I’ve been searching for tips on travelling and have gained lots of advice in different posts.
I have found one here four years ago but it’s pre-Covid
So I thought it’d be really great to make it an easy reference point for us all and for future travellers.
I used to ferry to Ireland twice a year. It’s a ten hour door to door for me to see my son in Tipperary. Also I travelled to Spain to see my brother twice a year its a shorter time but scary fly situation. I’ve read that bags can explode!!
Please can you add your experiences ,advice and tips.
With many thanks
Wow. That’s definitely a dream trip. You deserve it. Hopefully covids grip is loosening with the vaccines and you’ll be in your villa with a cocktail.
Ann
Hi BlueBlue
Thank you for your kind words. I have always been determined not to let the cancer ruin things I enjoy, in as much as I can control that. It’s already taken so much from me by having everything in my pelvis and I want to live my life as much as I can. I have suffered greatly from anxiety at times, which literally stopped me leaving the house, gave me awful panic attacks and was so debilitating. I probably had more anxiety about getting on the bus and going into town than I did about major surgery. Now I try to have things to look forward to and focus on. I am worried about long haul travel, but my way of looking at it is that if I don’t try, I’ll never know if I can do it. So I try to push on! xx
You’re an inspiration to us Sarah
You go girl x
Ann
Ann
IMPORTANT UPDATE
CERTIFICATE OF TRAVEL
Allowing smoother journey through customs which allows pouches and medical on the plane
I phoned my GP this morning as I have filled in my part of the certificate so I required a medics signature
The receptionist said that it could be done but insisted £10 cash when I left it and a further £32 when I picked it up!
After I gained my breathe and was able to talk I phoned my Stoma nurses
The receptionist said that it’s no problem they would sign one and post it to me. When I asked if there was a charge.
He said “No”
So please if you’re going travelling and need a certificate get it from the stoma team.
Ann
Hi Ann
That's disgraceful. I got mine from the stoma nurse and she also included some complimentary adhesive removal wipes to take on the plane (rather than an aerosol). I've no idea if the GP's here charge for that sort of thing, although, if they're allowed to I expect that they will.
Your trip will be getting closer now so I hope that you have a great time. Get some proper N95 masks for the plane as they're more effective than the cloth ones and take some Dettol wipes for the loo! (That was more advice from the stoma nurse when we flew last year)
Have fun 
Hi BlueBlue
Thanks for the tips. I will add them to my list.
I am disgusted at my GPS receptionist and have put in an official complaint. Like we haven’t got enough to take into our planning. Our flights are costing £200 more than my sisters because I’ve had to pay for extra everything. EasyJet were absolutely no help.
It will be worth it. I will be able to hug my brother first time in two years.
Ann
Great tip Ann!
Disgraceful that your surgery would have charged so much. I took a letter signed by by CNS explaining that I needed medical supplies in my hand luggage, as I did that the first time I flew. It didn’t specify about my stomas. I was never asked for this and no one so much as looked in my extra hand baggage after it went through the scanner.
I have found getting through the airports no problem, so I hope you find the same on your trip to Spain. Jet2 were extremely good I have to say in terms of all the special assistance they arrange.
Sarah xx
It’s really out of order. My complaints in so I will wait until next week to give them chance to respond.
Easyjet were extremely unhelpful too they ignored my emails the seats were selling so I booked with all the extra charges.
Lets hope Covid doesn’t take hold again. I’ve heard hospitals are taking more patients with it.
once I’m there it will definitely be worth it x
Ann
