Going to school with an ostomy can feel overwhelming. However, with the right preparation and mindset, you or your child can confidently manage your ostomy pouch and other supplies while staying discreet and confident.
Navigate the upcoming school year with 180 Medical’s comprehensive guide, including tips from one of our employees with an ostomy.
Tips for Preparing for School with an Ostomy
Here are a few key considerations as you prepare for the upcoming school year.
1. Communicate Ostomy Needs with Necessary School Staff
While it’s important to respect privacy and discretion according to each individual’s comfort level, some school staff may need to be informed about your or your child’s ostomy so they can make appropriate accommodations.
If you’re heading to college, request to speak with someone in Student Housing and/or Student Services. If your child attends elementary, middle, or high school, talk to their homeroom teacher and/or the school nurse.
Discuss any ostomy needs to ensure everyone involved is informed and prepared. Also, remember that you or your child may require extra bathroom breaks or access to a private restroom.
2. Understand Nutrition and Hydration Needs
Talk to your or your child’s doctor to fully understand what foods are okay and what may need to be off-limits. For instance, some foods may be more likely to cause issues like gas, blockages, or diarrhea. You also need to stay optimally hydrated for your body and ostomy types.
3. Prepare an Emergency Pack of Supplies
Before school starts, prepare an emergency pack. This pack should include all the supplies needed for at least two full ostomy pouch changes and an emergency change of clothes in case of leakage.
Ideally, you should be able to store these supplies in a safe but discreet place, such as the nurse’s office, a locked locker, or a backpack, rather than in a car where extreme temperatures may damage the supplies.
Participating in School Sports and Activities with an Ostomy
Can you participate in sports and other school activities with an ostomy? Yes! But it’s important to check in with your doctor first.
For most students, regular physical activity can resume with some precautions once you’ve healed after ostomy surgery. However, high-impact or high-risk sports like football may be off-limits. Check with your doctor to see what’s right for you individually.
Navigating the Locker Room
If you or your child feel uncomfortable changing in a shared locker room after physical education classes, you may need to talk to the school about making alternative arrangements.
How to Feel Comfortable with an Ostomy at School
180 Medical employee Cindy knows what it’s like to be new to living with an ostomy. She offers this advice: “You are not alone. Be proud of who you are and what you have accomplished.”
Here are a few of her tips for feeling comfortable and confident with your ostomy as you navigate going back to school.
1. Talk positively to yourself.
Trying positive self-talk or writing down your feelings may help boost your confidence over time. Remember how far you’ve come, your strengths, and your capabilities.
2. Remember that no one will notice your ostomy unless you decide to tell them.
“No one can see your ostomy pouch under your clothes,” says Cindy. “It may feel like there is a big bullseye for people to look at, but if you don’t bring attention to it, they will probably never even notice.”
You can try out items like ostomy wraps to help better conceal your pouching system, or you may be interested in Convatec’s Esteem Body™ ostomy pouches, which offer a discreet shape designed to reduce bulging and sagging.
3. Knock out pouch odors to stay discreet.
Worried about smells coming from your ostomy pouch? You’re not the only one with these concerns.
For the most part, you should not notice obvious ostomy odor unless the seal is not secure or there is some leakage. However, Cindy shares that as a backup, “I like to put a couple of drops of lubricating deodorant in my bag in the morning when I know I’m going to be around people, which does help to ensure I remain odor-free.”
4. Seek support online or in person.
Part of adjusting to living with an ostomy may involve reaching out to others and connecting with people who understand your experience. Cindy found a lot of help through the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA), which offers a helpful support group finder on their website.
5. Take one day at a time.
It may not be easy at first. Adjusting to life with an ostomy takes time. However, Cindy says to never give up on yourself. Once you’re healed and your doctor gives you the okay, you can still participate in all the fun school offers.
“Be yourself, have fun, and take it one day at a time,” Cindy says. “It really will get easier.”
Returning to school with an ostomy might seem challenging initially, but with the right preparation, you can navigate it successfully.
At 180 Medical, our Ostomy Specialists, including team members living with ostomies, are here to help. It’s our goal to offer you the best service and products possible, but we can also offer support, lend an ear, and provide personalized help. We’re here to support you every step of the way, so reach out and contact us.
Good luck, and have a fun, safe year at school!
