncertainty to confidence is a story of resilience and preparation. Today, she enjoys the outdoors without hesitation and offers valuable strategies for managing stoma care during active pursuits.
The importance of finding the right products
It’s essential to use a pouching system that protects the skin around the stoma and stays secure during movement. But Clare learned early on that not all ostomy products work the same for everyone. She tried many different types of pouches, but they either irritated her skin or didn’t give her the security she needed.
Finding the right stoma bag was a turning point for Clare. Today, she trusts Dansac NovaLife TRE™ ostomy products to keep her peristomal skin healthy and give her confidence in all conditions. “For me, having the right product is everything," Clare explains. “It means I can live an active life without worrying about discomfort or leaks."
Preparation is key
Clare never heads outdoors without a small kit of essentials. She packs spare pouches, wipes, and disposal bags in a discreet waterproof bag. “Being prepared takes away the stress," Clare says. “I know I can deal with any situation, so I relax and enjoy myself."
For activities like camping, Clare recommends planning for privacy. A small pop-up tent or a designated space can make pouch changes easier and more discreet. She also discovered practical methods to manage her stoma during long days outside. Her medical team taught her colostomy irrigation techniques to reduce her stoma output when she needed extra confidence – such as during work meetings or extended hikes. “It gave me back control," Clare recalls. “Knowing my stoma would be quiet during important times made a huge difference." Irrigation isn’t recommended for everyone, so Clare encourages speaking with a stoma care nurse to find what works best for your lifestyle.
Overcoming fear and taking it slow
Clare's passion for the outdoors didn’t fade after her ostomy surgery. She started slowly, building confidence with short walks before tackling bigger challenges. Today, Clare has climbed the three highest mountains in the UK, gone swimming in open-water locations, and camped under the stars. “I used to think my stoma would hold me back,” she says. “But now I know it doesn’t have to.”
Clare understands that the fear of being active again after surgery can feel overwhelming, especially when planning time outdoors with family or friends. Her advice to other people with ostomies is simple: don't let the fear stop you. With the right ostomy products and a little preparation, confidence returns, and those shared moments can become stress-free and enjoyable.
Clare's Top Tips for Outdoor Confidence
- Pack a stoma care kit – include spare pouches, wipes, and disposal bags
- Use waterproof storage – keep your ostomy supplies dry and accessible
- Wear secure clothing – choose supportive garments that feel comfortable and discreet
- Plan for privacy – use a small tent or a designated changing space
- Talk to your stoma care nurse – discuss techniques like colostomy irrigation for added confidence
“Life is for living!" Clare says with a smile. “Now I can relax, laugh, and make memories with the people I care about, without worrying about my stoma.
People who provided testimonials received compensation from Hollister Incorporated. The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented are applicable to the people depicted. These testimonials are representative of their experience, but the exact results and experience will be unique and individual to each person.
