This topic is about an 18-year-old who has a colostomy and is planning to attend a five-night summer music festival. They are concerned about managing their colostomy in the less-than-ideal conditions of festival camping, particularly with dirty portable toilets and the need for daily bag changes. Here are some practical tips and advice shared by others:
1. Coping with Unsanitary Festival Toilets:
- Many suggest doing the morning pouch change inside the tent, as festival toilets can become quite unpleasant.
- To keep things clean, line the tent floor with newspaper or a towel and use dog-waste bags or the disposal bags that come with your supplies to seal waste.
2. Changing in the Tent:
- If you're sharing a tent and privacy is a concern, you might step outside briefly. Being confident and discreet can help avoid drawing attention.
3. Disposal and Odor Control:
- Bring plenty of small plastic or doggy bags for waste disposal. Tie them securely and dispose of them in the site’s waste bins, or bury them if allowed.
- Pack wet wipes, tissues, and odor eliminator drops like Na’scent to help control smells inside the tent.
4. Talking to Friends:
- Consider telling one or two trusted friends first. They can help explain your needs to the group and ensure you have privacy in the mornings.
- Most people are supportive if you communicate confidently and show that you handle waste responsibly.
5. Supply Checklist:
- Bring more pouching supplies than you think you'll need, along with extra wipes, disposal bags, and a small bottle of Na’scent.
- A sealable container, like a plastic coffee can with a screw-on lid, can be a backup option for emptying when toilets are unusable.
6. General Encouragement:
- People with years of ostomy experience, including camping and traveling, emphasize that with preparation, festivals are entirely manageable.
- Enjoy the festival and consider sharing your experience afterward.
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