A Journey of Firsts: Our First Holiday Abroad After My Son’s Ileostomy Surgery
Navigating new landscapes, unexpected challenges, and the joy of proving that nothing can hold us back.
When we boarded the plane in 2023 for our first holiday abroad since my six-year-old son’s ileostomy, I felt a mix of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This trip wasn’t just a family getaway; it was a milestone, a testament to his resilience and our ability to embrace a new normal.
The decision to take this trip wasn’t easy. Traveling can be daunting at the best of times, but when you add medical supplies, dietary needs, and the unpredictability of a stoma, it becomes a logistical puzzle. Still, we wanted to prove—to ourselves and to him—that his ileostomy didn’t have to limit his life.
Preparing for the Unknown
The weeks leading up to our departure were a whirlwind of planning. I packed meticulously, double-checking every detail: extra pouches, adhesive remover, barrier creams, wipes, changes of clothes. I created a mental checklist of what to do in case of leaks, delays, or any other mishap.
But it wasn’t just the practicalities that worried me. There was a nagging fear in the back of my mind: What if something goes wrong? What if this is too much for him—or for me?
Looking back, I realise that fear wasn’t just about the trip. It was about stepping out of the protective bubble we’d built since his surgery. It was about trusting that we could handle whatever came our way.
The Moment We Arrived
The moment we landed, a shift happened. It wasn’t immediate, but it was palpable. My son’s face lit up as he looked out the window of the taxi at the unfamiliar streets. He was filled with the kind of wonder only children have, unburdened by the worries that had consumed me.
And suddenly, I wasn’t just his caregiver—I was his travel companion, sharing in his excitement as he pointed out everything from the beach to the colorful signs in a language neither of us understood.
Navigating New Challenges
Traveling with a stoma presented challenges, but they weren’t insurmountable. There were moments that tested us—a pouch change in a cramped airplane bathroom, a sudden leak while we explored a bustling marketplace.
But each time, we adapted. I learned to pack a “grab bag” of essentials that I could carry everywhere. He learned to take it all in stride, his resilience shining through in the way he’d laugh and say, “It’s okay, Mama. Let’s fix it and keep going.”
There were also moments of unexpected kindness: a hotel staff member who went out of their way to provide gluten-free options for him, a stranger who held the door when they noticed I was balancing him and a bag of supplies. Those small acts reminded me that we weren’t alone, even in a foreign place.
The Joy of Freedom
For the first time in months, I saw him as just a six-year-old boy—not a patient, not someone defined by his medical needs. On the beach, he dug holes in the sand and chased waves with abandon. At the hotel pool, he showed off his swimming moves, proudly pointing to the waterproof cover on his stoma.
His laughter was contagious, filling the air with a kind of lightness I hadn’t felt in a long time. I realised this trip wasn’t just about proving something to ourselves—it was about reclaiming joy, about showing him that his life could be full of adventures and possibilities.
Lessons from the Journey
This holiday taught me so much—not just about managing stoma care on the go, but about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of letting go. I learned that I didn’t need to have everything perfectly figured out; I just needed to show up, ready to face whatever came next.
Most of all, I learned that my son’s ileostomy doesn’t define him. It’s part of his story, yes, but it doesn’t limit his capacity for joy, curiosity, or courage.
As we boarded the plane back home, exhausted but happy, I looked at him and felt a swell of pride. This wasn’t just a trip—it was a celebration of how far we’d come.
Moving Forward
Since that holiday, I’ve carried the lessons we learned with me. Life with a stoma can be unpredictable, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier to living fully. With a little planning, a lot of patience, and a willingness to adapt, we’ve discovered that the world is still wide open for us to explore.
Our first trip abroad wasn’t perfect, but it was perfect for us. It reminded me that every step forward—no matter how small—is worth celebrating.
To anyone facing a similar journey, I hope our story shows you that challenges can coexist with joy, and that every adventure is possible when you meet it with courage and love.
What a beautiful story, Salwa! You two are quite the team, and I'm so glad to know that you not only made it through a travel abroad but had some moments of joy! I loved reading this! ❤️
“challenge can coexist with joy” a beautiful takeaway 🤍 Just reading your holiday memory made me so happy for you guys!