Navigating Summer with an Ostomy

It's finally here: hot days, warm nights, pool parties, cookouts, and more. For many of us, May and June mark the beginning of the summer season. As an ostomate, this can pose quite the challenge.

Dehydration is one of the most challenging aspects of living with an ostomy. Lacking part of all of your large intestine makes absorbing water and electrolytes into your body much more difficult and many ostomates are far too familiar with those ER trips fluids. I have not mastered the art of avoiding dehydration with an ostomy, but I have picked up a few tips and tricks along the way that I would like to share with you in hopes that it keeps you hydrated and healthy!

Don't just drink water.

Not only is drinking plain water in the amount that is necessary to keep you hydrated challenging, but it also does not replenish the salt and electrolyes in your body that are also key components in battling dehydration. The best option for replenishing your salt and electrolytes is to use an oral rehydration powder. Oral rehydration powders include salt and electrolytes that help bring you back to your normal self much quicker than water alone. My favorite oral rehydration solution is DripDrop. DripDrop contains sodium and glucose, which open the gate for water to get through, plus other electrolytes like zinc, potassium, and magnesium to relieve dehydration fast. Added bonus? It tastes 10x better than some of the alternatives on the market.

I have used DripDrop since my diagnosis and will continue to use it to combat dehydration.

Carry a water bottle with you everywhere.

Remembering to drink is so much easier when you have access to water or an oral hydration solution at all times. Now, this can be a challenge to get used to, but like all habits, the more you do it, the more it becomes part of your routine. Before leaving my house to go anywhere, I also make sure to grab my water bottle. The act of simply seeing it in my car or sitting at my desk is a constant reminder to myself to drink, drink, drink.

Ask for water on your flight.

Flying can be one of the most dehydrating activites, especially for an ostomate. When you mix very dry air within the cabin and a long flight to your destination, it is very easy to become dehyrated. It you have flown before, though, you know that TSA immediately requires you to empty your water bottle before going through security and often times on longer flights, personal water bottles are not allowed. So how do you stay hydrated? Just ask for water! Your flight attendant will gladly give you water throughout the flight and that is a great opportunity to throw an oral rehydration powder in to help combat dehyration further.

Track your intake on the go.

If you are struggling to remember to drink, try downloading an app to track your fluid intake! Apps such as "Daily Water Tracker Reminder" are great for logging you drinks and watching yourself reach your daily goal. Tracking your hydration through your phone is not for everyone, but for some, it is a great option.

Know when to say when.

One of the best pieces of advice that I can give to ostomates over the summer is to listen to your body. Some of the most common symptoms of dehydration are dark urine, dry skin, feeling dizzy, rapid heartbeat and breathing, sleepiness, and headache. If you experience any of these symptoms and think that you may be dehyrated, call your doctor right away. Dehydration is not something to mess with, especially with a compromised system.

I hope these tips and tricks help you enjoy your summer and avoid trips to the ER for fluids. It's not easy staying hydrated, but with the help of some of these things, hopefully you can enjoy all of the wonderful things that come with summer!