Travel Advice
There is no reason why having a stoma should prevent you from enjoying a holiday the same as anyone else and with a little forward planning should present no problems.
1. Take as many supplies in your hand luggage as possible. If travelling with a friend, ask them to carry some of your equipment for you. Pack some equipment in their luggage as well in case your suitcase goes missing.
2. Make a list of products and any medication you are on (use generic not brand names) and keep with you.
3. Insurance is very important. In EEC countries an E111 card is advisable from the Post Office. Private Medical Insurance is also strongly recommended. Please advise the company of your condition and stoma to avoid any problems should a claim arise. If you encounter difficulties shop around or contact your Stoma Care Nurse.
4. Check if any vaccinations are needed before you go. Your Practice nurse can advise you of these.
5. Make a list of all equipment you would normally use for the duration of the trip and double it. This should cover all eventualities.
6. Pre-cut your products and pack scissors in your suitcase to avoid them being confiscated.
7. Flying can increase the amount of wind we make. Avoid fizzy drinks and foods that make you windy the day before and the day of your flight. Do not skip meals. Empty your pouch regularly during the flight.
8. At check-in ask for a seat near to the toilet if possible. Try to use the toilet before meals are served as they are a little quieter.
9. When emptying your pouch in a plane toilet, place a few sheets of tissue over the ‘suction flap’ beforehand to ease flushing.
10. A travel certificate and common stoma phrases are available in different languages. These can be obtained from your delivery company if needed.
11. Try to avoid local tap water, use bottled at all times, even brushing your teeth! Be careful when having ice-cubes, salads, raw food, vegetables and fruit.
12. Take anti-diarrhoea medication with you, ie. Loperamide and drink plenty of fluid. Sip rather than gulp your drinks.
13. Dehydration is a major problem in hot weather. Sports drinks ie. Lucozade sport, Isotar or Dioralyte are good as they replace essential salts, glucose and water.
14. A Can’t Wait card can be useful if you are caught out when in a strange town in this country and don’t know where the nearest toilets are. Ask your delivery company for one.
15. A RADAR key is useful when out and about. Access to over 7,000 RADAR/disabled toilets in the country. A key and booklet can be obtained direct from RADAR, Unit 12, City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF (Approx £10 for booklet , £3.50 for key) or check to see if it is available free of charge through your local council.
Sue Field
Stoma Care Nurse, Conquest Hospital, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex.