Just had a great Vacation, my first with an ostomy. Went to Turks & Caicos in the Caribbean. Went there with my wife and two children and we had a great time! The trip was for my B-Day (turned 40).

I had been apprehensive about swimming with an ostomy but I’m totally over that. I spent every day in the pools, on the beach, snorkeling, and eating/drinking everything in sight. For the water I wore a rash guard UV shirt all you could see is the outline of my wafer when I was wet. The ostomy system held up great too! I over packed ostomy supplies thinking I’d have issues, but only had to change once and that was after 4 days.

Can’t wait to go away again! But for now it’s back to work…. Blah!

Turks and Caicos is beautiful! Did you stay at Beaches? I'm glad you had a great time

Nice Bill!

Was about to ask you what you wore for the swimming, and was thinking about getting myself a rash guard, too.

I ALMOST went into the community pool on Saturday (kids had an end of the season soccer party) and it was 95 degrees out, but chickened out. Glad I did, because this Cymed microskin product I'm using goes almost completely see-through when it gets wet!

You using the Hollister New Image with eakin, too?

Sounds like an awesome trip!

//Todd

Hi Bill,

Congratuations on getting on with LIVING!!!!

I'm so glad that you had a great time on your vacation. I was really nervous the first time I had to go away for more than a day but nothing bad happened, I just had such a great time that I forgot all about Wee Willie. Now Wee Willie and I (plus Frank of course) have travelled far and wide and I've changed my system in some very small toilets/bathrooms and I can tell you that nothing fazes me any more.

Todd, get that rash guard so that you don't miss out on that swim next time!

Take care.

Shell

Yep Chelsea, we went to Beaches it was great!

Todd, get a rash guard just go with any color other than white. Also, these things are tight if you want to reduce the ostomy outline go 2 sizes up from what is recommended. I'm an XL and picked up XXL's. They were still tight. I'd recommend O'Neil's, they are very comfortable. I also have a Body Glove. Go to: reefgear.com or rashguardshirtco.com

I brought a Phoenix Belt but never wore it. I was thinking that I could go shirtless with the Phoenix belt but never did. The UV protection and comfort I got from the rash guard was really good.

Cool- thanks Bill.

I tried the Phoenix belt too, and it was WAY too hot, and itchy as a result.

Which products are you using underneath the rash guard?

Thanks,
//Todd

Todd,

I use Convatec duradhesive, they held up great.

Cool- thanks Bill!

//Todd

Whats up Bill congrats on a great vacation. I hope all is well with you and your family.

Thanks for the talks and advice after surgery #1. i am sure I will be calling again soon...

Take care

Congrats Bill!!! Now that you know everything can be just fine, you'll find yourself itching to travel more and enjoy things you haven't been able to in a while...I can't get enough of swimming when we go away...

Congrats Bill glad to see you living life again.For my 40th I was in the emergency room of my local hospital with a severe back injury after having fallen off my front end loader at work.Meanwhile my twin brother was enjoying himself like you only he did it in Las Vegas with his family.I guess its the story of my life.Anyway continued health and happiness you deserve it.