Author Archives: ostomyoutdoors

About ostomyoutdoors

I'm Heidi, and I write about my return to the world of outdoor adventures with a permanent ileostomy.

How to select ostomy pouch styles for the outdoors

Posted on May 16, 2013

Last weekend I was reminded why I love using closed-end ostomy pouches on hikes and climbs. I was up on a long ridge between between Loveland Pass and Mt. Sniktau in Colorado. Though it was a gorgeous 75-degree day down … Continue reading →

Posted in Hiking and backpacking, Products, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Wilbur the stoma gets a biopsy

Posted on May 8, 2013

On Friday I was having some major déjà vu. However, it wasn’t all in my head. I actually was in a place that I had been before: the outpatient surgery pre-op area of the hospital where I had the colonoscopy … Continue reading →

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So honored!

Posted on May 1, 2013

It always feels good to get recognized for something, but it is extra special when an award comes from a peer. These folks know the amazing amount of work and passion that can go into a project because they  devote … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Back in the wilds!

Posted on April 22, 2013

Heart pounding, quads burning and lungs barely able to keep up — I could not believe I was standing at 13,000 feet again. Yet there I was! Doug and I spent the weekend in Breckenridge with his parents. Our rental … Continue reading →

Posted in Avascular Necrosis, Exercise, Hiking and backpacking, Nature and recovery | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Using Duoderm to protect peristomal skin

Posted on April 1, 2013

What’s a mountain girl to write about when my hip injury is keeping me from the slopes and summits? Skin care, of course! After all, taking care of your peristomal skin is of utmost importance. It is hard to enjoy … Continue reading →

Posted in Products, Skin care, Stoma, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Back to the GI doctor’s office

Posted on March 14, 2013

Monday I found myself in a place that I hadn’t been to for a very long time: my GI doctor’s office. After having permanent ileostomy surgery for my UC, I wasn’t sure if I would ever need to be seen … Continue reading →

Posted in Stoma | Tagged , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Reaching out (feat. new video)

Posted on March 4, 2013

Last Tuesday evening, I left work in a gorgeous swirl of falling snow but promptly got stuck in standstill traffic due to slippery road conditions. I half-thought of exiting the freeway and heading home, but the destination was too important … Continue reading →

Posted in Emotional Health, Friends, Hiking and backpacking, Video | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

No more expecting the worst

Posted on February 25, 2013

When I woke up this morning, I had anticipated getting so much more done including writing a different blog entry than this; one that included a short new video. Instead, all I managed to check off my list was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Avascular Necrosis | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Next time?

Posted on February 18, 2013

Wow! That looks like fun I thought as I gazed up at The Ridge at Loveland ski area on Sunday and saw three skiers floating down an area of untracked powder. If only we had time to get up there. … Continue reading →

Posted in Avascular Necrosis, Emotional Health, Snowboarding | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Phoenix magazine now available online

Posted on February 11, 2013

Beyond great doctors and following the treatment plans they prescribe, one of the things I find most important when dealing with difficult medical conditions is maintaining a sense of hope.  I simply have to be able to believe that the … Continue reading →

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