Topic Explanation:
The discussion in the forum revolves around the safety and practicality of riding amusement park rides as an ostomate. The original poster, who is relatively new to having an ostomy, expresses concern about how the restraints and jerking motions of rides might affect their ostomy appliance and overall comfort. They are seeking advice from other ostomates who have experience with amusement parks to understand if it's feasible to enjoy rides without complications.
Advice and Helpful Insights:
1. Preparation and Maintenance:
- Ensure that the ostomy wafer is freshly applied, preferably the day before visiting the park, to ensure it adheres well throughout the day.
- Consider using additional security measures like mefix tape to secure the edges of the wafer.
2. Diet and Management on the Day:
- Avoid eating large meals and drinking soda before going on rides to minimize the risk of discomfort or accidents.
- Take supplements for gas if necessary, and use a pouch with a good quality gas filter.
- Keep the pouch less than half full to avoid issues when being jerked around on rides.
3. Carrying Supplies:
- Bring extra ostomy bags and other necessary supplies in a fanny pack or similar easy-to-carry bag for emergencies.
4. Personal Experiences and Considerations:
- Some ostomates have not experienced any problems with rides at various amusement parks, indicating that with proper precautions, enjoying rides can be feasible.
- However, one individual noted that the restraint bars caused discomfort and even injury to their stoma due to their small size and the placement of the bar. This suggests that personal factors such as body size and stoma location can significantly impact the experience.
5. General Tips:
- Be prepared for long waits in lines and plan bathroom breaks accordingly. If needed, exit the line to use the restroom and have a friend hold your place.
- Monitor the fullness of the ostomy bag and manage it proactively to avoid discomfort or accidents during rides.
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