I love being outside and enjoying all aspects of the great outdoors. It really doesn't matter what the weather is or what season, but being outside gives me joy. It is a part of my personality to like being outside and it energizes my personality. I also enjoy being active outside. My favorite pastimes are jogging, hunting, and sports. These things are normal for most people, but sometimes I hear that they are not capable for people with a stoma. I littleraly get a smirk on my face and a questionable look when I hear this because I have a stoma. I don't have any issue with doing any of these things outside and the fact that some say you shouldn't be active with a stoma is simply silly. Now there is a process for getting from surgery to active outside and that is a process that should be monitored by your doctor. But after that, unless you are told not to do it, go out and enjoy the great outdoors.

I find that having the ability to enjoy the outdoors is filled and helped by knowledge. Knowledge gives you the ability to know what gear to use and in what situation. I know that many people back in the day didn't have access to information, but this year is 2020 and even people in poverty have smartphones. That means that all the information in the world is right at your fingertips and you can learn quickly how to do anything outside and even with a stoma. So how do you do this you may say. Well, I want to go over a few places to look to learn how to be an outdoorsman or woman in 2020 with a stoma.

First thing to do is simply start googling. Learn and read all the articles you can and you will probably hear lots of ways to do your activity outside. These are not all good ideas and many people simply give bad information, but what you have done is to expand your mind to possibilities. Now some forums are great for learning about how to go jogging with a stoma. And some are pretty, bad too. But if you are on the hunt for some information, start here. Then once you have an idea of what you want to do go and find someone who has already done it and that you can see doing it. What do I mean by this? I mean go on social media and find all the people you can who are doing an outdoor activity with a stoma that you want to do. That is such a great way to learn.

I started on YouTube and found some channels that were set up to talk about being active with a stoma. Lots of people were willing to show their lives and failures. Failures are such good learning experiences and since they are willing to share them I was able to skip lots of trouble and hardship. So I found out how to play basketball with a stoma and some good gear that actually fit the kind of stoma i had. I found great seals, and the right size bag with elastic belt. It all came together to give me a flawless transition to being active. So give it a try and learn to have fun with your stoma!