Traveling With Your Ostomy

If you are part of the majority of people with a stoma, then you and your doctor decided on a stoma to give you a better life. Most people find their life restricted because of their disease or condition that damaged their intestines. The ostomy procedure is done in hopes of their life no longer being restricted to the comfort and familiarity of their own home. The ostomy gives the patient the freedom back that they deserve.

One such freedom that most patients felt they could not enjoy was traveling. Traveling can be stressful for someone suffering from Crohn’s disease (or any other bowel disease) because of the uncertainty of their bowels. With a stoma, people feel much more comfortable outside their own homes. So they finally get to enjoy travelling again. If you are planning a trip, you should consider these tips for traveling with an ostomy.

Firstly, you should calculate the amount of supplies you need to take, and then take extra. Ostomy supplies are great because many of their products can be sold in bulk. ostomy supplies also arrive quickly in case you are planning a last minute trip. Pack things like extra ostomy bags and skin barriers. You should take adhesive remover, especially if you are staying more days than you usually switch bags. Take deodorant sprays or wipes (whichever you prefer) in case you have a leak while you are away from the hotel or a rest stop. Just make sure to stock up on everything you may need!

If you are going to be traveling on a plane you may need to look into TSA guidelines and what type of products can be carried on with you. Of course, pack most of your ostomy supplies in your stored bag, as there are no restrictions on líquids and gels. But sometimes you may only be allowed a carry-on bag. And even with your main products in stored luggage, you probably want a smaller emergency kit on you. You can take ostomy scissors on your flight if you have medical documentation from your doctor. Remember, the scissors edge can be no longer than 4 inches, but it is something. Some people may just opt for pre-cut bags, though, to avoid taking scissors altogether.

Lastly, make sure you are keeping up with your daily routine while you are on your trip. It is so easy to fall out of routine when you aren’t at home. So make sure to keep up proper hygiene to keep your stoma happy during your trip.