Tips For Travelling With A Stoma
Your stoma should not be a reason for you to avoid traveling within your country or abroad. You will only have to plan ahead of time. Here are some tips.
Make sure that you have enough supplies
You need to pack more supplies than what you need during the time you will be away from your home. A change in climate could lead you to require more frequent pouch changes. Heat can result in the pouching system losing hold of your stoma, and a change in diet can cause an upset stomach. All of these factors, along with several others, could make it seem more logical to pack double the amount of supplies that you normally use. Furthermore, you cannot rule out the possibility of your ostomy suppliers being unable to deliver your supplies at your destination.
Pack all of your supplies in the handbag
The most significant benefit of packing your ostomy supplies in your carry-on bag is that they are going to be in your immediate access if you need to change the ostomy bag. Another equally considerable benefit is that at least you will have your ostomy supplies if your luggage goes missing. You are going to have to ask your airline if they allow you to carry all of the ostomy supplies that could also include scissors and cutters. If the airline disallows you to carry scissors and cutters, you can pre-cut your ostomy bags to make them all fit the size and shape of your stoma. Your ostomy supplies will also include liquid and spray bottles, so make sure that you know about the limitations that your airline might have placed regarding the amount of liquid in a bottle and the number of bottles that you can pack in your carry-on bag.
RADAR key and Just Can't-Wait Card
While traveling in the UK, you can use a RADAR key to have instant access to the accessible toilet facilities where you can change your ostomy bag comfortably. You can also sign up for a “Just Can't-Wait” card that puts you on the top priority if you need to change your ostomy bag urgently.
Pay attention to your diet
While traveling, you will not want to have an upset stomach that might result in frequent waste evacuation from your stoma. It is crucial to watch what you eat and drink. You will need to avoid any foods that can result in you running the risk of diarrhea, constipation, and other forms of gastrointestinal problems. Instead of having fizzy drinks, stick to the intake of bottled water only.