Sorry it’s been a couple of weeks since my last post! We’re having such an amazing time in Australia that I haven’t had the time or energy. It has been non stop in exploring, visiting family and generally just having an amazing time!

My stoma and bag have been doing ok but the last few days I have been struggling. My stoma swells in the heat and when I’m exerting myself, I don’t want to miss a thing so I’ve been snorkelling, swimming, walking and doing everything I can. The problem is that my bag has to fit snugly around my stoma and so when I cut it to fit my swollen stoma, as the swelling decreases it leaves a gap and that gets the acidic output on my skin so I’m left with a Red raw ring of skin.

If I cut my bag to fit my normal sized stoma, when it then swells, my bag cuts into the edge of my stoma. It is now ridged, bleeding and very tender.

I’m in catch 22! If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated. I have texted my stoma nurse for help and I have arranged a clinic visit for when I’m back in the Uk. We fly home on Tuesday, I can’t believe it’s been almost 6 weeks!!

Apart from the issue my stoma and bag have been entire dealable. I’m really glad we came traveling and would recommend anyone with a stoma to not be put off by the idea of travel.

This trip would have been impossible during a flare up. My bag meant I have had a trip of a lifetime and been able to enjoy things I never thought I would.

Love Sam xx

UPDATE – I spoke to my stoma nurse who suggested using a donut (a sticky , mouldable ring) around my stoma before I put my bag on. This didn’t solve all the problems, but it definitely helped!!

When in doubt call your super stoma nurse!!!! Xxx