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Nervous about traveling.

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Ostomies
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Posted 11/20/2014 1:36 PM (GMT 0)
Every year, we spend Thanksgiving week somewhere tropical. We fly in our children and their significant others and have a great time. This year, I'm a bit nervous/anxious.

It's my first time flying, wearing a bathing suit, swimming, and being away from home with my stoma. While I'm excited about all the things I'll be able to do differently this year (hello jerk chicken and lots of cocktails) I'm also worried.

At home I change once a week. I'll bring plenty of extra supplies but how much is enough? Will being in the pool/ocean shorten my wear time? Will going through airport security be humiliating?

Can you world travelers offer some helpful advice?

Thank you!
Caren
Posted 11/20/2014 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
I would suggest taking 1 & 1/2 times what you would normally use in the same time period just to be safe. No matter where you go people have Ostomies, so supplies should be available in town although they might not have your exact brand and model.
Depending on what you are wearing, wear time might be reduced slightly but check with your manufacturer for this advice. I know Hollister has what they call "Extended wear" they recommend if you are in the water a lot. I wear it ALL the time and change every 7 days by choice. During the summer I do use the pool.
You mention enjoying cocktails (by all means) but don't be alarmed if the alcohol makes the stoma go "Limp" and the "Output" like water...thats what it does to me but other than emptying more frequently, it raises no other issues for me. Watery or thick makes no difference in my case.
You should be able to partake in all activities just as you did before surgery.
If you have ever experienced an "Accident" at night in bed (leak ) you might consider taking some precaution to protect the bedding. IE: Take a baby crib sheet, or wear something that secures the bag while turning over several times at night.
Take care and have a GREAT TIME . WaterMaster
Posted 11/20/2014 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
I went through the same thing last year. Surgery in January and Cuba in April. In hindsight it was too soon. I didn't have a whole lot of energy but other than that it was great! I changed once when down there. Brought lots of supplies though just in case. No one at the airport even knew. No metal... no worries.

I bought some sure seals. They work great! They give you an extra layer of security. I spend a lot of time in the water so I was looking for extra security.

I always liked to parade around in my bikini..... that doesn't happen my more but my friend, who I traveled with told me I rocked my tankinis:)

Relax and have a ball!!! and a cocktail or 3:). You've earned them!
Posted 11/21/2014 6:25 AM (GMT 0)
My stoma is not a burden for me every time I travel. I just bring all the needed supplies and I'm thankful for these useful undergarments the keep my stoma pouch in place. I'm glad that there are people who are also thinking on how to make the lives of ostomates comfortable.
Posted 11/21/2014 8:09 AM (GMT 0)
I understand how you feel. My first trip after surgery was from Canada all the way to Germany and then onto Paris. I was nervous going thru security and blurted out that I had an ostomy and the lady was so kind. She told me that they would just gently do a pat down. No problem. I didn't tell anyone after that.....it really was no big deal. I brought enough supplies to cover changing every day (over kill really....) as well as a whole pack of sure seals. I had never changed away from home either so was very nervous doing so in the hotels.

Germany was no problem, we had a nice large bathroom with a huge mirror. Paris, tiny bathroom. Paris is where I started removing my appliance and having a "naked" shower because there wasn't a lot of room.

In all, we were gone 10 days and I changed twice. The following February we went to the Dominican Republic for two weeks. Again, brought enough to change every day. I was worried about the salt water. I think I changed 4 times there and once was the day we were coming home. I was in and out of the ocean several times a day and lived in the pool. No problem. I too wore tankinis and had no issues!

Best to have too many supplies than not enough. I bring all my supplies in my carry on and pack some in my husbands as well.

Enjoy your holiday! I promise once you do this trip, you will be on your way! Now, I can change in a tent with no mirror!
Posted 11/21/2014 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
Once you get home, you will laugh at yourself, for worrying so much!!

I just traveled from Ohio to Las Vegas and back without incident. Not my first trip away and I've gotten into my routine for traveling.

I carry a change in my purse (I do any cutting of products at home) in a plastic bag with paper towels to clean, if needed. I also carry all supplies in my regular carry-on (and will usually check them on the way home if I have checked luggage). I have not had to open my purse or carry on for TSA to inspect (knock on wood!). Bring extras but you don't have to go overboard. If you change once a week bring 3 or 4 changes. I do wear a two piece so I bring bags for everyday plus a few...I like to have a clean bag that I don't have to dry especially when at the beach.

I have never let TSA know that I have an ostomy and I've never received the 'extra' treatment. I do empty right as I get into line (not sure if that helps or not) and usually get pointed to the full scanner line...my friends usually get the pad-down!!

As far as hotter weather/swimming goes, I use Sure Seals and have never experienced a shorter wear time when swimming. I also change once a week, even when away, which makes planning easy! You may want to work your schedule so you change the day before you go (if you'd make the whole trip without having to change) or plan to change a day or two into your trip so you know you'll have piece of mind on your way home.

Most importantly, have fun! Eat, drink and enjoy your family:-)
Posted 11/22/2014 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for the great advice. I wish I had asked for your input earlier...I've never heard of Sure Seals and now I don't have time to get them. Oh well, next time. I do have the Ostomy Secrets swim wrap so hopefully, that will help.
If not, I guess I'll be doing a lot of changes.

Again, thanks for easing some of my anxiety! :-)
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