top of page
Search

Your Guide to Living with an Ostomy: Travel

  • Writer: NSWOCC
    NSWOCC
  • Jul 8
  • 2 min read

Living with an Ostomy does not mean you need to live with significant restrictions. One of the key aspects of embracing life with an Ostomy is learning to adapt and welcome your "new normal" life! After recovery and finding the right pouching system to fit your body, you can expect to resume an active and vibrant life.


In our new series, "Guides to Living with an Ostomy", we will be exploring how you can adapt your life to embrace your "new normal". Below, see some short tips and tricks to embracing your “new normal” when you’re travelling!


General Tips and Tricks

  • take at least double the supplies you normally use. Your supplies may not be available where you are travelling or may not be reimbursable outside your home province/territory;

  • some airlines allow you extra carry-on luggage for medical supplies, consult the airline prior to travel to receive these extra accommodations. A letter from your doctor or NSWOC may be useful regarding the need to carry ostomy supplies in your hand luggage;

  • protect your supplies from exposure to heat or cold;

  • keep supplies in your hand luggage to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and in case of lost luggage;

  • assess the quality of local drinking water; if unsafe to drink, use bottled water

  • avoid delays at customs by carrying a letter from your surgeon that explains your ostomy surgery

  • connect to a leg bag for longer travel to provide extra capacity for urine;

  • ask an NSWOC, your doctor or organization in the resource list about where you plan to visit

  • if flying, ask for an aisle seat near the washroom


Additional Tips when Travelling with an Ileostomy or Colostomy

  • consider applying a new pouching system the day before or day of your travels;

  • use every opportunity to empty your pouch even if it is not full.

  • a seat belt must be worn when riding in a vehicle. Protect the stoma from the seat belt by placing a soft foam pad or a small pillow between the stoma and the seatbelt.


If you want to learn more about how you can adapt your life to living with an Ostomy, please visit the link below!




bottom of page