Hi all, I am flying on Friday. First time since having my stoma and I'm nervous trying to remember everything and a bit more 🤣...
Any good advice would be more than gratefully received?
Just hoping to have a good time once I land 🤣, till then a nervous wreck.
Thank you, x
Hiya,
Why wait till you land to start enjoying yourself? 🤣 There's no time like the present!
Whatever happens, you'll be grand, and more often than not, what we expect might happen never does.
The best advice I got for traveling was from the iasupport group.
I've linked their information leaflet which has some great hints and tips.
https://iasupport.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/TravelTips.pdf
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Hi Melissa,
I'm also going on a bit of a holiday, but driving not flying. I understand your nervousness! I love David's suggestion to read the travel tips pamphlet that he provided for someone with an ileostomy - great advice there for travelling.
How long is the flight? Once you land, you should be able to get to a proper bathroom situation if you need it. In the meantime, you can certainly use the in-flight washroom just like you would at home. If you're worried about odor, bring some scentless m9 spray (or equivalent). If you do develop a leak onboard, make sure you have a quick change of clothing and ostomy supplies in your carry-on baggage. No one will notice if you change your clothes.
Are you travelling to a different country or within the UK? Once you land, an issue might be if it's a different drinking water situation - meaning you need to be super careful about ice cubes, fresh fruits and vegetables rinsed in water, and so on. We ileostomates are especially sensitive with our diets, and while it's tempting to sample a bunch of new cuisine, we may pay for it later with cramps, gas, pancaking, and/or bloating. None of these are comfortable to say the least!
Most important is to enjoy your holiday as stress-free as possible. Wishing you safe and happy travels!
M
xo
Hi Melissa,
I can only give you my experiences. I had my ileostomy in August 1986. My first flight was long-haul, more or less a year later, spending three weeks in the USA.
I kept all my supplies on me. I had to change bags in the very small toilet, but it was very doable when you have to. I didn't, but I think you should take a change of underwear, etc., in case of accidents. In those days, there was no trouble getting through security. These days it is good also. Empty your bag before going through. If there is a problem, tell them what you have, and most security staff know about ostomies now.
I kept my eating down so my bag didn't fill too often. I had no trouble with blowouts like some people do on a flight. Try and choose a seat near a toilet, which will reassure you.
Good luck and hope your travel goes well.
Best wishes, Megs
G-Day Malissa, You won't have any problems; the small toilets in a plane are still OK, and you will be able to change without a problem. But you may not need to change, so only worry about it if it happens. Have a good holiday. Regards, IGGIE
My biggest advice is to pack more supplies than you think you will need and keep some in your carry-on and some in your luggage. That way, if you get separated from your luggage, you still have supplies. And above all, have fun!
Thank you all for the fab advice.
I am travelling outside the UK, I've made sure to spread my supplies 🙈 and change of clothes.
What a stressful time lol 😆
Has anyone flown with medical scissors and had any issues??
G-Day Malissa, you're not allowed to have scissors on a plane at all, so cut all your bags before you go and put your scissors in your case that goes in the hold but not on board the plane. Regards, IGGIE
I've flown a few times since my surgery. I'm an old hand now; my surgery was in 2008! Change your bag the day before your flight. That way, you will know that your bag is sticking well. Eat very light the day of the flight. The change in pressure can affect you (it might not), so it's better to play it safe. When you feel something in your bag, use the bathroom and empty a little earlier than normal; that will help ease your worry. Take many more bags than you'll need in your carry-on. Have a couple cut to size. You should be able to find some small curved scissors where you're going for later. If you have the absorbent gel packets, they could be a help. Pack a small pack of wipes. It's easier and quicker to clean your bag opening after emptying with them than with toilet paper. Flying on a plane is just like everywhere else; don't worry and have fun!
I carried mine in my kit and told the TSA agent... but the most awesome thing is if you tell them your condition before you enter the line they will skip you up front and tell someone at the scanner who will scan you through. I live in Atlanta GA and our airport stays busy so any advantage I will gladly accept.
Hi Melissa,
I fly from Bristol to Spain with Jet2 to visit my daughter. Jet2 is very helpful. I organize special assistance with them, and this allows me a second cabin bag, free of charge, to carry my stoma requirements. I take double amounts of everything, the pouches pre-cut and adhesive remover wipes instead of spray. Also, I asked my stoma care nurses, and they gave me some drainable pouches, which I use for the flights as it's easier to empty them than change pouches in the plane toilet if necessary.
Special assistance also gets you through security, etc., quicker and with less hassle. You only need to accept what help you feel is necessary. The biggest benefit is the extra bag, but you can only use it for your stoma stuff.
I don't know what other airlines offer.
Don't be too nervous; you'll be fine.
Enjoy yourself. Judith.
Put a secure pack in your hand luggage just in case but I have flown many times and never had a problem. Enjoy your holiday n have a drink for me
You are in the air by now. No great source of info regarding flying stoma. I tried my first flight (post-op) 15 months ago. DFW to SAN, 2+ hrs. The only hassle was emptying in the dinky lavatory while in rough weather. The commode is tiny, so you must face it. I jammed the top of my head into the bulkhead and held onto the sink with my right and emptied with my left. Wiped and closed between "bumps." Cleaned up the mess and flushed. Nasty! Reminds me of horseback riding, steeplechase?
Leaving for Tokyo in 4 weeks, 13-hour flight! I invented a portable emptying device, which I posted with instructions and a photo on an older comment. It works well in my "parked" car. At least I can sit in the dinky toilet and use two hands. I'll say hi to Godzilla for you.
G-Day rlevineia, I am interested in your portable emptying device. Could you please show it again? I never know how to find old postings. Regards, IGGIE
I'd love the info on your portable emptying device too!
Hi Melissa, I have hit the skies twice since having my stoma last year. Like you I was very anxious. The best advice I can give is to pack double the supplies needed and pack half in your main luggage and half in your hand luggage along with any meds. This is incase your luggage goes missing. Also, go to the customer service desk at the airport and ask for a sunflower lanyard. It saves having to explain your hidden disability. Going through security I was stopped as they had picked up my stoma bag on the xray, which I was expecting. They were very nice and explained they would take me into a private area to check I wasnt carrying drugs. I had to pat my hands over the bag and they drug swabbed my hand. Most airports recognise the sunflower lanyard and fast track you through check in and security. Hope this helps.
Don't take medical scissors as they are not allowed. Instead, pre cut your bags before you leave home
I just learned about the sunflower lanyards, and think it's a fabulous program. But, neither San Francisco nor Oakland airports are in the program! I am shocked and appalled by this! The disability rights movement started in Berkeley after all. I wish I knew how to get them to join in. I'm flying out of SFO next week for my first flight since my surgery. It would be nice if I could get a lanyard there and people knew what it was for. Oh well, I'll see how things go...
Hi Melissa86
I'm new to this site; wish I had found it sooner.
I traveled from IRL to Austria in June, first time flying with my stoma.
I carry a small bag with enough products for 2 changes daily, and I brought this onto my flight with precut bags.
The rest of my products, including scissors, were in my main check-in case, and I brought enough for 2 weeks + 2 extra changes.
I also was given in hospital a small card with my details written on it and an explanation in different languages as to my condition. This was so helpful, especially in Germany. I produced it to security and was shown through a different area; staff were very understanding.
Finally, don't worry who will see you or look at you; the person beside you is the one that loves you.
P.S. Let the airline know you are traveling with a stoma.
