Hello, I am due to fly long haul soon for the first time since having a radical cystectomy and wondered if anyone has any advice on this subject, i now have an Indiana pouch so need to use intermittent catheters and i'm concerned about going through airport security and the actual flight in general
Tatoogranny x
Hi, I have neobladder & rely on catheters. I did a long haul flight 8 months after surgery, no problem going through security. I got a card signed by my CNS to say I need catheters (& took a copy of my most recent clinic report) but no-one asked to see them. I did take all my supplies in hand luggage but they went through the scanners without comment.
On the flight, be sure to drink plenty (not alcohol) to avoid getting dehydrated. I found I didn't need to empty quite as often as usual but no problem using the airplane toilets. Worth emptying for convenience rather than wait until full eg before sleeping/landing if you're not sure when the next opportunity will be. Have a great trip!
Hi Teasswill. thanks for your reply, it's good to hear from someone who has exprienced the situation and hopefully i'm worrying unnecessarily
It's only natural to be apprehensive about all these 'firsts'. No-one wants to be put in an awkward position in public.
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