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By Jo Hunt
Christmas is a magical time. While most people look forward to gathering with loved ones, sharing food and laughter and dozing off in front of the TV, I felt differently. Crohn’s disease dictated my diet, which was limited to boring, bland foods. I never finished a meal without having to run to the toilet. Before my stoma, the only thing different about Christmas was that I would be wearing a paper hat!
My Christmas dinner consisted of mashed potato and cauliflower that was cooked until it became mush. I couldn’t eat most vegetables, nor could I have Yorkshire puddings, Christmas puddings or mince pies. While my brother complained that there was a sprout on his plate, I desperately wanted to try one. My mum’s cooking always smelled so good, so not being able to enjoy it was torture. As much as I wanted to try all the food, the thought of the excruciating pain that would follow was enough to stop me.
The festive period is a time for visiting friends and family, but this was always a traumatic experience. I felt anxious about using someone else’s toilet and I was self-conscious of how long I was in there. I worried whether they’d have air freshener and how soft their toilet paper would be. My estimations of people varied depending on how soft their toilet paper was!
Back in 1992, I had my first Christmas with a stoma. I had only had the operation nine months before, so it still felt very new. In the months before Christmas, I tried lots of new foods, including roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing and vegetables, and they had all passed the test! I had figured out just how much to eat, and I knew that if I chewed well and stayed hydrated, I would be okay.
I was still yet to try the holy grail of the Christmas dinner – the Brussel sprout! So, on Christmas Day, I was determined to try one. I didn’t know whether I liked them, but the fact that I could try one was amazing. I cut the first sprout into quarters and tasted it. It was delicious! I finished my plate and luckily, everything I ate seemed to agree with me. Unlike most, I look forward to having sprouts with my dinner now.
Christmas takes lots of preparation, and when you have a stoma, you have to build your needs into your plans. Lots of delivery companies close for a few days, but they usually send a reminder before. Make sure you have enough pouches to get you through the festive season, and maybe a few extra in case of leaks. Just like you plan ahead when you shop for gifts and food, decorate the house and prepare for visitors, your stoma might require a little bit of thought.
When you experience your first Christmas with a stoma, try not to worry. If you don’t feel confident eating a particular food, you can always try it at another time. Most importantly, enjoy the occasion. Spend time with those who are important to you and enjoy that festive snooze on the sofa!