Stoma on strike!

Hi Karen (Mals (801cece134274c16a0828b67b95af6d1)) and welcome to the group.

I also called my stoma Boris! I also have a permanent colostomy, but also have urostomy I christened Donald.

I don’t often have any issues with my colostomy not having output, but the fact that there is something coming out would hopefully mean there is no blockage there, especially if you are feeling fine.

It seems like you’re doing the standard things to help yourself. I also gently massage the whole area on my tummy where the stomach is, avoiding pressing on the stoma itself. It might just be a blip that will resolve itself, hopefully it is, but I’d second the advice to go to a&e if it persists.

I go on holiday abroad regularly and have never had an issue with security at the airport. I am disabled so go through the scanner in a wheelchair. It picks up there is something on my abdomen, and I normally just get a quick pat down over my clothes. Staff are well used to dealing with passengers with stomas I’ve found. A couple of times I’ve been asked to lift my top up-this is done in a private room with a female member of staff. They have a quick look, see I have 2 bags and that’s it. I’ve found all staff very respectful both here and abroad. 

I was worried about travelling the first time I did it, but have travelled multiple times since my surgery and have got into a very good routine with it. If you’ve got any other questions about travel, please ask-I’m happen to share the tips which help me. 

Sarah xx

Hello Mals,

My stoma nurse advised me to drink full fat cola in the event of a blockage. I have and it works. Also a walk for 30 minutes can help. At night if matters seem slow then I sleep face down with my weight bearing on my ileostomy. That never fails.

In my experience airport security staff have always been polite and considerate when I mention my two stomas after the body scanner. Only once (a couple of days ago) have I been asked to show my stoma pouches and this was done in a nearby private cubicle in less than a minute. Not a problem and reassuring in a way given the present troubles.

Best,

Dulac 

Hi Sarah, thanks for your reply. Boris must be a popular choice ! So Boris is on more of a go slow now than an all out strike so I’m feeling much more relaxed about it all. Regarding the travelling, I feel very reassured, thank you. I don’t really know what I need to know but any tips you have would be welcome. I was concerned that my bags might not stick so well in the heat or that the glue might get sticky like it does when I have a bath. I am hoping to go swimming soon to see if that’s ok and I’ve been told the glue will hold well as the water is cold. Do you carry all your stoma products as hand luggage? I’m worried about running out but don’t want to take silly amounts. Thanks very much for your help. Karen

Hi Dulac, thanks so much for that advice. He is making more effort now! I don’t normally have fizzy drinks but I had a pint of cola a few weeks ago with explosive results so I have avoided it but it didn’t occur to me that this was just the thing I needed  . I have been to the gym for my rehab, doing Pilates and walking a lot which I thought would help but hasn’t this time…I will just sit down with a coke…much easier!

I suppose once I have been away for the first time it will get easier but thank you for being so reassuring. I am flying to Edinburgh for a short break before my holiday abroad so it will be a good practice run.

Thanks again

Karen

Hi Karen

I’ll tell you what I do, but bear in mind I have 2 stomas and for my urostomy I need to bring night bags and a stand to hang them on to drain drain during the night, which increases what I need to take.

In my handbag I carry a small wash bag with enough for 2 changes. This is easy to take to the loo on the plane. And yes, I’ve needed to change my colostomy bag in a plane loo! 

In my rucksack which I take as cabin baggage I take enough supplies to last several days.

In my hold luggage I divide what I think I’ll need in addition to what I’m taking in the cabin between mine and my partner’s cases on the basis that if one case goes astray I wouldn’t be completely stuck. Luckily that’s never happened.

I have always taken at least double what I think I might need, as I have had an upset tummy before on holiday and I fear running out of supplies!

I carry an adhesive remover spray in my liquids bag in my hand luggage-it’s 50ml so permitted as a liquid.

You can ask your airline for an increase in your baggage allowance for medical supplies which was free for me-I’ve done that once. You can also get a letter from your stoma nurse to confirm that you are carrying necessary medical supplies. I’ve done that once, but was never asked to produce it to anyone, so I haven’t done it recently. 

It’s also possible to get a card in multiple languages which explains you have a stoma but I haven’t felt the need to have this. 

I always take some puppy pads in my case for the hotel bed in case of any leaks on the white linen and put one on the sheet to sleep on. I’ve not had a leak but it’s just for added security for me personally with 2 stomas. 

Before going swimming I make sure I have clean, empty bags on, and I change them for fresh ones when I come out. Another reason to take extra bags. I’ve not had an issues ever with the bag coming away in the water or failing to stick in the heat. I tend to wear tankinis with some support in my bottom half, which I find hold my bags well. Makes it easier to get changed too when you get out of the water.

Hope this helps-just what I’ve learned doing multiple trips abroad! Once you’ve done a trip, you should find your confidence will increase. I’ve done a trip involving 2 flights and a speedboat and had no problems at all, but I tend to go to Spain/the Canaries nowadays as being in a wheelchair now brings its own set of issues!

Sarah xx

Wow, thanks so much for taking the time to give such a detailed and helpful response. That’s a great help! Happy travels!

Karen x

No problem, Karen. I had a lot to learn when travelling, and am happy to share if it helps! 3 months to go until I get on my next plane.

Sarah xx

Hi Mals  It's an ileostomy I have so not the same as you. Great advice from Sarah who is a hugely experienced traveller (and absolute star). For me, with a drainage pouch, I always empty before going through security as an empty pouch doesn't always show up. If it does, I just say discreetly that I have a stoma. Staff have always been professional and its just been a swipe over the area with the wand - never needed to show anything or go to a private room. I also split supplies between both sets of hand luggage and add some to the case as well.

One other tip. If you're able to choose seats then ask for one near a toilet as that helps with confidence. If you phone the airline beforehand to request extra hand luggage they may offer an aisle seat near the toilet as routine.

Hope the trip to Edinburgh works out well and then you can build up to something longer. A 5 hour flight for me next month.

Happy holidays!

Xxx

Thanks

Bon Voyage