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Q. What if I have to change my pouch while on the plane ?
A. Have everything you need readily accessible during the ight. Some people prefer
to wear a drainable pouch which can be drained down the toilet. If you prefer to wear
your usual closed pouch it is acceptable to wrap it well and dispose of it in the bin in
the toilet cubicle.
When booking your ight check the baggage allowance, for both ‘checked’ and
‘cabin’. If you have both, consider splitting your stoma supplies between each bag. If
you are travelling with a family member or friend consider putting some of your
stoma supplies in their check in bag in case any of your luggage goes missing.
Remember to always keep some of your ostomy appliances in your hand travel bag
and the balance in your checked-in luggage. Have your pouches pre-cut or
mouldable because scissors can only go in checked-in luggage. Airlines will vary in
relation to extra baggage allowance. Depending on each person’s circumstances, it
is important that at the time of booking you check out the baggage allowance they
are oering you. Look for the airline’s policy on extra luggage allowance for medical
supplies, this might be a subsection of Medical Equipment.
Pack as many ostomy appliances and accessories as you would normally use. There
is nothing like feeling safe to help you enjoy your holiday,
Should you be unlucky enough to suer from diarrhoea and you normally use closed
pouches, it might be wise to pack a few drainable versions in case of emergency.
Taking an over-the-counter diarrhoea medication at the rst sign of trouble will
usually stop diarrhoea in its tracks.
It is always tempting prior to ights to miss meals …do not, it simply knocks your body
out of sync. Do drink lots of uids but avoid alcohol and zzy drinks because the change
in air pressure, whether you have a stoma or not, can often cause wind to be an issue.
When booking your ight, if you are pre-selecting your seat, would an aisle seat suit you
better, so if/when you need to go to the toilet you are not disturbing anyone, and you can
also see where the nearest toilets are. Before ying it is recommended to empty your
drainable pouch in the departure lounge toilet whilst you are waiting to board your plane.
Seat belts must always be worn as requested. They are for your safety but try to
position yours above or below your stoma, not across if at all possible.
If you become dehydrated, sports drinks or rehydration powders are useful to
replace lost salts from perspiration and diarrhoea. Plan ahead and pack some with
your emergency supplies.
Packing your Ostomy Products
It is good to make a list of all Ostomy Products that you need to bring with you when
going on holiday. Making a prepared checklist of what you need to bring with you will
make packing your suitcase a straightforward operation.