When is enough actually enough? This is something my wife tells me all the time and that is because I am a huge gear junky. It probably happened because of how I was raised, but I always like to have the right tool for the right job and it really doesn't matter what area it falls into. If it comes to working in the garage, hunting, or the car I simply like to have the best gear and I like to make sure that it is going to work for me and make me happy. If I am like this in other areas, then why wouldn't I think the same way for my stoma? When it comes to ostomy gear I think we all should be on the search and hunt to find the best gear that allows us the most comfort and happiness in life. Some people simply find something that does the job and they settle. There may actually be something that can make their lives legitimately better and they don't even go out and ever find it. Well, I don't want that to be you. I want you to live the best life you can and when it comes to getting the right gear for your stoma I want to take you through my routine of finding that gear.
Everyone researches differently. I have a degree that is based on research and how to find all kinds of information and disseminate and rule on it. But that doesn't change the fact that I like to search for ostomy gear just like the next regular guy or gal. So why would anyone not start by searching the internet? They most definitely should and that is where I start all of my searches and work on the things I want to accomplish. What this means is that if I am going to head out on a vacation in a new area then I want to make sure my ostomy gear is going to perform in that area. So I want to start with when I wanted to go hiking in the mountains in the Grand Tetons.
At this point, many people will say that those with a stoma shouldn't go hiking or do anything crazy. To them, I say B.S., and I mean it. Go live and be free. There are people who have done Iron Man Competitions with a stoma and that is so much more intense than simply hiking. But I digress a little. The first thing I did was to search for hiking and high elevation with a stoma. I found a lot of good information and then I took that information and called up the few major manufacturers who produce the products suggested.
I wanted to know about high elevation and things I should think about when hiking in the mountains and their products that were made for it. I found some good help and ended up talking with a few engineers on it. I highly suggest doing this on your own because not all gear works for everyone. It is important to also talk it over with your healthcare provider to make sure this is something that will work for you as well. But go out have fun and get the best gear.
