Travelling with an ostomy | by Keith
Since I had my ostomy in 2012, I have always been upbeat about my new life, however there were quite a few things I was nervous about. One of them was travelling abroad. Having had to change some of my daily routines, I was anxious about the whole airport thing as well as the flying but I think that if you plan and prepare properly there should be very little to worry about.
Planning and preparation
First of all it’s crucial to ensure that your travel insurance is fit for purpose. You must make sure you declare all appropriate medical needs as you don’t want the hassle of finding you’re not actually covered in an emergency. A GP’s letter of verification can be useful- especially if there are any medicines you will need to take on the plane with you. And then there’s the GHIC card (it used to be known as the EHIC card before Brexit) . This is free and available by applying online. This allows you to have access to state provided medical care in EU countries.
It might help to have a copy of your repeat prescription as needed an also details of your appliance provider along with my product codes. If your main supply of products should get “lost” and you need to order more, this would be a huge help. Respond, for example, operate a Global Assistance Service where they help you with emergency stoma supplies and details of this can be found on their website.
A Travel Certificate is a really fantastic thing to have with you when you travel. Respond have one that you can download, as do other providers, or you can ask for one to be sent out to you. The travel certificate contains, among other things, your personal details that are verified by your GP surgery, plus important information for airport security staff that should help them understand your situation and this is written in all the world’s main languages. I can honestly say that Respond have an amazing Travel Advice brochure giving plenty of information if you visit their website.
Packing
It goes without saying that it is vital to make sure you have plenty of supplies beforehand so that most of your supplies can be packed in your hold luggage. This will include any sprays or liquids of course. However you should carry at least a few days’ supply in your hand luggage and if you check with the airline you may well find that ostomy supplies can be taken on the plane in addition to the usual allowance. Bear in mind that you won’t be allowed to carry scissors on board so its a good idea to pre-cut your bags or back plates and have a supply of removal wipes rather than a spray.
At the airport
This can be a bit daunting for a new ostomate. My first journey abroad after my ostomy was to Faro in Portugal and I have to say that going through security checks and the body scanner was pretty straight forward although the scanner did identify my pouch. To be fair, after an almost apologetic hand search, following my explanation everything was good. Since that time, a lot has been done to raise awareness of ostomies and hidden disabilities more widely. In 2019 I was invited by Respond to take part in some staff training at Cardiff Airport. Along with a stoma nurse working with Respond, we were able to share vital information relating to the different ostomies people have, and to have honest conversations about how ostomates feel when they’re dealing with security at the airport.
So my top tips for surviving the airport before you travel are:
- Use trolleys to help you carry heavy luggage- avoid that hernia!
- Be proactive in the bag scan – have your travel certificate ready to explain any ostomy products
- Don’t fear the body scanner; these vary and the more sophisticated machines might show your pouch but as long as you are prepared with your travel certificate, your explanation will be more than satisfactory.
At the end of the day, airport staff must treat you with respect and empathy. Training has been put in place and protocol has to be followed so that there is no embarrassment if you need to be searched. If you have any complaints you must take it up with the airport and/or the airline. It is not acceptable to be treated badly because of a hidden disability in this day and age.
On the plane
There are a few myths regarding what happens to ostomy pouches once the flight has taken off. If you think ahead there is no reason why you can’t have a comfortable flight. So here are some more top tips:
- Avoid large meals before your flight. Stick to light meals or snacks even up to 24 hours before you fly.
- Stay hydrated, but avoid fizzy drinks and have water, squash or even isotonic drinks
- Empty your bag before you board the plane. Your bag “ballooning’ may be one of the myths but emptying your bag will make you feel more comfortable. Also remember that if you should need to empty your bag again while in the air, it is possible to do so in an aeroplane toilet. Remember to keep your ostomy products at the top of your carry-on luggage just in case.
As I suggested earlier – it’s well worth checking Respond’s Travel Advice for more information; I’m looking forward to a holiday in Cyprus later in the year so I certainly will be doing so! Travelling is fun and there is no reason why your ostomy should stop you visiting different countries and enjoying time in either familiar or new places. The world is indeed your oyster!