We're back (Myself and Beryl (my stoma)) after a great week in Kos. The weather was fantastic. I didn’t see a cloud for the entire week. Sunny every day and temperatures not below 32 degrees centigrade.
I did have some concerns before departure. Mainly around the effect of the flight on my stoma pouch and also getting holiday insurance. I needn’t have worried about the flight. The only issue was that aircraft toilets are rather small due to the curvature of the aircraft and I found it difficult to position myself over the bowl to empty my pouch.
Holiday insurance was a bit of an issue. Some of the quotes I was getting were simply ridiculous. However, I did get a very reasonable quote from World First.
As I was only going for a week I ensured that I had sufficient supplies of pouches, bags etc. I calculated that I would need 4 pouches for the week, so I took 10 just in case. I remembered to carry emergency supplies in my hand luggage (minus scissors) but fortunately not required on both flights.
I’ve been quite fortunate in terms of diet and its effects so I didn’t avoid any of the local cuisine. Lots of lamb and chicken (plus the obligatory moussaka) and everything came with salad. Liberal use of Loperamide avoided any problems thankfully. Also it was the first occasion where I’ve managed a few beers. Nothing outrageous a maximum of a couple of lagers and the odd glass of wine and even a cocktail or several. Fortunately, no after effects and any alcohol was usually consumed with food. As I’m still on Capecitabine I had to remember to take my correct dose after each meal. Again not an issue but a constant reminder of my illness.
I had another concern with the effect of water on my pouch. I wear it in the bath with no problems but was worried about the effect of salt water. So no swimming in the sea for me. Well that was my excuse. Even in the heat the sea still looked cold. Sitting around the pool I was conscious of my pouch (when on display, it was usually hidden by the volumous shorts I had bought from Vanilla Blush) and my scars. I had a few puzzled looks from my fellow holidaymakers but no comments or questions. Ridiculous I know but I wanted someone to ask about them especially if they asked where I got them. ‘Well this one was from Northampton General and I got that one from Leicester General’. And then I wondered why I should be conscious of them. They are part of the reason that I’m writing this now. If it wasn’t for my surgery I wouldn’t be here. They are part of me and my story. They remind me of how fortunate I have been.
So all in all my fears were unfounded. I believe I was right to take precautions and would do exactly the same next time. Things could always change. Perhaps I’ll start planning my next break.
Tomorrow I have an interview with occupational health with the hope of going back to work as soon as possible. I’ll let you know how it goes.
