First Trip to Las Vegas Post-Ileostomy: Tips and Advice?

Hi. This is the first trip I have taken since my ileostomy conversion four years ago. I have anxiety because of the unpredictability and frequency. Coming from California, it's a short plane ride. Are there lots of places easy to duck into on the streets? I guess every hotel? Am I worrying for nothing? I want to see Stevie Nicks and have tickets.

Hi Judy, bring a very small purse to the show with room for an extra bag, a barrier ring, and a black disposable bag. If you need to change your bag, people will see only a black bag, not the contents, as you leave the bathroom stall. You can also put a credit card, some ID, cash, earplugs, and your phone in your purse. If they search your purse before the show, tell them it's an extra ostomy bag - believe me, they won't linger and you'll go right through. I had to change my bag mid-show only once in the fifteen years with my temp and permanent ostomies, and I go to a lot of concerts. Your plane ride is short; you can use the bathroom at the airport before you board and go on the plane like everybody else. I empty my bag frequently, too, but there should be plenty of opportunities to do that. The folks you're traveling with probably understand your situation already. Just have a great time, and hopefully, you'll do it many times after! 🎶

You're worrying for no reason. You're going to a city; there are bathrooms everywhere.

"Frequency and unpredictability" ..hmm yet no mention of leaks.? You got this. What Alex said.

And.......As Stevie Nicks herself says:🎵🎶

"Do you know how to seal up the leakage and go on?"😋

🎶🎵,....my version- stoma edit. . 😁

I agree with the others. A little preparation, and you will be fine. I always have a Ziploc bag with baby wipes in my purse or the inside pocket of my coat. I use them to clean the end of the opening, but if I'm in a public washroom cubicle, I can clean my hands before exiting and then use the sink.

Enjoy, Stevie!

Terry

My Ostomy Journey: LeeAnne | Hollister

Hi Judy. I took a trip to Vegas from California 2 weeks ago. There are bathrooms just about everywhere. I found the ones in the casinos the cleanest and roomiest. I agree with the others. Have a great time. Viva Las Vegas!

My advice is to keep hydrated when you are there, and liquor doesn't count. The best hydration is water. I became severely dehydrated, and that is due to the high elevation Las Vegas is situated on. Have fun at the concert. It should be a good one.

Bad advice, sorry. Who told you water is the best hydration drink? Your source?

Hi Judy! I was just at T-Mobile recently for a concert, and there are lots of bathrooms at the venue. In addition, there is the Park MGM hotel super close that has lots of restrooms you can use on the way there and the way back. Every hotel has lots of restrooms in Vegas!

Don't worry! It will go fine; you have been at this for 4 years and have been out and about for similar durations of time. Be prepared, as many posters have suggested. If you eat, eat light. Most importantly, relax, enjoy the people you are with, and the experience! And there are bathrooms in Las Vegas.

This is sound, supportive advice, but I think you meant it for Judy. 😊

Try to get an aisle seat. Also, I would suggest getting a sunflower lanyard if your local airport has them available. This is an international program that discreetly indicates the wearer has a hidden disability. Airport and train station employees are usually trained to recognize that these individuals may require extra assistance at times. It can be especially useful during security checks. Enjoy your trip.

I think you meant this for Judy, the original poster. ☝️

I'm a newbie, only four months out. But you can go to www.ostomy.org (1-800-826-0826) where you can print out two legal cards for traveling, especially when flying. One always allows you access to a plane bathroom at all times, even if the seat belt sign is on. Also, show it to the TSA agent - they can't pat your belly under any circumstances. The second card gives you first access to public bathrooms, especially in the long airport lines - you don't have to wait in line. TSA has to allow you your ostomy paste, powder, etc. in a carry-on. You can precut your bags if you don't get them already cut to fit your stoma. I just traveled last week for the first time by car. I have dumping syndrome, so I always carry Imodium and flushable wipes...and packages of silica gel, which also absorb odor, besides liquid. Luckily, I wrapped a chuck pad around me at night because I leaked a bit. Glad you mentioned traveling because I have questions, too. Obviously, on a plane ride, the cabin pressure will make your bag fill with gas (hence the card), but mine fills with gas when driving, even to the other side of town - I wondered if it was from the seat belt, which we can't get out of wearing...? Envious of you seeing Stevie Nicks; she had to cancel her Ohio concert this November. Relax, enjoy, and have fun!

I'm a newbie with dumping syndrome, and they've told me to drink Gatorade Zero and Propel. I also found purse-sized electrolyte drops to add to any drink on Amazon.

Welcome. You're a hot, wet mess, it sounds like. But you definitely have a good attitude as a newbie.

I've never heard of dumping syndrome. Is that real? Do tell.

"Leakage only happens when it's raining."

My doctors. By the way, liquor dehydrates.

Yes, unfortunately, and thanks for the compliment, lol! It's excessive output and very watery - I have to drink lots of water and electrolyte drinks. Life is getting easier, and I'm not letting it slow me down! I did feel a bit like a victim at first, at the mercy of my stoma, but that attitude got me nowhere fast!

Your doctors told you water is the best hydration? How old are your doctors? Textbook vs. street smart. A classic case.

Goggle "best hydration drinks." I did. Orange juice and milk surprisingly came up. And as you know, Goggle is never wrong. Cough cough. 🤭. 🤢

As for alcohol, "drinks" - I think - no... we think - most of us - avoid it until it's time to party. And there's nothing wrong with that.

As for water being THE best????? In small quantities, I would - WE suggest it's fine; otherwise, you flush everything out too quickly.

For it is written and a testament of ileos in particular on here.

Cheers!🥂

We are all victims in the beginning. But in time, we become advocates, too. You have to arm yourself with information when you see doctors and health professionals.

I use the term street smart a lot because that's what we have here. Unbiased, honest experience. If you listen, you will learn and know better than to just take what "they" tell you.

You, the grasshopper, will become the teacher.

Bathrooms everywhere except the one place I encourage you to visit.

Valley of Fire.

One of the most beautiful places I have been.

Take some ziplocks, empty when needed. Toss later.

Worth the effort. Also, Fremont Street impressed me more than new Vegas.

Wish I could post some of my pictures of the "Valley of Fire."

Scared American Indian area. Being Cherokee, it was a spiritual excursion.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_of_Fire_State_Park