Long Haul Travel with Stomas?

Hi Julie Ju7

It can be done! I’m just back from the Maldives which is I know is not as far, but I added some tips in this thread

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ileostomy-and-colostomy-discussions-forum/f/ileostomy_and_colostomy_discussions-forum/241539/travel-advice

I know it’s a scary thought, travelling long haul, but don’t let a stoma dictate your plans!

Sarah xx

I was given advice from my Stoma nurse - when flying  - stay away from fizzy drinks. I think the combination causes wind. I imagined floating up to the plane roof and much much worse. I'm sure you can picture it. X.

Hi KathH2

I tend to like a drink on planes-part of the journey for me-and I need something fizzy in my vodka! It’s never caused me wind, or caused either of my bags to inflate, which was something I worried about before I first made a plane journey! 

I’ve had fizzy drinks with all of my alcoholic drinks on planes and never had a single issue I’m glad to say, not even with my urostomy! 

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah

Thank you so much for this and others' inputs too.

When my husband and I go out, he normally only eats a little before we go as he is scared to empty his bag somewhere other than home. I think he is worried in case of "accident" that he will need to change all his clothes in the toilet. He is also concerned about the smell. If we go on the plane and he needs to change or empty his stoma bag, the whole plane might smell.

Judy xx

Well, I have needed to change all my clothes in the airport even before I got on a plane! The whole plane will not smell-I’ve changed my bag in the loo on the plane, and while I felt sorry for the next visitor, it didn’t cause an issue on the plane. I have emptied my bag so many times in a loo other than home I can’t even count. I know it’s a worry, I felt that too, but please don’t let it overwhelm everything. 

Sarah xx

Hi Ju7

You can get peppermint drops to put in the pouch. They really do help to neutralise any smell.  But, really, the more you empty the pouch in a communal toilet the easier it gets. It was something I struggled with in the early days too, so I can sympathise entirely, but I made myself visit public loos whether I needed to or not, really just to get into a familiar habit.

Hi BlueBlue

Thanks so much for your advice. It means so much. ️xx

Hi Sarah

Thanks again. Your advice is much appreciated. I will let my husband know. Thanks to all of you.

Xxx

Hi Sarah, I have a Stoma and holiday abroad twice a year and have done so since my colostomy some 17 years ago. Have been on many long haul flights to America and Zanzibar so have had plenty of experience. I keep away from fizzy drinks and curry type meals during and before travelling. Drink plenty of water, stay away from too much alcohol and  have a new bag fitted the night before I travel and keep 2 changes in my personal hand luggage and sufficient for my holiday in my cabin luggage, I then double up in my in-hold luggage, better safe than sorry.Wear loose fitting clothes  and if you wear a belt support don’t be embarrassed if it is discovered if a body search is carried out, the person doing the search may say ‘are you wearing a money belt’ you just reply, ‘no, it’s a colostomy belt’ they are more likely to be the embarrassed one.

good luck in your travels, you deserve it.

Hi Bon

All good advice! I am much more confident on my travels now, and preparing to travel again next month. I’ve found airport security staff to be very respectful when I’m searched and have had no issues with that-the last time the lady said they see this all the time and I’ve never been made to feel embarrassed at all. Zanzibar is on my to do list so I may get there one day!

Sarah xx