Flying Tips for Long Flights with a Colostomy

Amy, tips for flying for 10-12 hours with a colostomy?

Take flushable wet wipes (much easier to use than dealing with toilet paper) and a small water bottle (if you rinse your bag after emptying).

100 hrs you'd be in the NASA program! 10 hrs? As I have a very active ostomy, I hardly trust it on a 3 hr flight. For myself personally, I don't eat for at least 6-8 hrs prior, and my dinner the night before is a light one. Of course, everyone's system is different.

Happy travels wherever you're going!

Typo. I fixed it. Thank you.

You might want to take some Imodium.

My Ostomy Journey: Keyla | Hollister

I have an ileostomy (much higher output than a colostomy) and have flown several times around the world for up to 20+ hours of flight time and have experienced no issues.

I eat and drink as I usually do; if I don't eat regularly, I get too much gas in the bag, which is just a nuisance. I empty every 4-5 hours like always (just brace for turbulence if needed, which can be done quite easily in those teeny tiny toilets!). As long as I'm well hydrated with water and sports drinks, I'm fine, which can prevent jet lag too.

We can overthink things when we are differently plumbed, but as long as you think positively, relax, and act no differently than before the surgery in everyday situations (like travel), I'm sure you will be fine. Don't worry, be happy, and enjoy your holiday.

I take 5 Imodium tablets in the morning, lunch, dinner, and before sleeping. So, 20 per day. It has made my life so much better. FYI, alcohol is a laxative. Beer is worse.