Colostomy and Air Travel: Seeking Advice and Tips

Following an emergency Hartman's procedure in July, I am slowly coming to terms with life with my new friend "Sami." However, as I have a holiday booked in December and have already paid the huge penalty bestowed on me by the travel insurance company, I am determined to see it through. However, the closer it gets, the more overwhelmed I'm feeling.

I already travel with a bag full of prescription medication and diabetic supplies, and now I have been told I also need to take all of my colostomy supplies plus a change of clothing in my hand luggage - HELP. My partner will share the load, but I am also really worried about airport security and whether or not Sami is going to inflate on the plane. My partner says I worry too much, but it's okay for him to say - I also worry about odor if I squeeze air out of my bag during the flight.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

Hello Shelly, some recent air travel reading. If you type "airplane travel" in the search bar, you will get plenty of info.

https://www.meetanostomate.org/discussion-forum/viewtopic.php?t=35898

You will be okay, just go and have a great holiday.

IGGIE

I traveled a few months ago, the first time since colostomy surgery, and I had no problems.

It is a good idea to take a change of clothes and ostomy supplies in your carry-on in case something happens to your checked luggage.

TSA will most likely pull you aside because your bag will show up on the scanner. This happened to me, but it only takes a minute, and you will be on your way.

Enjoy!

I recently traveled by airplane, and everything was fine.

I traveled with a CPAP and a raft of prescription medications. I placed some of my supplies in my carry-on and backup supplies in my checked luggage. The CPAP must be carried on, so I had that, and my backpack was filled with ostomy supplies for two stomas, prescription meds, and the usual IDs, money, phone, and Kindle.

You could use a larger carry-on than the backpack if needed. I have limited mobility and needed wheelchair assistance, so I did not think I could handle a larger carry-on.

TSA was easy. I told them about my ostomies before the scan. They had me rub my hands over the bags and tested for explosive residue by swabbing my hands.

I needed to spend quite a bit of time explaining my drain because that was weird to them, but the ostomies seemed routine.

My bags did not inflate in flight. If you need to release gas buildup, I suggest doing it in the bathroom.

How to Adjust to Life with an Ostomy with Bruce | Hollister

Get an outside seat. So you have quick access to the bathroom.

The extra change of clothing, like karligirl said, is just in case the airliner loses your checked bags. There's no way you're gonna change clothing if an accident happens in that plane bathroom. And like Sue said, release trapped air from the bag in the bathroom. It likely won't happen—trapped air.

Your partner is correct. You worry too much. But it's you, not him, sporting a bag.

You will be fine, though. Arrive early for TSA check-in.

Your partner is correct; you worry too much.

Outside seat ??????

That should blow the shit away.

IGGIE

Hi, I had mine in August and went away in September. The bag has filters, so it won't inflate. I knew I was going to get caught out going through security, but they took me aside. I told them, and they discreetly patted me down. Out and about, I always made sure I had replacements and had no issue swimming in a one-piece also. Hope this helps. x

🤣🤣

Warrior's slang for aisle seat 😊

Smarty pants, again?

Hopefully, it's nailed down, parachute optional.