Traveling with an ostomy, especially in Asia, can present some unique challenges, but with a bit of preparation and the right mindset, it can be a smooth experience. Here are some helpful tips and insights to make your journey more comfortable:
- In many Asian countries, public garbage cans are not as common, so plan ahead for carrying used pouches until you find a suitable bin.
- Public restrooms might often be squat-style, which can make changing or emptying your appliance a bit tricky. In cities, McDonald’s can be a reliable spot for finding garbage cans and Western-style toilets.
- If you're in rural areas, you might need to change your appliance outdoors, like behind bushes. Practicing a quick change time of 45 to 60 seconds can be very helpful.
- Japanese airports are well-equipped with excellent facilities for ostomates, complete with clear instructions.
- In Northern Europe, toilets are similar to those in the U.S. and Canada. As you travel south to countries like Italy, Greece, or Turkey, you’ll find a mix of sit-down and squat toilets. Removing trousers inside the stall and squatting can make using a squat toilet easier with an ostomy.
- A specific stomach-muscle contraction can temporarily stop stoma output, allowing for a very rapid pouch change if needed.
- Remember, an ostomy should never stop you from exploring the world.
- In the United Kingdom, disabled toilets are common and generally clean. Shopping centers are the most reliable for restrooms, while some bars might not be as suitable.
- To save time, consider skipping non-critical steps in your change routine, like shaving or holding the wafer for too long. This can reduce your change time from about 10 minutes to just 2 minutes when you're on the go.
- For odor control, Ostosolutions Seals can be a great help. They snap onto a used pouch, sealing it completely, so there's no odor leakage. You can carry the pouch in your handbag all day if needed, and it allows for safe, odor-free disposal in airplane lavatories.
- A general tip from many travelers is to use shopping centers, chain restaurants, or airport facilities whenever possible for reliable and accessible washrooms.
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