Yea vacation coming up!!

I am so excited; my children and I will be going to CO soon for about a week. We all need it—more bonding time. Hopefully, white water rafting.

I know I have posted before about swimming, etc. I need the advice again: what do I need to do so I can get in the water there? Thank you.

So excited; God is great!!

Hi Blessed. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for a good time. It's contagious. I hope you have a terrific time with your family in CO. Keep in mind that, while swimming can be gentle, you will probably get smacked about intensely when white water rafting. I remember my first and only time rafting was on the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania when I was thrown overboard into the rapids more than a few times. I would make sure that your bag is empty before the trip and that you protect it against excessive bumps and bangs while en route. That said, just go and have a great time, collect some priceless memories, and be sure to let us know how you make out. PB

Hi PB, Thank you for your words of advice. It does make me nervous. I went today with my daughter and went horseback riding. I loved it but was a little sore afterwards. But I would love to do it again.

When in the water or pool, my son wears a wetsuit; it keeps the bag flat, and hardly any water gets into the bag! The other thing we do is have a hernia belt; this protects the stoma and the stomach too! This could be an idea if in rough water, but a stoma takes lots of toughness in everyday life when banged or changed too! Hope you have a great time together, and I know what you mean about family bonding time needed. Cheers, Julie

I am just starting with swimming now. Waterproof tape around the bag did not work. The bag stayed on, but the tape didn't. I am now going to try tube tops, as was suggested to me, to keep the bag in place. The ones you put on your top, except mine will be put on over the bag. Hopefully, this will work. If not, I hope just my bathing suit will keep it in place if it decides to come loose. Have fun on your vacation.

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

The tape we use for Griffin states on in the shower! It's called Coloplast Brava Elastic Tape 20 pcs pack. They are shaped like half moons and very sticky to the skin and bag. The item number is: 23311870. They are very good! I don't know if this is what you used or not; hope this helps! Cheers, Julie

I just ordered the StealthBelt. Where I ordered from, Edgepark, they told me I should check it out. Waiting for it now. Hope I get it soon. www.stealthbelt.com It is for swimming. Also ordered the Sure Seal rings, so I will try them also. Since I live where it is always hot, I really like to swim.

Update: Went on vacation to Colorado. To a place about 2 1/2 hours away from Denver. It is so beautiful there. Green, trees, mountains, some snow. Waterfalls. Saw moose, deer, and elk. Living in the desert since 2002, it was a big change. It was such a wonderful experience. We did horseback riding, a 3-mile hike (which was a big accomplishment for me). My kids did the white-water rafting. So I let them go, and I stayed back at the ranch. I wanted to give them some freedom and not have to worry about taking care of me. They had such a wonderful time. Now I would love to relocate to Colorado. That is my goal.