This summer marked my first time traveling after my ostomy surgery. If you’re curious about what ostomy surgery is, watch this video about what an ostomy is. Keep in mind that people can have ostomy surgery for many different reasons. Mine is due to Crohn’s Disease. Check out this blog post all about traveling with a chronic illness. If you’re interested about traveling with Crohn’s Disease in general, click on the page 10 tips for traveling with Crohn’s Disease.
In this article, I’m only focusing on traveling with an ostomy. Having an ostomy means that I need to bring a lot of medical supplies when I travel.
Bring enough supplies, plus extra
Imagine you would need to change your bag every single day of your trip. That is the number of bags (and flanges if using a two-piece system) you will need.
Bring all the other supplies you will need. This may include plastic bags, paper towels or wipes (I love the Viva paper towel brand, recommended by one of my WOCNs), adhesive remover spray or wipes, barrier rings, barrier spray or wipes, barrier extender strips, a mirror and ostomy powder. Some airports will not allow you to travel with scissors or have restrictions on the scissor size. Do your research.
I also use an ostomy guard (shout out to Halo Ostomy), so I bring replacement attachment strips for that as well. Then there is the option to use bag covers. I really love this Star Wars cover from PouchWear . This is my third cover from this brand. Deodorizer/lubricant is another great option when you are sharing a bathroom with others or using public bathrooms. I love the mini travel-sized lavender scented ones by Revel Ostomy. What you bring will be determined by your specific needs.
Ask your WCON nurse for tips
A WCON (Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse) gave me a booklet about traveling. These special nurses can also offer other tips or answer any questions you may have.
Empty your bag more frequently
Do this just to be on the safe side. You don’t want to be in a situation where you don’t have access to a bathroom.
Don’t eat foods that will make your bag fill more quickly.
This includes gassy foods, carbonated drinks and alcohol. There may be other foods that affect you personally.
Get a TSA Ostomy Travel Communication Card (air travel)
These cards are available to make it easier to quickly state that you have an ostomy bag, without drawing so much attention to yourself. I keep my card with my passport to have it handy. I received one from an ostomy supplier welcome packet. However, you can print out a Travel Communication Card at Ostomy.org.
A similar card is available to let flight attendants know you need to use the restroom urgently, even if the “fasten seatbelt” sign is on. You can find that card as well on Ostomy.org and it is called the UOAA Restroom Access Communication Card.
Also, look into TSA Cares, a program where you can request extra assistance at the airport.
Videos I recommend:
Traveling Across the World with My Stoma!
Ostomy Travel Tips: What to Pack, Airport Security & My Go-To Routine
Flying with a stoma from London to Italy
Traveling with an Ostomy in Mexico City
Traveling with an Ostomy: Airport Tips, Packing Hacks, and My Experience
Traveling with an ostomy takes extra planning and it does come with added anxiety. I won’t act like it doesn’t. However, traveling is still worth it. We can’t always choose what happens to us in life, but we can choose how we react.
“We can’t always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it.”- Unknown
