Holiday with bladder cancer

FormerMember over 5 years ago

12 replies
48 subscribers
7785 views

I am concerned that my husband who had invasive bladder cancer, and had bladder and postrate removal, last August has booked a holiday to Spain at the end of next month. The effects it will have on his stoma during and after the flight. Any help regarding this woukd be appreciated.

rily over 5 years ago

Hello and welcome to the group. Great to know you have booked a holiday. I can't help with your question, but just to let you know someone should be along with advice about this for you. Best wishes.

Best wishes to All, rily.

What is a Community Champion ?

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Hi and good morning rily has passed your flying concerns to me and I will be able to answer any questions that you have about flying. I just wanted you to know that I am working on it and will be back shortly with information about flying and more.

Can I ask which airport you are travelling from and the airline so I can give you some additional information.

I am here to and will give you all the help and support I can.

Stop worrying it'll be okay, I promise.

Ian

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

We're flying from Newcastle airport to Alicante with Tui.

I worry about the effects the cabin pressure will have on my husband's stoma bag.

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi I am going for my surgery on May 14th I saw the surgeon yesterday. I am due to fly to Turkey on 28th of July he says it should be ok .but think I will cancel .I am worried sick about it as it's only 10 weeks after surgery for bladder and prostate removal

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hope this helps

Before you go

When booking your ticket: it might be a good idea to book a seat near the toilet as it might help take away some of your concerns and make you feel more confident as well.

You can bring as much as you can in your hand luggage within the requirements of the airline, but since you will not be allowed to bring scissors in your hand luggage it is recommended that you cut all your baseplates to the right size before you fly.

Going through security

The security scanner might detect your pouch, but you do not have to show your pouch, and security should not ask you to remove clothing to expose it or let them touch it. You may be asked to rub your hand against the pouch on the outside of your clothes, but that should be the extent of the examination. You can always show them your travel certificate, which explains your condition, the medical supplies you are carrying and why you might need support and privacy.

In the air

There is a slight risk that the pressure will cause the pouch to balloon. If this should happen all you need to do is go into the bathroom and take out the air. And remember that just as often ballooning is caused by something you ate or drank – so when you're flying be extra careful with carbonated drinks. If you are a little self-conscious about noise from the pouch, you will be pleasantly surprised by how noisy an airplane cabin is.

I do hope this helps, I will be sending you some information later on

When I will discussing with you carrying supplies, at the airport, travel insurance and whilst you are on holiday.

I will aim to give you assurance that flying and holidaying with a stoma is not a problem and enable you to enjoy your holiday.

Best wishes

Ian

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi Colin

Pleased you have booked a holiday if you keep following this post I will giving a lot of advice about flying and holidaying abroad.

If your surgeon thinks it okay I would say be guided by him.

Will you be having a stoma?

Same question for you can you tell me the airport you are travelling from and the airline.

Keep in touch

Ian

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

and

Contact your airline customer services by telephone and ask for special assistance at the airport and decide what you want.

Do you want transported from departures to the airline (this could be a wheelchair if you want one)

Tell them you will need to bring a MEDICAL BAG with your supplies and any medication you take, this bag will normally be in addition to your normal hand luggage.

All of your travelling companions will be included in the special assistance and is a great bonus when going through security, if you have wheelchair assistance your escort will whisk everyone through security, great at busy times.

More to follow

Ian

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

As promised

Newcastle Airport

Hidden Disabilities

Airports can be busy environments and we understand that for those people who are travelling with hidden disabilities this can make going on holiday a stressful experience. We want to ensure that everybody’s journey through Newcastle Airport is as smooth as possible, so we have put together some helpful tips and detailed the services available to you.

A hidden disabilities lanyard is now available for our customers who need a little more time or assistance whilst travelling through the terminal. The lanyard discretely lets us know that someone might need additional support getting through our airport. This could mean giving them more time to prepare at check-in, security, allowing them to remain with their family at all times, or giving them a more comprehensive briefing on what to expect as they travel through the airport. The lanyard is becoming the popular standard across UK airports which allow our customers requiring extra assistance to use the same system across the country.

The Lanyards are available free of charge from the Airport Duty Managers desk or from the Passenger Assistance desk on the main terminal concourse.

Hidden Disabilities

We know that queuing can be problematic for people with hidden disabilities, so those passengers will be given access to the security Fast Track facility. To use Fast Track please click here and download our Hidden Disabilities Passport, complete it and bring it with you on the day of travel. Once you have arrived at the airport, make your way to the PRM assistance desk (located in between check in desk 32 and WHSmith) and a member of staff will validate the Hidden Disabilities Passport. You can then show the Passport to staff at the security boarding card check point. As the airport does not manage queues at check in it will be at the discretion of the airline handling agents as to whether you can avoid the queues, however queue times at check in are usually minimal.

When in security, staff members are aware of varying disabilities and will conduct any searches as efficiently and sensitively as possible. Private search facilities are available at any stage of the security process if requested by the customer. This comprises of 2 same sex security staff carrying out a hand search of the customer and their mobility equipment until they are satisfied that no prohibited items are being carried.

Once through security there are quieter areas which passengers travelling with hidden disabilities may use. These include a dedicated PRM assistance area located behind our Dixons Travel store, as well as an assistance gate. If you’re struggling to find these please don’t hesitate to ask a member of staff.

We are also able to offer assistance when it comes to boarding the aircraft. If you require any support please specify on the Hidden Disabilities Passport.

More to follow

Ian

Crustybladder over 5 years ago

Hi Oli

I've flown several times since having my stoma in Jan 17 and had no effects at all. I do empty my pouch before boarding and I take my spare kit bag (pouches, adaptor rings, adhesive remover spray, wipes, disposal bags, boxers and trousers) as hand luggage. I don't bother sitting near the loo, there's no real need.

I have a urostomy 'passport' downloadable from all the main supplier websites that explains in several languages why I need the spare kit bag if anyone asks. I don't wear any label or badge to highlight my urostomy. I've had no problems at security and remember, only a proper doctor can inspect your pouch.

I take the view that, while I have alternative plumbing, I expect to be treated just like all other passengers.

Take at least twice as many pouches and the rest of the kit as you would use in the period you are away and split the kit between your bags.

Otherwise, just relax and enjoy the flights and your holiday.

I may appear to be listening but in my head I'm all at sea.

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to Crustybladder

Thank you for the advice and reassurance.

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