Traveling to the USA Alone with an Ostomy: Tips Needed

Greetings, people. Oh, silly me, well, I am not used to blogging or using this wonderful site, so here goes. Since having my stoma thrust upon me two years ago (UC), I have been putting off long-distance travel, especially multi-trip connections. The "what may happen" scenarios while traveling alone, etc., will stay with family for some of the time there. How much stoma supplies to bring... All information is most welcome. I will travel from Ireland to the USA this April, New Mexico way plus other states thereabouts. Really looking forward to it but having little worries. What's the desert heat like? Plus, any ostomates living nearby would be glad to connect with, or info on local stoma nurses... Please feel free to share any travel tips, however minor. Thanks... Kerry xxxxxx

Kerry,

Well, as you say, a lot has to be considered. For one, when I travel, I always take enough supplies, i.e., pouches, dermahesive, etc., to cover each day of my trip, and then I add one or two extra depending on what I plan to do, such as swimming or other activities. So far, and I have traveled quite a lot, I have never had to buy supplies at any of my worldwide ports of call. I guess it would be a good idea to Google ahead to get information about the availability of any ostomy supplies that you might need. This is obviously more applicable in some areas than others. I am sure other readers will have a lot more to add. Have fun in your travels.

X_

There are a lot of websites out there that can help you with your travels! There are certificates that you can take with you to hurry along the lines! This is a site that I like!
It's important to educate yourself before you run into a problem, even more so when you travel!
How to Travel With an Ostomy
www.ehow.com

http://www.hollister.com/uk/ostomy/resource/travel.html

http://www.ostomates.org/certificate.html

http://www.ostomy.org/ostomy_info/travel_tips.shtml

http://www.ostomy.evansville.net/travel.htm

http://www.ostomy-winnipeg.ca/woa0708h.html

Thank you for this information.

Hi Kerry,

This is a copy from a previous post of mine about travelling:-

I have an ileostomy and have flown several times now between Australia and the USA with no problems encountered so far.

Have been through the full body scanners and I honestly don't think they can even see it, because the only time I had to be patted down or examined was when I actually mentioned I had an ostomy before I went through the scanner. Even that wasn't a big deal, was happy to inform them!

I just eat and drink as normal on the plane, have never had the bag balloon and just empty as normal about every 4 hours.

Because mine are such long haul flights (30-40 hours including flight time/airport changeovers), I try and get into the mind set that I'm just kicking back in a lounge chair watching movies for a day and a half! Certainly makes the time go by quickly!

And in addition to that post I take about twice as many supplies as I think I will need, they fit in my carry-on luggage (which is all I take)and always have enough to spare, although most of the ostomy companies main branches are in the USA so if you do happen to run out you would be able to get spare supplies there. Even some of the medical supplies stores (which are in abundance even in small towns) have ostomy products to tide you over.

As for the desert heat, well being a West Oz girl living on the edge of what seems like the desert (!) I have never had any problems with my ileostomy in sweltering conditions when at home, and at the moment it looks like summer is just continuing on, autumn nowhere in sight!

Happy travels Kerry, am sure once you start travelling and find how easy it actually is, you will be jetsetting in no time!

Cheers,

Jo :)

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Hi there Kerry, or should I say Professor Peabody!!! Oh, I love your sense of humor and it brings back many happy memories!!! :-) Hope you're well after your journey to the US and that you enjoyed your time there. I've only got my limited internet back as I've moved home after the surgery and was relying on my phone for access until now. Been trying to make the most of the summer here in Sligo with plenty of time in the fields and garden... have to recommend it for recovery! Although I may have overdone it yesterday trying to put up some fencing. The country life for me!! ;-) Take good care, Colm

Good evening, Colm, how art thou? Just this eve, while browsing, as one does, I came across your wink post, etc. Where have I been! Thanks for taking the time, and forgive my late response. I am sitting out on the balcony, savoring the sea breeze on a balmy Greek evening, ah bliss. I have been here one month now with family members who live here. I also hope to have pouch surgery in Oct/Nov, so I'm trying to get sea air, swimming, etc., to build myself up for the day. Chow for now, do keep in touch. Helen of Troy

Well, good evening, Helen, and wow, are you the lucky one! I've just been cleaning out stables this afternoon... quite a contrast! :-( Just wish it were warm enough to sit out here in chilly Sligo! (14C) Not quite balmy! So the swimming is over for this year here... better get as much as you can in before coming home. Will hopefully be heading out to Italy after the operation in November to see the end of the olive picking and some hunting with some old friends there. Should've headed out earlier, but thought summer would've been better here! Enjoy your break! :-)

PS. Apologies, I meant to say the very best of luck for your operation in October too! Hopefully, all goes well and you'll be back out to Greece to enjoy some of those balmy sea breezes :-) PPS. I haven't signed up for full membership on this site yet, so I can't message you directly. But if you have a look on ostodate.com, you'll find me there and can message directly. Hope to speak to you soon, Kerry, Helen, Professor Peabody, or whoever you really are!! LOL ;-)

Hi Kerry, I'm literally only getting back on this site since you posted that message. Laughed my ass off at "bag lady mode" hahaha, funny as fuck!!! Well, anyhow, I had the test results back from Dublin and can have the reversal, woo hoo, even though it's another two ops. Worst case scenario, I go back to B.L.M., haha, and I'm just happy enough not to be in pain with the U.C. anymore. Anyway, listen to me blabbing on about myself. You're waiting for an op too, or might even have had it done by now. I hope to God you get on well with it. I was talking to a couple of people from home who had it done, and they both said they were a bit sick after for a couple of days but are well on recovery now. I can't private message you because I don't have the full membership, but definitely keep us posted on how you're doing!! Slán go fóill, mo chara x

Hey you, how goes it? All positive, I hope. Chin up, stiff upper lip, etc. Well, I say just go for it, Cuddy girl. What's to lose, eh? Really... nothing ventured, nothing gained. Don't let any negative thoughts put you off. Think yourself there. Sure, if things don't work out (which they will), then you (we) have a Plan B (B.L.M). I can now say that I am going to be okay with reverting to Plan B also. I too am still waiting for J's surgery, have had to stumble through a few hurdles since. I am fully aware of what the outcomes can be, but as with any surgical procedure, this can be the case. So, don't waste any precious time loading your brain with what-ifs. So, onwards and upwards... Je ne regrette rien, I say. xxx Kerry (not Dublin) Damn!