Stoma Travel Guide

With the summer fast approaching many of us will be getting ready to go on holiday. If your staying in the UK or traveling abroad it best to make a plan when your doing it with a Urostomy.

I've now been abroad 3 time  since my surgery and I still find that I need a plan to make sure I have all my supplies available. A lot of people feel nervous traveling for the first time especially with the thought of having to go through security at an airport, flying on a aeroplane or not knowing where the nearest toilets are. It really is the fear of the unknown but I promise you, feeling anxious is absolutely normal and you will be fine.

What if I told you that there are things you can do to make it easier and reduce your anxiety?

My top tips on making travelling easier when you have a Urostomy:

• First things first is to get a good travel insurance as soon as you book. I personally haven’t had any issues with using insurance companies from comparison websites, just make sure you disclose all your medical history and have enough to cover you if you needed hospital treatment. It’s also important to read the T&C to make sure theres no hidden “rules”. You don't have to use a company that specialises in disability.
• Advise the airline that you have a disability and require “special assistance” from them. They may offer you a quicker check in and baggage drop off or free seat reservation near the toilets on the aircraft. All airlines differ so it's best to speak with them but I have personally found Jet2 to be really good.
• Request extra hand luggage for medical supplies when requesting “special assistance” as you will want to carry all stoma appliances with you in your hand luggage so they don’t go missing.
• Reserve your seats as early as possible (some airlines do this free if you raise special assistance) not all airlines offer free seat reservation..
• Disability passport- you can get these from your stoma suppliers for free, it explains in all of the major languages your medical situation. You could also make your own by using google translate if you want to make it tailored to you.
• Think about purchasing a sunflower landyard or request to borrow one at customer services on your day of travel. Read about what this is here >***What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?***
• Request a copy of your prescriptions as proof all of your medical supplies are for you.
• If you're carrying any medication that's controlled make sure you check online (Gov website) to see what the rules are when traveling into another country. My best bit of advice is to get your GP to write you a letter explaining the reasons for use to provide with your prescription if stopped. I have been stopped twice by security and asked to show proof but had no problems after providing the evidence. Some GPs will charge you for this letter but you can retain it to use again. I carried all medication in my hand luggage including a 300ml bottle of liquid medication.
• Make a list of all stoma suppliers needed ready to order before you go and order them to arrive days before you travel.
• Double up on all stoma products so you have plenty
• Make a note of any emergency contact numbers. If you run out of stoma supplies when on holiday your supplier usually provides a contact number you can call to arrange some emergency supplies when in another country.
• Swimwear can be difficult to find these days so my recommendation is SHEIN, their costumes are comfy and they don't break the bank. You can get one piece costumes, tankinis, swimming dresses, high waisted bottoms, swimming shorts and they cater for small, tall, petit and curvy.
• You could wear a leg bag or connect to a night bag when you're on the plane if it's going to be difficult for you to get to the toilet. The night bag can be placed into a tote bag so it's kept discreet if required.
• My last bit of advice is- get excited about your holiday and when you get there wear that bag on show. People usually look as they are curious and your stoma bag is nothing to be ashamed about.

Share your own travel tips in the comments below...