Traveling with an Ostomy

Articles Included:

· Traveling with an Ostomy

· More Travel Tips

Traveling with an Ostomy

--Stuart Online

The stoma should not prevent you from traveling. But pay attention to the following points to avoid any problems:

· Take enough supplies with you! You might even spread it into two pieces of luggage. The most required material for the first few days should always be in your hand baggage.

· Notice, warm temperature and sports reduce the wearing time of your appliance. So take more material with you as it may be necessary. This means double, triple or more times the supplies you usually use.

· Write down the precise product with their associated product number of the ostomy supplies you use. It may be necessary for you to make a purchase while away from home. Be prepared just in case you do not have access to resources where you will be traveling. Sometimes other markings are used in other countries for your habitual material.

· Get the address where your supplies are available in the foreign country.

· Be careful with unusual food, try small pieces first.

You must purchase Barbara Kupfer's book, Yes We Can! It is one of the best current resources available for advice on traveling with an ostomy, and tips for everyday living. The intent of this book is to serve as a useful and practical guide for the person who has as ostomy, and wishes to travel.

Whether you have recently had ostomy surgery, or are a veteran; whether a seasoned traveler, or a new adventurer; whether traveling across the state, or out of the country, the pages of Yes We Can! are filled with valuable tips for traveling.

Barbara Kupfer is a world traveled person who has never let her ostomy slow her down. Traveling

has always been part of her life, and when surgery for colon cancer was performed, she was determined to continue to see the world. She had many questions about traveling with an ostomy, and although the ostomy associations, and the medical community were helpful, she felt there was a need for a definitive resource. She realized that if she was asking questions, then other people were also looking for answers.

Her book offers us the opportunity to read the stories of others who travel, as well as the best advice yet, when preparing for travel.

More Travel Tips

Adapted By The New Outlook

· Always carry a list of all your ostomy supplies—manufacturer, model numbers; etc.—as well as any medication you need to take on a small piece of paper in your wallet. If you have to go through customs, have with you a letter from your doctor outlining the drugs prescribed.

· The local phone directory in any city should have the names of emergency centers that you may need. You may want to know where English speaking support is available before you leave.

· Carry emergency medical information on your person. This should include cautions and any pertinent information to your ostomy in the event of an unexpected hospitalization.

· Always take three times as many supplies along than you think you will ever use. Carrying a few extra pouches and barriers take up minimum space in luggage. Don’t just grab a new box. The box may be defective. Check your supplies before you pack them.

· Make sure supplies are kept in containers that will keep them dry, dark and within moderate temperatures.

· Carry some extra supplies on you in case you are separated from your luggage. Put items that may leak in a plastic zip-lock type bag.

· Precut you ostomy supplies before leaving. Scissors are not allowed in carry-on baggage on airline flights but may be placed in checked luggage.

· Emotional pressures and over-fatigue may cause bowel upsets. Do no allow yourself to become overly tired.

· If this is your first time traveling with an ostomy, make a two or three day local trial run. This will not only build your confidence but you may learn some important essentials.

· If you are not completely familiar or experienced with all necessary procedures with ostomy equipment, bring along appropriate operating instructions. Also, most hotel now have Internet access. You can always check our site at uoachicago.org to obtain the most up-to-date information on ostomy resources.

· Beware of pressurized cans in airplanes. They have been known to explode.

· Bring some sanitary supplies; i.e., soap, toilet paper, towelettes, etc., which may not always be available.

· Watch what you eat and drink. Make a list of your problem foods and avoid these foods. Maintain normal eating and drinking patterns.

· Water that is not fit to drink is also not fit to irrigate or with which to rinse out your pouch.

· For those accidents which never happen at home but are almost inevitable at a friend’s house or a hotel, take along a piece of plastic and use it as a mattress cover under the sheets.

· Empty your pouch more frequently. Go to the washroom whenever you have the opportunity. “Don’t pass a toilet without emptying your pouch.”

· Read the book, Yes We Can by Barbara Kupfer et al. It is the leading resource on traveling with an ostomy.

· Carry plastic zip-lock bags for disposal of soiled pouches and equipment.

· Change your ostomy system at the first sign of breakdown. If you normally change every seven days, change after five. If you change back home after five days, change on a trip after three. Limit your risks with equipment failure due to changes in your normal routine. This will also reduce problems with skin irritations you don’t need.

· Be prepared for diarrhea. Take along medication.

· Exercise en route and get a enough sleep.

· Use seat belts properly in vehicles and in airplanes while protecting your stoma.

· If you have fears about your appliance loosening while swimming or doing other activities, simply use “pink tape” to reinforce the barrier. Some of our members have even used duct tape with success.

· If you are in a hot environment, baby powder or even cornstarch powder sprinkler under the pouch will absorb some of the moisture from perspiration and help prevent discomfort or rash.

· Do not stay home just because you have an ostomy. Travel if you wish. Oh, and have fun!

Back