TIPS FOR HEALTHY HYDRATION WITH AN OSTOMY

The following content is provided by ConvaTec. Neither Cardinal Health or Edgepark have any control over, nor have reviewed or verified, the following content. Questions about the following content should be directed to ConvaTec.

Most people simply don't drink enough.

Drinking more is one of the simplest ways to improve your health and well-being. You probably need to drink much more than you think. These tips can help you stay one step ahead of dehydration.

Drink little and often.

Set an hourly alarm on your phone or watch to remind you to grab a glass of water.

Always take a drink when you go out.

Never assume you'll be able to buy a drink. Be prepared and take one with you.

Don't wait until you're thirsty.

By then you’ll already be dehydrated. Stay one step ahead and keep your body hydrated and healthy.


The best indicator of your hydration status is your urine color.

  • Aim for light straw colored urine –this means you’re probably drinking enough.
  • If your urine is darker in color you need to drink more fluid.
  • If your urine is completely clear, you may actually be drinking too much and flushing electrolytes out of your body.
IF YOU FEEL SEVERELY DEHYDRATED OR IF YOUR URINE IS VERY DARK IN COLOR, THEN SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IMMEDIATELY.
 

How much should you drink? 

There are no hard and fast rules about how much you should drink. Everyone will have different needs from one day to the next. A normal healthy person is recommended to drink around 6-8 glasses of fluid per day1, but some people will need more and others less. Use your urine color as the best guide.

What should you drink?

Contrary to popular belief, plain water is not a good hydrator. In order for fluid to be well absorbed by the body, a drink needs to have a small amount of glucose and some sodium. This is a concept known as osmolarity. Sports drinks are often recommended when you have an ileostomy, but they are high in sugar and can be unhealthy.

Instead, choose to drink dilute squash or fruit juice with a pinch of salt or have an electrolyte drink which can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies or supermarkets.

What are the symptoms?

Many people – both with and without an ileostomy – are chronically dehydrated every day. Symptoms such as headaches and tiredness can be attributed to other health conditions, but they are often due to dehydration.


TRAVEL TIPS

Content courtesy of ConvaTec

Extra security precautions are being taken at airports and other transit hubs worldwide. A little pre-planning and understanding of both security rules and your right to privacy can help you avoid problems in transit and enjoy your travels.

In particular, remember that all airport screenings must be conducted with courtesy, dignity and respect. You may request screening in a private area at all U.S. airports and most international destinations.

A few additional tips to keep you on the go:
  • Carry a statement from your healthcare professional stating your need for ostomy supplies. You can also download and print our discreet TSA card to show to security officers with questions.
    • TSA rules state that you can be screened without having to empty or expose your ostomy; however, you may need to conduct a self pat-down of the ostomy, followed by a test of your hands for any trace of explosives.
    • If you are traveling to a foreign country, bring this information written in the appropriate language.Google Translate may be helpful with translations. If you find you need additional supplies while traveling, a local pharmacy is a great starting point. The local pharmacist should be able to provide you with the necessary supplies and/or refer you to a local clinic/hospital for support.
  • Pre-cut all cut-to-fit barriers at home.
    • Although current United States Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) rulesAallow curved point scissors with blades less than 4" in length in your carry-on luggage, keeping your ostomy scissors in your checked luggage may avoid delay and extra screening.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance that guarantees getting you to a hospital, if necessary.
  • When it comes to supplies, OVERPACK! Better safe than sorry. Pack at least three days’ worth of ostomy supplies in your carry-on luggage—just in case your checked luggage is misplaced.
  • Take extra supplies, in case of delays and/or non-availability at your destination.
  • Drink, drink, drink. Nothing slows down a vacation more than dehydration.
  • If travelling by car, take advantage of rest areas. Stop and empty your pouch regularly; you never know how far it will be until the next one!
  • Pack ostomy-friendly snacks.
  • Keep a set of clean clothes handy whether in your carry-on luggage or in the trunk of your car.
  • Carry a few plastic bags and wet wipes for quick clean-up.

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