Travelling

Hi Danni

I just know that you are wondering who will be the first to reply, could it be me!

I've put together this for you, some of it maybe too late for you to organise like the arranging with airline to allow dad to carry an extra piece of hand baggage into the cabin with his essential supplies, remember no scissors on board, as I found out they do confiscate them pack them hold baggage.

Here you go 

Holiday Advice 

Travel Tips

It should not be a problem with dads pouches ballooning in the air, it's only a short flight.

Tip Have dad visit the toilet in the departure lounge prior to boarding and as soon as the seat belt sign goes out visit the toilet. About ¾'s into the flight again visit the toilet and that should do him until the baggage hall.

You may want to pick up one of these at the airport

The Sunflower Lanyard scheme was rolled out across UK airports in 2017 and indicates to airport staff that the wearer has additional, hidden, needs that should be considered to ensure a smooth experience through the airport. Sunflower lanyards can be obtained at any of the airport’s assistance desks.

This maybe a bit late but you could have asked the airline to organise special assistance at the home airport and the Portuguese one it makes a difference

As soon as you get on the plane ask for a seat belt extender to stop the seat belt cutting into the pouches, aircraft normally carry about two and they are in demand so ask as you soon as you board.

Extra security precautions are being taken at airports and other transit hubs worldwide. A little pre-planning and understanding of both security rules and your right to privacy can help you avoid problems in transit and enjoy your travels.

In particular, remember that all airport screenings must be conducted with courtesy, dignity and respect. You may request screening in a private area at all U.K. airports and most international destinations.

A few additional tips for you

Pre-cut all cut-to-fit barriers at home.

Carry a statement from your healthcare professional stating your need for stoma care supplies.

If you are traveling to a foreign country, bring this information written in the appropriate language. Google Translate may be helpful with translations. If you find you need additional supplies while traveling, a local pharmacy is a great starting point. The local pharmacist should be able to provide you with the necessary supplies and/or refer you to a local clinic/hospital for support.

Pack at least three days worth of stoma care supplies in your carry-on luggage—just in case your checked luggage is misplaced.

Take extra supplies, in case of delays and/or non-availability at your destination.

Keep pouches in the coolest part of the room but not in the fridge.

You may want to, but you don't have to feel obliged to, ask the hotel how they want you to dispose of soiled bags, they may not be concerned or they may give you some yellow sacks for disposing of waste.

Sir, Madam, Miss
URGENT
I have a medical condition
and need to use the toilet
urgently,
Please may I use yours
thank you
Not all disabilities are visible

Senhor, senhora, senhorita
URGENTE
Eu tenho uma condição médica
e precisa usar o banheiro
urgentemente,
Por favor, eu posso usar o seu
obrigado
Nem todas as deficiências são visíveis

I'm about for the rest of the day if I missed something that you need to know

Danni, I like to ask you to do two things for me if you would

Could you let me know how dad got on with obtaining insurance and if you wouldn't mind telling me the name of the company he used, we have a Travel Insurance Group that keep a list of recommended insurance companies and knowing of your experience when trying to arrange, hope you don't mind me asking.

And the second thing I would like you to do for me - Have a wonderful holiday and put all your cares behind you, you deserve to have an excellent holiday with mum and dad.

If anything else pops into my mind I'll get back to you

Best wishes

Ian

latchbrook might be of interest, don't think it's been mentioned in the group previously

Danni 

I did miss something that might be worth downloading and printing out, really should be signed by health professional but it might be of help.

Travel certificate

Ian

Hi Ian 

yes I knew it would be you first to reply which is great as you always have loads of great information and advice so thank you. 

Yes I was a little worried about the bag ballooning up from wind but you have put my mind at rest with that so thankyou.

yes I’m sure he will be nipping to toilet on plane even though they are so tiny you can barely move in there. I think it’s more the  urostomy that can be the problem as that’s constantly flowing all the time so have to keep emptying it.  Yes I’ve heard about the sunflower lanyard don’t think my Dad has one though but yes he should pick one up. 

My Mum has some of my Dads stoma stuff in her case to just incase. Didn’t know you could bring extra baggage on though if you have a stoma. Yes I was thinking that if you have to change your bag in flight toilet or in hotel where do you put your bag? 

Of course not but will have to find out if my Dad as he sorted it all and when I find out I will let you know. Thanks the for info as usual and the download bit I’ve left work now so can’t print it out but thank you and yes hopefully we will have a good holiday thanks Ian. 

Danni

I'm not sure if this is a possibility,  could dad strap a night bag to his leg for the flight.

I'm sure he'll manage fine in the aircraft toilet just a matter of finding the right position I would be more concerned about other passengers getting impatient if he is in a long time, solution maybe when dad goes to the toilet then you or mum, make it a family affair, could be the next one(s) waiting to go in.

Hopefully you are reading this before you leave, when dad collects his sunflower lanyard he could ask for special assistance to get him to the plane, if he uses the excuse he has trouble walking and wouldn't be embarrassed about sitting in a wheelchair (depending on airport it might be a buggy) you'll all be whisked through security straight to the plane, I was taken right into the plane from the terminal by ambulift 

Tell him not to get suncream anywhere near his bags as it will affect the adhesive.

Final suggestion enjoy a few glasses (bottles) of white port to get into the holiday spirit.

Ian

Danni 

As you couldn't download if you could get this onto to your phone.

Hopefully it will not be necessary to have to produce it at security check area.

Ian

Travel card wording

English

This is to certify that the person carrying this certificate has had a surgical operation which makes it necessary for him / her to wear, at all times, a bag attached to there abdomen to collect output from their bowel / bladder.

If it is necessary to examine this bag, a qualified medical practitioner should be in attendance, as any interference may cause leakage, discomfort and embarrassment to the certificate holder.

The bag may also be supported by a belt; the belt can contain metal parts which will register on a metal detector / body scanner.

The certificate holder may also be carrying an emergency supply pack consisting of spare bags, surgical dressings, etc in addition to their main luggage.

It is essential that these supplies remain intact and are not mislaid or confiscated.”

Portuguese 

Isso é para certificar que a pessoa portadora deste certificado teve uma operação cirúrgica que torna necessário que ele / ela use sempre uma bolsa presa ao abdômen para coletar a saída de seu intestino / bexiga.

Se for necessário examinar essa bolsa, um médico qualificado deve estar presente, pois qualquer interferência pode causar vazamento, desconforto e constrangimento ao detentor do certificado.

O saco também pode ser suportado por um cinto; o cinto pode conter peças metálicas que serão registradas em um detector de metais / corpo.

O detentor do certificado também pode estar carregando um pacote de suprimentos de emergência que consiste em sacos de reserva, curativos cirúrgicos, etc., além de sua bagagem principal.

É essencial que esses suprimentos permaneçam intactos e não sejam extraviados ou confiscados

TRAVEL CERTIFICATE

Hi Ian 

Thanks for your message hopefully my Dad won’t need a leg back as it’s only a 2 and a half hr flight and can usually go longer without having to empty it. Think he’s more worried incase the colostomy one happens on the plane it could be embarrassing for him. I think I’m worrying more though. Yes I took a pic of that you sent but my Dad doesn’t like any fuss so if he can get through without showing anything he would prefer that I think. 

Oh thanks for advice on suncream I will pass that on to him. I hope the heat doesn’t effect the bags though with sticking. 

thanks again Ian 

hi I have had ileostomy since age 19 now 55 I empty pouch while sitting on toilet, but if disposing of one in hotel etc I do like home put them in free mini black bags from pharmacist. just like doggy bag and bin them, and the same on holiday. you should carry all appliances in hand luggage incase suitcases go missing. I take mine out of boxes and put them in a4 size flat  plastic stationary envelope things for easier carrying. I always carry pre cut flange as I like 2 piece to swap from mini swim pouch to small one. and not have to change the whole thing. and always take double amount needed .  I have only once been asked at airports on body search, but reading blog a few have had embarrassing incidents. so I'm getting lanyard for first time just for airport.