First Trip Abroad with My Stoma Bag

Hey, I just booked a flight to Moscow for next month. It's my first trip with my bag, and I am nervous about the flight and managing, but I am excited too. I have always gone to way-out places pre-bag, so roughing it doesn't worry me, but there is only so much roughing it you can do with a stoma. I am surprising a friend who turns 50 next month; she doesn't know I'm coming, so I think she will be delighted to see me. It's supposed to be 20 below, so I will have so many layers on, no one will notice the bag anyway. The biggest problem I have had is travel insurance; declaring your health issues really bumps up your premium, and they won't cover you for pre-existing conditions anyway, so what's the point? But you do it anyway, smile while they mug you :)

Anyway, that's my news.

Trish/Star

Yes, I agree, go girl! Make sure you get one of those medical cards that I've just got, which explains our condition in all the different languages, just in case you need it. Have a great time, x

Hi Staruk,
I traveled a few times and had no problems.
Flying, I use a drainable pouch. They are very good. If needs must, you just open the end and squeeze the contents out, put it down the toilet, wipe the pouch, then use AuriCare into the pouch. It stops the odor right away. Fold the end up, then put back the flap—hey presto, you're right again.
Don't forget your medical explains all.
Good luck,
Joe

Greetings,

I have traveled around the world, involving several trips to Japan and the UAE, among other places. The only thing, and I find this essential on a long flight, is to make sure I get an aisle seat. In this way, you don't have to jump over people when it is time to "evacuate" the pouch. People just don't take kindly to this, especially if they are sleeping. Make sure you can do this either ahead of time or by getting to the airport check-in early enough. Also, keep on your person an extra pouch, adhesive wafer, and plastic bag, etc., for disposal in the event that you spring any kind of leak. You can just duck into the "unoccupado" room to do a change. The pat-down does vary from port to port. The most extensive I have found is in Dulles, Wash. DC. But it goes smoothly; don't worry. Have fun.

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Well, I survived Russia, but my God, it was cold! My stoma was sore; I guess it didn't like being cold either, but I got out and about. I had a quick flight from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Security was amazing because of the bomb at Moscow's main airport, but I had no problem; my bag didn't explode on the plane or anything, lol. So maybe it's time to consider somewhere else now.

Hello StarUK, well done flying to Russia; it's always been on my to-do list. I have done loads of flying around the world. 18 months ago, I flew to NZ. I was pretty worried about leaks, etc. (I have a urostomy stoma), but I just thought, "What the hell, if I get a leak, I get a leak." I stopped over in Singapore on the outward journey, and the main problem was that because of the humidity, my baseplate wasn't sticking too well. I have had my stoma now for coming on 20 years, and never found insurance to be a problem. Most companies will insure me; in fact, MS insurance was cheaper when I told them about my stoma. Have fun in your life, sod what anyone else thinks; it's your life, your stoma, and at the end of the day, your shit in the bag!

Of course, it's not the end of the world. Be brave and stand tall! Email me anytime at dbusman09@hotmail.co.uk

I actually have a cruise booked for June, sharing the cabin with a friend. It's a cheap way of traveling but great for someone who hates traveling lightly.

Cruise sounds amazing, where are you cruising? I am hoping to book a cruise for my 50th (18 months away!) Not sure where I want to go, but probably somewhere different from the norm. Have fun!