Travelling & Ostomy

This is a couple of questions for Cutycall or anyone who can help. I have tried commenting on her post but I guess I can't if I am not a paid member. I will upgrade my membership soon.  I have had an ileostomy now for almost 6 months and am due to fly soon, prob Jan. Can you tell me, what is an ostomy travel certificate and if you had to use it, what does it do? I will be doing an 11hr flight and hadn't thought of exploding bags. Really worried now lol. Any advice? I have found marshmallows can actually make it thinner- is the sugar f...

Hi all I am due to going travelling for the first time since my illeostomy in a few weeks. I was just wondering if anyone has had any difficultees whilst traveling like airport security etc or is it pretty straight forward. Any hints and tips would be most welcome Thanks

I'm going to Mexico next month and will be spending a lot of time on the beach and hiking, not always near a bathroom. I'm wondering about anyone's experience in taking Immodium to slow output in this kind of a situation. I tend to have high output and have used Immodium in the past but not several days in a row. I also tend to get dehydrated easily. Any suggestions?

I am new to the ostomy world, just had my surgery this past July. I am new to this site and have checked out at least 50 profiles. Id say 70% of the people Ive looked at have "Travel" as one of their main hobbies; Many of them seem to travel the world year round. Ok, maybe I'm only 36 (old to me, maybe young to some).....but this whole Crohns/Colitis deal, all the hospitalizations, being out of work etc has put me in a tough financial situation....I have insurance too. I dont understand how so many people here can afford to trave...

I am just wondering if anyone can give me any advice about travelling down south and how they found it affected (if it did) their applicances as I plan on a trip soon and wondering about how much to take...I was thinking of taking a flange for each day due to humidity and stuff....I would appreciate some feedback.   Thank you everyone.

Hoping to go to Paris with my son in late February this year.  I will be about four weeks out from my last chemo treatment which has taken over the last six months of my life.  Hoping by then I will have more firm colostomy output and less diarrhea. Can anyone help give advice about bathroom and toilet availability while out sightseeing, eating etc?  I will take all my supplies with me.  Any tips from anyone living there?  I have done some trips in the US with no problems, but remember in ...

I am trvelling in the new year to cuba! Any advice on traveling with an ostomy? Tips and hints to help the trip go eazier! Do I need anthing from the doctor? Has anyone travelled outside there country and had to bring medical pot with them? What steps do I need to do before travel?

Hi everyone! My story is quite a long one so to keep it short, I had an enterocutaneous fistula following septic shock early this year. So I had a permanent stoma created. I've gotten somewhat used to it, except for the smell which is a source of constant anxiety for me. I'm always paranoid that eveyone around me can smell the output. Also, it sometimes leaks. My bag may last anywhere from two days to four.Anyway, so I'm still young (lol) and want to travel. But when I do stay at a hotel with friends, I worry the smell when I drain, especi...

Hi Everyone,< > Has anybody had any trouble with customs? I went on holiday last month & when I came home the customs lady requested to see my colostomy, she made me remove the bag so she could see, it was very embarrasing & knocked my confidence, it was my first holiday with my stoma.< > has anybody else had any trouble with customs.< >

I haven't flown since I got my ileostomy. I used to love to fly, so easy and convenient. Now I am terrified. I have heard horror stories about going through TSA checkpoints with an ostomy. Knowing what it was like pre ostomy, this makes me really apprehensive. So what is like? What do I need to know? What do I need to do? I really want to get back in the air. I have an ileostomy that is high output so that can be a challenge. 

I am the owner of a colostomy and a ileostomy. When I travel to my dr apptointments (surgeon and Gastroenterologist are an hour's drive). I wear a two piece and what tips does anyone have when draining there bags? I currently bring a red solo cup and drain into the cup and then pour into the toilet after cleaning and closure. I am scheduled for re-connection on December 30th. 

Hi to everyone, I have learnt a lot about my own colostomy and how to handle it in this forum, but I have a question. I have only had my temporary colostomy for 6 months and I will be taking my first trip since the surgery. I live in Mexico city and although I cannot get a lot of the stuff that is available worldwide, I have done well with hollister flange and bag. (the one that is open in the bottom with velcro). In my other life I used to travel a lot, business and personal, but I have avoided travelling altogether. I have to go in a b...

Hi fellow ostomates....... Has anyone travelled to India? It has been a life long dream but really am not too sure. Have travelled extensively over the last 13 years of having an ileostomy. Any thoughts?

Hi everyone. I will be traveling to Israel in September for vacation. I'm wondering if anyone has experienced the security at the Tel Aviv airport? I am used to the routine at North American airports, and accept it, although it does make me feel uncomfortable at times.  Thanks!

how do other ostomy people get on with travel aboard with customs is my main concern going to hong kong

has anyone been ??

Hi all:  I'm looking for a travel companion for an upcoming few nights in Montreal...no definite dates yet, but probably mid-late September or early October.  You should be female, have read my profile and know/accept my situation and possibly be willing to spend 2-3 nights together there, just doing tourist stuff.  The food in Montreal is among the best I've tasted in all my travels, and I'm looking forward to exploring a few restaurants with a compatible partner.  Full discretion offered and expected.  Tell me ab...

I am planning a trip to Italy in February, and am afraid I will be seized and arrested as a terrorist going through security.  I have a descending colostomy and only 150 cm of small intestine left due to multiple Crohns surgeries over the past 40 years.  My weight plummeted to 90 pounds this past July; so, they surgically implanted a peg tube in my stomach. I use Ensure to keep my calories and weight at acceptable levels.  Now not only do I have to deal with the ostomy appliance, but also a tube protruding fro...

Hello All... I am traveling next week.  I have flown before and didn't have much problems, except having to rub my hands over my ostomy site and then having my hands read for explosive material..(This was in front of the travelers waiting to be checked in).  Any suggestions on flying, traveling etc.  As always thank you for all the sage advice and suggestions, tips and lessons.  Yaya

Hello, im still new to this ostomy life and I was wandering if it is possible to travel properly. I don't mean just a holiday I mean like six months of just travelling. I saw a girl on here who journyed out for six months after her operation. Surely we have to much prescriptions etc to carry for this king of troubadour, backpacking travelling. anyway, any thoughts on this would be grateful. Thank you, Sam.

Hi, it has been quite a while since I was here. i am going on holiday in April & I have heard some horror stories about flying, is it true that your bag fills with air almost as soon as the flight takes off? & where is the best place for travel insurance.  

I have a few tips for my ostomy friends out there when you travel locally or on extended trips: I never leave the house without an emergency change out.  When i travel on an airplane i carry a backpack with extra supplies and change of under wear and tee shirt and extra pants.  I carry rolled up several toilet paper sheets (folded 5 times) and a 3 oz. container of baby oil (airlines allows up to 3 oz of liquid on carry on) in a zip lock bag.  The baby oil is a very inexpensive lubricant.  The toilet paper in p...

Hi. I'm preparing for a colostomy (due to fecal incon from a spine injury). I'd like to travel by car from USA to Chile after. I'd love to hear from anyone whose camped with a bag and/or traveled for a extended period of time in a developing country. Can you get supplies easily in major cities? Any experiences about traveling would be much appreciated!

hi all, been looking for a small portable bag or pouch to be able to carry enough kit to change my stoma bag whilst out. Looking for something small and compact I can fit in a pocket or even stylish enough just to carry in my hand. Something the size of a glasses case perhaps? Any ideas, or sites to look at. Thanks all for any responses

I got a tip for people with an ostomy who may choose to travel to Japan (or most Asian countries). There are no public garbage cans for the most part so you may may have to be creative in carrying your 'garbage' if you find yourself having to quickly dart into a public washroom to change your applicance.  And by the way...don't expect to see a toilet in the same fashion that you're used to here in the west as most public restrooms in Asia are nothing more than a hole in the ground and I do mean that literally. If you're in a ci...

I am leaving to the Israel soon and just wanted to know if anyone of you have visited Jerusalm and are they okay with people wearing a pouch.  If so, did you carry a list or do you have a list of things to bring with you for emergincies? Doctors note?  What did you bring with you?  I have never traveled outside of US and want to be prepared.  Thank you.  

Well, thanks to everyone for all the great tips on traveling in France! I am here now with my son and having the time of my life! We rented an apartment through Paris for rent, I highly recommend them. They actually picked us up at the airport and drove us to the apartment.  Pricey but worth it for me as I still have very bad foot neuropathy from 12 rounds of chemo, even though I finished a month ago.  Could not face lugging the luggage about the subway and rail with all the steps. We are right by Notre Dame, five min...

I have been an ostomate for 4 years now and have coped very well with it. I have travelled quite a lot within Australia and NZ and have had no trouble. I am going over to England and France in September on a mainly driving holiday except for a cruise down the Rhine. What I would like to know is if anyone has done an extended trip to Europe (we will be away 6 weeks) and how they coped with being an ostomate over there. What are the public toilet situations like?  I am scared of having my bags stolen or lost with my colostmy bag su...

Is there anything I need to do to prepare to travel with a stoma? - I need to visit my 2 grandsons' graduations and will have to fly.  What about going through security?  Is there anything else I should know?  -- I have had the stoma since April and doing quite well      - would like to be a bit more knowledgable before embarking on this -- Do I need to ask for a row seat?  Can I take the "blue bag" with me on the plane (scissors) -- THANKS for any help and info -- ...

This weekend I'm going on a plane. Not only is this the first time I've been on a plane, but also the first time travelling with a stoma. I was wondering if there was any precautions I should take when flying. It's only a 2 hour flight, but I'm still a bit nervous. Also, is there anything I should do with my stoma nurse, since I only got the surgery 5 months ago? Thanks

i am travelling for the first time soon and i'm not sure whether i need to get special insurance because i have a illeostomy. has anyone got any thoughts about this? if so please let me know thanks marjorie

I had my bladder removed last October. Is it difficult to travel to the US (security) or go on a cruise with a pouch and my medical supplies?   

Hi , I have a question to ask and hope someone can inform me my husband is taking me away for my 50th birthday to Europe I dont no where ( its a surprise ) my question is with having a closotomy will I  have any problems with security mine protrudes quite a bit and I am worried they may want to know what it is. Am I right in thinking I can get a letter from my GP or special card to show security if this situation arises. Would appreciate your knowledge of this. You see I have'nt travelled abroad since having my closotomy it...

Hi. Just thought I would pass on some travelling secrets. Now with these new limits to the weight you can have in your suitcase (and to give airport security a heads up), I always get ahold of Customer Service of the airline and let them know my condition and I need a bigger weight allowance. I usually receive a letter (or e-mail). Never had to pay extra. I have been patted down and the security asked if I had a money belt. I told her what I really was "packing" and offered to show her. She smiled and said have a great holiday...

goodmorning ostamates all thats traveling be very careful, cause the road I'm sure is going to be full and the crazies will be darting from lane to Lane, So just be careful keep your eye on the road. And have a safe trip where ever your traveling too. Try not to speed, cause as you know I'm sure their will be many cops out there. Where I am the weather will be 51 degrees cloudy, but somewhat sunny good luck!!!! No texting would like for all to make it safely to your destination and back, angelicamarie

When I travel anywhere grocery shoping, sight seeing in local area or long distance traveling. I take 2 mini pads and fold them sticky sides together and absorbing sides outside. Tuck them in my clean pouch and let the pads absorb the exiting liquid from my stoma. i feel safe and can go a lot longer time before empting pouch and then adding 2 fresh mini pads

I'm thinking of going to South America and wonder if anyone has had issues with the water and food when they went there. What precautions other than the normal ones, i.e. don't drink the water or eat uncooked fruit and vegetables, do I need to take?

Hi, i have colostomy bag,  would love to meet  anyone or ones with  same for days out

I have done a fair amount of air travel since my operation and have not had any problems until recently. When I was moving from the Philippines back to Australia for my treatment I was carrying as much luggage as I was allowed. On top of this I had all my appliances that had been delivered to me, that were to last me for the remainder of the two month distribution period. As I class my bag as a disability in respect of the appliances I must use and carry, I expected the airline to agree, and in the end it did. But the situation arose tha...

I'm looking at going down under in jan for a month an trying to find best insurance people can anyone help?

This trip isn't happening for a while, but I'm curious if anyone has traveled in Japan (mostly Tokyo) and has some insight on how easy it would be as an ostomate there?  My girlfriend would like to travel there to visit her host family, so we wouldn't be in any hotels or the like, but we would be travelling around the city for various reasons.  I'm sure there are plenty of bathrooms, and it'll be wonderful to have someone who's fluent... but any real time experience would help a ton.   Best wishes, Gabe

My first trip since the surgery is coming up -- I will be flying to visit friends - I have the blue card thing and will present that -- what do you pack in the bag and do you put it through the machine?? I need a small water bottle and all the stuff as you know---  Any ideas, suggestions would be deeply appreciated as I will be traveling alone.   Thank you!!

Hi. I'm 45 and looking for a travel partner to share expenses/experiences with. Preferably female but not opposed to a male travel companion.  I was thinking of an Intrepid package to Turkey in September or could even possibly pull it together for London end of May or June. Open to ideas or suggestions.  Email me and maybe we can chat! Wendy