This topic is about traveling with an ostomy to rural areas like Tanzania and other developing regions. The person considering this journey is living with ulcerative colitis and is thinking about having surgery. They are concerned about how to manage an ostomy in a place with no electricity, running water, or conventional toilets. Here are some helpful insights and advice for traveling with an ostomy in such conditions:

1. Past experiences in rural Tanzania involved using pit latrines, porcelain squat toilets with communal water buckets, and sometimes making do with no facilities at all. Handwashing was limited to cold water, soap, or hand sanitizer.

2. The main concern is maintaining cleanliness of the ostomy appliance, avoiding infections, and managing pouch emptying without modern conveniences. The person is also on strong immunosuppressants and a restricted diet, which currently limits travel. They hope an ostomy might remove these barriers.

3. To maintain sanitation when running water and clean surfaces are scarce, it is important to:
- Bring all necessary supplies, assuming they cannot be purchased locally.
- Carry hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, toilet tissue, small trash or zipper bags, and spare water bottles for rinsing.
- Use a flashlight for night changes, plastic containers or disposable cups to aid emptying, and dig a small hole when bush stops are the only option.
- Perform pouch changes or emptying during quiet times for privacy.

4. When using squat toilets, you can stand or squat to empty the pouch. Be prepared for splashing and keep tissues handy.

5. People have successfully traveled with an ostomy to various rural and developing regions, including Mexico, China, Israel, Greece, South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls, Canada, Caribbean islands, and U.S. camping trips. Good preparation is key.

6. Some tourist areas in Africa have very clean restrooms, which can be a pleasant surprise.

7. If surgery can free you from ulcerative colitis flares and dietary restrictions, it might restore your ability to travel and pursue long-term goals.