A stoma doesn’t stop you from travelling, but give yourself time to adjust. Start by thinking about short trips, and see how it goes from there.
Whether you are travelling by car, ferry, train or plane, it’s important to pack a small travel changing bag. Use your common sense and keep extra bags and any other supplies you may need with you.
Flying
If you’re flying, make sure to take more than adequate supplies with you on the flight and for while you’re away. Divide up your supplies in different bags in case your luggage is misplaced or your flight is delayed. Don’t forget that you’re not allowed any scissors in your hand luggage, so cut all of your bags to size before you fly.
Some people are concerned that the bag they are wearing may expand during the flight due to the change in cabin pressure. However, you can rest assured that bags are tested to withstand pressure changes.
Travelling abroad
Before you travel abroad, you need to check how your condition and circumstances are covered by your travel insurance policy.
In warmer climates, you may perspire more than usual and need to change your bag more frequently. Always make sure your skin is completely dry before applying a new bag to ensure good adhesion. If you have trouble drying your skin, you can use a hairdryer to dry the area – but be careful not to have the heat setting too hot.
You may also be at increased risk of diarrhoea or dehydration. Drink plenty of water, and keep rehydration sachets and medicine to treat diarrhoea with you just in case.
And of course, once you are on holiday, don’t forget you can still do all of the same activities you did before.
Holiday tips:
- store your bags in a cool place
- use bottled drinking water to change your bag when out
- only apply suntan lotion after you’ve put your bag on, as the creams may affect the adhesive
- seal and empty used bags and dispose of them with the normal rubbish
- if you feel self-conscious about leaving bags in your hotel room, use public bins
- before leaving, find out where you can get professional assistance at your destination
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