Ostomy Scissors for Colostomy Bag Stoma Base Plate Stainless Length: 11.5 cm

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Make sure you have plenty of fluid stops and always carry a bottle of water. Isotonic sports drinks such as Lucozade Sport or equivalent are excellent for combating dehydration. This may involve completing a medical questionnaire or perhaps a telephone call with a medical advisor. You must disclose any medical history, surgery and any pre-existing conditions. It is usually safe to fly 4-6 weeks after stoma surgery. After abdominal surgery things can take time to settle down – there is a recovery period where you need to be cautious, so it is important not to take any unnecessary risks. If you usually wear a closed stoma pouch, you may like to consider obtain some drainable versions, in case of tummy bugs and looser than usual output. The same applies to liquids on board, it might be an idea to exchange your adhesive remover and skin protective sprays to wipe versions.

You may want a larger capacity for a long flight, or a smaller bag for swimming. Ask your Stoma Care Nurse for advice. If you are celebrating and don’t want to miss out on a glass of fizz….make sure you give it a good stir to get rid of the bubbles before drinking! Limit yourself to the one glass and keep up your water intake to remain hydrated. In general, it is advisable to keep most of your supplies in your hand luggage so that it remains with you at all times and is within easy reach. However, in case your hand luggage is misplaced, extra supplies should be kept in your suitcase or companion’s luggage as a precaution.Remember, it is very normal to feel apprehensive before air travel and a holiday. By planning ahead it will help you to feel more in control about the situation. Some people are worried that the water will affect the adhesion of the bag. Your stoma bagwill be very secure while you’re swimming. If you wear bikinis, a high-legged or high-waisted style may cover your stoma. Alternatively, choose a tankini top (long, vest-style top) to wear with bikini bottoms. Hopefully before you step on board a plane, you will have done other more local trips away from home which will have built up your confidence in managing your stoma when you are out in public. It may be useful to take different size bags with you for different activities. Most companies make a range of different size bags.

With the slight change of cabin pressure, we can all feel a bit bloated during the flight. But as a person with a stoma, you may find this causes stoma bag ballooning. If this does happen, nip to the toilet to release the gas or change your pouch. You’ll be glad you had the seat near the toilet. When choosing swimwear, try and choose a boldly patterned costume which will camouflage any bulges.

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A separate small travel kit containing items needed for a bag change should be kept close at hand to make visits to the toilet simple and discreet. If you already have an EHIC card, it will be valid until the expiry date, after which you’ll need to apply for the New EHIC Card or a GHIC depending on your individual circumstances. This means you’ll be able to access healthcare for the same cost as residents of that country, otherwise you’ll have to pay in full. You will also need Travel Insurance though, as this is specific to healthcare. A change in climate, water or food can upset your bowels, so be prepared. As a precaution for diarrhoea, it is advisable to take Loperamide (Imodium) with you which slows down the bowel’s activity, and sachets of rehydration powder (Dioralyte or Rehydrate) which easily dissolves in water to replace lost body salts, reducing the risk of dehydration. This way, you can request an aisle seat near the toilet. You may also be able to request this in advance with your travel agent. Air travel can make some people a bit ‘windy’. Make sure that you take appropriate travel insurance with appropriate cover for your condition. Some people may need to have treatment whilst abroad and which might need to be arranged in advance, such as dialysis. It is important to declare any health conditions and your stoma to your travel insurance company so that they can provide the right level of cover for you. EHIC and GHIC Cards (Health Insurance Cards)