9 Quick Tips for Traveling with an Ostomy

It’s no secret that certain medical problems can lead to unique challenges when it comes to traveling. While there are many examples we could cover, we wanted to go into depth on what going on vacation with an ostomy bag can be like. We have some tips on what you should do when traveling with an ostomy to ensure you can enjoy every moment of your trip.

1. Switch to a Drainable Pouch

Let’s start with a tip that can be an absolute game-changer for you. If you don’t already use a drainable ostomy bag, this trip will be the perfect time for you to try one out. When you’re on the go, it’s much easier to empty your bag rather than replace it with a new one. Plus, you won’t have to worry about spending your time managing your ostomy bag in a public restroom. The contents will all go straight into the toilet, and you can quickly return to your vacation without an issue.

The only downside of this option is that you’ll need to deal with a drainable pouch more often than you would a disposable one. However, we have some tips that will help you compensate for this minor inconvenience.

2. Pack the Necessary Supplies

When packing for any kind of trip, you need to ensure that you have all the necessary day-to-day supplies you’ll require while you’re away. However, when it comes to ostomy supplies, preparedness is even more vital. The reason for this is that you can’t easily replace ostomy-related items on the road.

You can buy things like a forgotten toothbrush or an extra stick of deodorant from just about anywhere—this isn’t the case for ostomy accessories. That’s why you must ensure you stock up on the items you need before leaving. That way, you can remain worry-free during your vacation.

3. Pre-Cut Your Ostomy Barriers

One such accessory that you’ll need during your trip is an ostomy barrier ring. These products help seal the pouch to your skin, but they usually aren’t the exact size you need since everyone’s stomas are slightly different.

Many people end up cutting their barrier rings into the right shape to compensate for this. However, if you plan on traveling by air, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to take the necessary scissors on the trip with you. Some airlines make exceptions for ostomy patients, but it’s easier to pre-cut your guards before you leave.

4. Pack Your Items Strategically

Whether you travel by plane or by car, you need to make sure you have quick access to any ostomy supplies you might need during the trip. That means packing some of your accessories in an airplane carry-on or a bag that you can access in the car.

Another thing to keep in mind when packing is storage temperatures. Most ostomy products need to remain in cool environments. Heat can cause them to dry out and crack, leaving you with a useless item. Most storage areas on planes will be cool enough, but if you’re traveling by car, heat can present a problem. You’ll want to ensure you don’t put these accessories in a hot trunk or near a window with direct sunlight.

5. Obtain a Travel Communication Card

Airline travel is frustrating for everyone, but it can be especially irritating for anyone with medical needs. However, if you get a travel communication card, you can let the TSA know essential info without a lengthy conversation that slows you from reaching your gate. This will be immensely helpful for you when going through security checkpoints, especially if they select you for a random search.

The United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) officially issues these travel cards, meaning you won’t have to worry about someone not taking your card seriously.

6. Keep Track of Your Food Intake

When on vacation, it’s really easy to fall into bad eating habits. Between wanting to fit in a quick meal and trying out new types of cuisine, you’re likely to upset your stomach a bit. When using an ostomy pouch, the wrong foods can lead to some unnecessary complications. That’s why you need to pay closer attention to what you eat.

It’s OK to slip from your usual diet a little bit, but you need to keep track of when that happens so that you can make up for it with your next meal. Also, it’s wise to stay away from foods you know can mess with your digestion, specifically when traveling. Once you’re at your destination, you can relax the rules a bit more. Consider speaking with your physician before leaving for your trip to discuss dietary options and solutions while you’re away.

7. Drink Plenty of Fluids

You also need to make sure you keep up with your fluid intake. Staying hydrated is vital to ensuring that your digestive system can function properly. Also, it’s not uncommon for people who are busy exploring a new city to become dehydrated, especially if you’re visiting a hotter environment. Making sure that you always have a water bottle or two on you is an effective way to ensure that you don’t run into any digestive difficulties.

8. Check for Bathrooms During Your Trip

When planning a trip, many people focus on the attractions and locations they want to visit. While that will undoubtedly be your primary goal as well, it’s not a bad idea to investigate where you could potentially make bathroom stops. This is especially important when traveling by car since there might be some stretches of road with few to no pit stop locations.

One of the upsides to using an ostomy bag is that you don’t need to rush to a restroom every time you have to go. However, you’ll still need to find a place to empty it, especially if you’ve decided to opt for the drainable version.

9. Travel With a Trusted Friend

Our final tip for traveling with an ostomy bag is to travel with a trusted friend. Chances are, you won’t be on your trip alone, but it’s good to have someone with you who understands your situation and knows how to help when you face any challenges on the road. While problems are unlikely, it can give those who use ostomy bags peace of mind knowing they have someone with them who they can rely on for assistance.