You may be planning to travel across the country or abroad. But you may be thinking about your ostomy problem. If you have recently got an ostomy, and you are wondering if you can travel with it over a long distance, the good news is that you can. An ostomy doesn’t stop a person from taking long vacations.
In this article, we will discuss some tips to help you prepare for traveling with an ostomy.
Calculating the number of supplies that you will need
First and foremost, you will have to get a sufficient number of supplies to make sure that you do not run out of your ostomy products while you are away. You can calculate the number of supplies you use daily. Then multiply that number with the days you will be gone. The best practice is to double the number of supplies to deal with any delay in the date of your return. It will help you deal with any ostomy emergency.
TSA guidelines
According to the Transportation Security Administration) Guidelines, you are allowed to bring a clear bag of a quarter-sized bag to keep liquid items, gels, aerosols, cream, and paste in your hand-carry. You will have to make sure that each item is not more than 3.4 ounces.
If you are using cut-to-fit ostomy pouches, you may need to carry ostomy scissors in your hand-carry luggage. Nonetheless, you will have to consult with the airport authorities to know if you can carry such scissors. If not, you can consider cutting all of your ostomy supplies according to the shape and size of your stoma. Alternatively, you can consider having ostomy supplies with moldable skin barriers.
If you have any questions, you may want to contact the Transportation Security Administration for any details you need.
Checking list and starting packing
Now that you know the number of supplies you need, and you have to contact the TSA to know rules and regulations, it’s time to start packing your items before traveling. But first, be sure to double-check everything. Make a list of every item you need and check whether or not you have all of these items.
If you are going to travel by car, you have to pack everything in the cabin instead of the trunk. The trunk is usually exposed to extreme temperatures, which can potentially be hazardous for your ostomy supplies.
Avoiding foods and beverages that can irritate
If you know that consuming some particular foods and beverages can give you an upset stomach, more gas, or excessive stomal output, make sure to avoid such foods during traveling. You may also need to change your ostomy pouch before setting off.
Ensuring hygiene
Since public washrooms are not the cleanest places, you have to take care of your hygiene in a way that seems more appropriate. Fundamentally, you have to wash your hands before and after the ostomy pouch change.
If possible, keep antiseptic wipes with you during traveling. Such products will help you prevent any infection.
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