First Flight Experience With A Colostomy At Tsa

First Flight Experience with a Colostomy at TSA

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Beachboy

Jul 18, 2024 3:33 pm

Just went through TSA check at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. Domestic flight to Phoenix.

Just mentioned I have an ostomy. They had me rub my hands on my shirt over the colostomy. Then they ran a wand over my hands. They put the wand sample wipe in a machine, then I was good to go.

Easy peasy.

5 likes

Past Member

Jul 18, 2024 5:25 pm

I used to fly to Europe with my Braun irrigation pump. Never again. The border control officers in Italy made me fire it up in the customs hall to prove that it wasn't a bomb. The Spanish took it away and returned it ten minutes later with a scowl, but the French just shrugged their shoulders. I take a gravity bag with me now.

2 likes

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Posted by: Karen & Stella

Fay,

I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen

AlexT

Jul 18, 2024 6:08 pm

Yeah, it's easy. I don't get why everyone thinks it's so difficult and you have to print off your medical history and carry it with you. 👍

4 Common Convex Ostomy Skin Barrier Myths

Hollister

A convex ostomy skin barrier can help prevent output leakage and skin issues. Unfortunately, some misconceptions about convexity may keep people with ostomies from using it.

Learn about convexity and 4 myths surrounding it.

Beachboy

Jul 18, 2024 6:33 pm

Welp.....

Still at the airport. Our American Airlines flight is delayed due to a catering door alarm. The plane has been towed away. There are no mechanics at this airport. So, a mechanic is driving in from somewhere. This was an expensive flight... $900 for 2.

What a mess. I should have driven to Phoenix; I would have been there already.

We've been rebooked on a... 4:45 pm flight. Over a 6-hour delay. Only middle seats available. Nice. I wonder where our luggage will end up... probably New Jersey.

We arrived here at 8:00 am, so we get to spend the day wandering John Wayne Airport.

I will NEVER do this again. If where I'm going is within a 2-state distance, I'm driving.

4 likes

AlexT

Jul 18, 2024 8:05 pm

Last time we flew to Phoenix, we were there in less than 3 hours, and home just as fast. 🤷‍♂️

How to Stay Hydrated with an Ostomy with Collin | Hollister

Beachboy

Jul 18, 2024 8:20 pm

I should have driven. Got lazy and chose to fly.

It is kind of fun relaxing at the airport. Having lunch at Ruby's. Just ordered a chocolate shake with a smidge of peanut butter.

1 likes