Are you wondering about travelling with an ostomy? Don’t be! Travelling with an ostomy can be scary, especially the first time, but this article will answer your big questions and hopefully leave you feeling prepared.
First, let’s talk about air travel.
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Some things to consider are where you are going, how long you are going for, and what you will be doing there. For example, if you are going somewhere hot and humid where you will be at the beach, being active, swimming, etc., you should pack more supplies than you think you need. You might need to (or want) change your pouch more often in this type of climate. If you are going on a long-haul trip for a month or more, it may be a good idea to investigate the possibility of buying supplies at your destination. For example, if you plan to backpack in Europe, bring a week’s worth of supplies and buy more while you are there to save room in your luggage. We recommend bringing double what you would usually use for the length of your trip; for example, if you typically use 3 in a week, bring 6-8 bags. A super important thing, no matter where you are going or for how long, is to ensure you bring at least some of your supplies in your carry-on so that you won’t need to panic if your bag gets delayed or lost. Alternatively, check with the airline you are flying with to see if you can bring a suitcase for medical supplies free of charge. Most airlines in Canada will allow you to bring a checked bag free of charge for medical supplies/medication, so this is an excellent option for longer trips where you need to bring a lot of supplies with you. But always make sure to contact your specific airline or airport to make sure before arriving.
What about security?
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You may find yourself being screened more thoroughly at the airport with an ostomy, especially if you go through the full body scanner. It’s a good idea to tell the screening officer about your pouch beforehand. Your ostomy will light up, and they will be required to pat you down and swab your hands, waist and feet for analysis. If you feel uncomfortable with this happening in the general security line, you can always ask to be patted down in a private room! Health Canada makes special exceptions for travelling with medical devices. Ostomy paste tubes are exempt from the liquid restrictions but must be screened by the security officer. If you want, you can use the family/special needs security line, as the officers there are trained to be able to provide assistance. You can also consider getting a Sunflower Lanyard, which alerts the security that you are someone with an invisible disability. That way, you can skip the line or receive additional help if needed. This is especially helpful if you have a high-output ostomy and your bag fills up while waiting in a long line. These can typically be acquired at the help desk near the check-in counters. Once you get past security, we highly recommend filling up a water bottle for the plane. Dehydration happens quicker on the plane, and this can be even worse for people with an ostomy. If you are going somewhere with a hot climate, consider bringing electrolyte packs such as Liquid IV or Hydralyte to ensure you stay hydrated!
Does flying on a plane affect your ostomy?
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No! Depending on what you eat/drink before/during your travel, you may find yourself more gassy than usual, but despite common misconceptions, the air pressure won’t do anything to your pouch. It is a good idea to empty your pouch right before boarding for your own comfort, especially in cases where there is a lot of turbulence and you can’t get to the bathroom for an extended period. If you have a high-output ostomy or are particularly anxious about flying for the first time, consider booking a seat in the aisle or close to the bathrooms to have easy access when needed.
Now, what about road trips?
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Again, consider how long you are going, where you are going, and what you will be doing. If you are taking a long road trip where your car might be sitting out in the sun for extended periods, use extra caution with packing your supplies. Some flanges may be affected if left in the heat, so it might be a good idea to pack supplies in an insulated bag that will stay cool during the trip.
What about camping with an ostomy?
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Camping with an ostomy can be a scary thought, but it is possible, especially if you are prepared. If you are worried about access to a bathroom, consider bringing a popup change room tent and putting a bucket with toilet paper inside to empty your pouch with ease and privacy. Check out this Amazon link for an example pop-up privacy tent. There are also many portable camping toilets on the market. Bring lots of disposable bags or dog poop bags as well in case you decide to go hiking or your campsite is far from the bathroom facilities or doesn’t have bathrooms. Another good idea when camping is to bring a lantern/flashlight/headlamp so that you can see what you are doing if you need to empty your pouch late at night.
Resources for Ostomy Travel
- Printable Traveler’s Communication Card
- Ostomy Canada Travel Tips
- Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
You’ve Got This!
You will be able to go on as many trips as you want, wherever you want, despite your ostomy. It is expected to be anxious at first, but try to focus on the excitement of going somewhere you want to go and trying new things! Try practicing mindfulness activities such as deep breathing or counting if you are getting anxious at the airport/security/leading up to the trip. If you are prepared with supplies and your passport, then relax and enjoy the trip – you deserve it!
Source
By Hannah Martin-Spencer, Ostomy Canada Marketing Team.
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Hannah, a passionate 23-year-old from the Greater Toronto Area, is expanding her expertise in acupuncture at a Calgary post-secondary institution. With a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology, she blends her knowledge into her new acupuncture pursuit. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 16 and unsuccessful biological drug treatments, she underwent ileostomy surgery at 20. Hannah is driven to advocate for ostomy individuals. As a new volunteer, she will support Ostomy Canada with social media and fundraising. She enjoys outdoor activities, baking, and painting in her free time. Hannah’s journey of resilience and determination, with her ostomy transformation showcasing her strength, aims to inspire and support the ostomy community.
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