I didn't know where to post this question - I hope this is ok.
I am really wanting to go on an Outward Bound backpacking trip. My question is would it be better to do a trip like this while I still have my ileostomy or wait until I have my reversal. I have not lived with my J-pouch yet so I don't know what to expect. Does anyone out there have camping/backpacking experiences with an ileostomy or J-pouch?

Jen M.

If you feel healthy enough to take the trip with the ileostomy go - don't wait. On the bright side, if you are out in the wilderness w/o restrooms, you wouldn't have to worry about catching poison ivy while squatting. Make sure you bring amply ostomy supplies, tp, ziploc bag to put used stuff until you find a garbage can) and keep hydrated. When I had my ileostomy I had big time hydration issues so remember to drink a lot, especially Gatorade or something with lots of electrolytes.

I have only backpacked with a j-pouch and it's one of the reasons I chose a j-pouch over a permanent ostomy. I pack in the high Sierras where there is no potable water and I didn't want to worry about appliance changes under those conditions. Backpacking with a j-pouch has been no problem.

Sue

I say go for it with the ostomy and then go for it again with the j-pouch. Just go for it! I can't remember if I did any camping while I had an ileostomy but it seems like it wouldn't have been a problem at all. And I have camped with a j-pouch and that's worked.

So go and have fun.

kathy

If you are worried about no potable water for changes, etc... bring along a spray bottle of saline. I used to use that to the clean the area around the stoma.

I have an ileostomy. I went camping a couple months after my surgery (probably too soon in hindsight). There were some facilities where we were, but I still ended up changing my bag in my tent. It wasn't that big of a deal--just make sure you've got a flash light with you. Also bring along lots of extra supplies, and some plastic garbage bags to put any used bags in.

Since then, I've gone on a bunch of very long day hikes (8-12 miles). I've never really had a problem with the bag when I'm outside with it. After I finish with moving, I'll probably go camping some more this summer. Have a good trip.

I do a lot of camping and backpacking, including camping in the wild with no facilities. I currently have a J Pouch and apart from the obvious need to "go" more than the person with a colon its no big deal.

I used to camp at campsites when I had my stoma and again no problem. Changing the bag took a bit of planning as the UK campsites generally do not have sinks in the toilet cubicles. So I would take a small bowl of water in. Alternatively change the bag in my tent.

As with most things with the pouch (and life in general) if you want to do something you will find a way to do it.

Jen--Go, go, go! The surgery was done so you can live. Figure your way, and do it! I camped with the j pouch, not the ostomy. (I was too ill with the ostomoy--from uc) We had the surgery to better our lives...Keep on livin'! Peace, Sue

My family is currently trying to plan something for vacation, one idea that popped up was to go to some national park. I am a little aprehensive because im not sure that i will be able to go too long with out needing a washroom. Im sure i am just freaking myself out and if i take imodium ill be fine, but that thought that if i had the ileo sitll would make it much easier.
Id say go on the trip now, if you wait till after surgery it may take longer to go because you will have to figure out how everything works first