I have had an ostomy since 1979. I have traveled to many places in the US and the world, especially in the last 10 years since my retirement. I have never been questioned, touched or given any indication from any airport or TSA staff about my ostomy. No one has pulled me aside or asked me to touch my belly. I am surprised there is an issue.
Yes. I once had a leak of urine. I tried to fix it but unexpectedly it continued to happen (at the worst timing!). My husband quickly gave me his shirt. Which was soaked by the time I went through security. Talk about embarrassing! I also don’t like it when I have to bring an extra medical bag. One time, I was forced to take ALL the contents out before boarding the plane. Now I pack them in my regular suitcase.
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I began my Urostomy life February 27th, 2023...a month and a half ago. I stumbled upon this site from another on Youtube and website called VeganOstomy and between that site and this one, most of my fear and worry of not having any answers other than calling the Dr's office recording menu and hoping to hear back in the next day or two for an answer to leaks, skin irritations etc, or just feeling alone and the "no one understands" thoughts I had to look forward to in my mind were all put to rest by these two websites and the community here at MaO!! I have been here for a few weeks now, and the help and support offered by the members here is just amazing!! The information and support is absolutely priceless for anyone recently out of their surgery and have tons of questions or had it for years...sit down...have a good read and you will see for yourself!!
There is a card you can print out from the ostomy association that you can discretely hand to the TSA agent..all that should've happened eas that you run your hands over the appliance , then they check / scan your hands for residue of explosive or gunpowder ( i believe that's what they are checking) but it should've been a quick thing..I would complain to the TSA about how you were mistreated because I also believe you can request a private pat down as well .. they should've asked you .. I'm not sure which airport this happened at but this has always been my experience..I've traveled a few times now thru all 3 NY / NJ airports..
