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Christmas With A Stoma: Top 13 Tips
1. ‘He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice…’
If you’re going away for Christmas, making a checklist will help you organise exactly what you need to bring while travelling. This will reduce the risk of not bringing enough supplies and save a lot of potential stress down the road.
Check out our website for our travel tips here!
2. Christmas chaos…and chill
Stress can affect the gut and cause indigestion and changes in bowel habit. Try to share the festive load with your family members and remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
3. More mistletoe and less wine…
While enjoying festive drinks, it’s important to prioritise hydration. Maintain a regular fluid intake throughout the day, include a variety of fluids as recommended by your healthcare provider, and manage hydration carefully. Consider incorporating drinks with electrolytes, as advised by your Stoma Care Nurse, to stay well hydrated.
4. Seasonal ways to stay hydrated
It is generally recommended to drink 2 litres of water a day (unless your Nurse/Doctor has said otherwise) but keeping hydrated doesn’t need to be boring. Why not try out some of these Fruit infused water ideas? We think the ‘Cinna-Sparkle’ looks particularly festive.
Check out the infused water ideas here!
5. Have a small portion of figgy pudding
Seasonal recipes containing currants, sultanas, and nuts, such as mince pies and Christmas pudding, may be challenging to digest for people living with an ileostomy. If you’ve been advised to follow a low-fibre diet, it’s best to avoid festive treats like mince pies and Christmas pudding altogether to minimise blockages. For others, enjoy in small portions, chew thoroughly, and consult your Stoma Care Nurse if unsure.
6. Oops, seasonal overload causing food blockage…
Blockages are more common with ileostomies but can occasionally occur with colostomies as well, so it’s helpful to be aware of the signs. If you suspect a blockage—such as your stoma slowing down or stopping, accompanied by abdominal discomfort and bloating—try moving around, taking a warm bath, and gently massaging your abdomen. If your symptoms resolve, with your stoma output returning to normal and abdominal discomfort subsiding, there’s no further cause for concern. However, if the pain becomes severe, your stoma remains inactive, or you feel nauseous or start vomiting, seek urgent medical attention.
7. ‘I’m dreaming of a white Christmas’
Drinking in moderation is important all year round, but for a cheeky Christmas treat we love the look of this Coconut & Vanilla Milk Bottle Cocktail. This is more suitable for people living with a colostomy. Stay consistently hydrated by drinking a variety of fluids, including drink options that include electrolytes recommended by your healthcare provider or Stoma Care Nurse.
Check out the white Christmas cocktail ideas here!
8. Avoiding ballooning and pancaking over Christmas…
Rich, spicy foods and an excess of certain vegetables may upset your usual bowel habits, leading to a more active stoma or issues such as ballooning and pancaking. If you’re unsure about your tolerance for specific foods, start with small portions, chew thoroughly, and introduce new foods gradually. For personalised advice, consult your Stoma Care Nurse.
9. Keeping it Minty Fresh
Did you know that eating peppermint can help reduce odour? A pot of peppermint tea is well worth a try and we love these creative peppermint ideas for the festive season.
Check out these peppermint recipes here!
10. ‘Driving home for Christmas’
If you’re planning a long drive home for Christmas, we recommend taking extra stoma supplies for any unexpected delays. Packing some little black disposable bags may come in useful as well.
11. Gut friendly recipes you’ll love
For people living with a stoma, live yogurt is great for the digestive system, reducing wind and minimising odour. To help incorporate this fantastic food into your stoma diet and Christmas celebrations, then view some fantastic yoghurt recipes.
12. Fizzy celebrations…
Fizzy drinks may cause indigestion and possible ballooning of your stoma bag. Try and let the drink go flat or at least reduce some of its fizz before drinking.
13. Make room for the cheese board!
For people living with an ileostomy trying to thicken your output, keep hold of your cheese board leftovers. Cheese is known to help thicken output and there’s usually plenty around at this time of year.
