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Posted 3/1/2011 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone with an ostomy travel by air recently? Any problems with the TSA folks?
Posted 3/1/2011 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
No, I don't do anything different...I leave all my supplies in my carry-on and no one has ever asked me to open it. I've traveled through large and small airports and there isn't a difference with them either.

As far as scanners, I would happily go through one, I've just never been asked to. I think it's no different than any 'normal' person. The media goes wild with stories, not to say they didn't happen, but if the patient is educated about their rights, they'd know that the TSA CANNOT touch their appliance. You can also carry a doctor's note, but I never have. Go to the TSA website and check out the dos and don'ts

Going anywhere fun?
Posted 3/1/2011 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I was concerned myself about my first post-op air travel but I traveled just last week here in Europe from Dublin to the Canary island of Fuertaventura, a 4.5 hour flight each way . Both the security aspect & what might happen stomawise & bagwise caused a little worry. Happy to report that I was treated no different than anyone else by securitry. I brought a full set of supplies in carryon & checkin baggage. The various liquids/ sprays which had to be put into a clear plastic bag for viewing by security staff raised no comment. Happy also to say stoma & bag behaved completely as normal, no different than on a car journey.

Even the better temps on hols 28C/ 83F had no effect.

Cheers
Posted 3/2/2011 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
I've never had a problem taking my supplies on board with me and since change in regulations few years ago pack them in clear bag so security can see. The scissors I put in my hold luggage but everything else is carry on. Some airlines even let me have separate bag as hand luggage deemed as medical supplies, each one is different so check with the one you're travelling with.
Posted 3/4/2011 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. My main concern was what they would think when they saw the pouch on the scanner and whether I would be singled out for moer "personal" attention not about carrying the supplies around. Thanks for your input!
Posted 3/5/2011 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
I went from Canada to England, France, England, Canada in 5 weeks and had some carry on checks. The skipping rope caused more problems on the scanners than my ostomy supplies.

I guess I have the face that says search me, search me, cause it happens too much for my liking.

I did get a pat down once and when they felt ostomy she jerked back and I said "it's an ostomy. Do you know what that is?" She didn't say yes or no just let me go.

Back to guidelines, don't wear too much metal or they'll stop you for sure. Have fun!!!
Posted 3/7/2011 7:18 AM (GMT 0)
I just flew from San Jose CA to LA, then to Kona HI with no problem.  A TSA fellow stepped back suddenly and then calmly asked about the bag; I replied that it is an ileostomy.  Then I did have trouble with the metal detector for some reason (watch, then belt buckle; stuff I forgot to remove; stupid!).  Clear bag for liquids wasn't even requested; stayed in carry on during inspection.  All my supplies are now dry ones (wafers & pouches only) Another story- I previously had a baseball-sized stoma prolapse and couldn't keep wafers on; 3" tape and adhesive prep didn't help.  Leaked often, then the burns prevented wafers from sticking for days, a week, no suggestions worked.  Glad that's over.

I'd flown before with a port and expected the stainless steel on that to be an issue, but it never triggered a detector.  I carried a card signed by my Doc., just in case. 

(rectal cancer - removed 5/2009, failed take down 12/09, repaired 1/10, new stoma prolapsed ,repaired that 8/2010, strictures dilation 1/11, another set in 4/11, hopefully a takedown to follow this May)

Enjoy your adventures...

 

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