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Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

Summary

The following is based on information contained in YES WE CAN! By Barbara Kupfer, et al 

  • Check with your doctor about whether or not you should travel, whether any modes of transportation or destinations should be avoided. He or she can also tell you what effect, if any, your planned activities may have on you because of your condition.
  • Never trust your supplies to anyone else except close family members or friends.
  • Always carry your supplies with you. Never check them with your baggage.
  • If leaking in a strange bed is a concern, carry a crib size baby pad or large plastic bags to put under a sheet.
  • Used plastic grocery bags are a great way to dispose of used pouches while concealing any odor.
  • When moving around, carry an extra adhesive device and pouch in case you need a replacement.
  • Use a bathroom when one is handy. Don’t rely on hoping that one will be available when you need it.
  • If you use two piece equipment, consider using one piece equipment when traveling. It is one less thing to worry about.
  • Only drink safe liquids, such as liquids from unopened bottles. For information about safe drinking water, click here.
  • Keep contact information for an ET nurse or this link to help you locate one while traveling: at www.wocn.org offsite link. Click on “Patient Information” then “Find A Nurse In Your Area”.

 If you have an ileostomy or a continent ileostomy:

  • Fluids are lost in the stool. Drink enough fluids to keep your urine light yellow. 
  • Moderately salted foods compensate for electrolyte loss.

 If you have a colostomy:

  • In case you need to heat safe drinking water, carry a portable heater (with a universal electrical adapter if traveling out of the country).
  • If you are crossing time zones, or likely to change your daily habits, think about changing the time you irrigate for a few weeks before travel to get used to the new schedule at home rather than while traveling.

 If you have a urostomy:

  • Take a leg bag on long trips. Test it before traveling.
  • To avoid possible contamination of your urinary system, acidity your urine by taking Vitamin C in a dosage recommended by your oncologist.

 For information about packing, travel by car, and travel by air with an ostomy, see:

Before boarding any transportation, empty the pouch so you don’t have to be concerned about finding yourself in a situation where you can’t empty it when you want to and check your equipment.

 For additional travel tips for a person with a health condition history, see Travel 101. If you are traveling for medical treatment see Medical Tourism

For additional information about ostomies, click here.

Packing For Travel With An Ostomy

 When packing: 

  • Mentally go through each of your routines. Put out supplies to match to be sure you have everything you will need. Include items to make fixes.
  • Take with you double the amount of whatever you would normally use during the same period of time “just in case.”
  • If an item has a sticky quality to it, take supplies from more than one box in case one batch isn’t good.
  • Keep liquids in a separate water proof see through 1 gallon food storage bag.
  • Since people with an ostomy need to avoid heavy lifting because of the possibility of developing a peristomal hernia, it is advisable to limit the weight you travel with to 25 pounds.
  • Don’t use a trip as an opportunity to try out new ostomy supplies. You may not have a fall back if the new supplies don’t work out.
  • Pack anti-diarrhea or constipation medicine in case you need it. Keep prescriptions in their original packages.
  • Pack your supplies separately in a carry-on bag. (Keep in mind the 3 ounce limit in effect for liquids. If you need to carry more than 3 ounces of a liquid, put it in separate bottles.) A card on top of your supplies that says “Medical Supplies” may make it easier to go through security without embarrassing questions. If you will carry a special case for your supplies, make sure it fits under a seat.
  • Pack whatever you need to make repairs. For instance, a Band Aid can stop a leak when you can’t take the time to make a change.
  • Be sure you have a list of your medications and a medical history with you – including contact information for your primary care doctor and your oncologist.

Travel By Car With An Ostomy

  • Empty your appliance before starting the trip.
  • Do not put supplies in your trunk. If you keep supplies with you, they will never be lost, frozen or stolen.
  • Keep a supply of toilet paper with you “just in case”.
  • When making plans, consider where you will need to stop to empty your pouch.
  • On long car trips, you can hook your pouch to the drainage container.

 

 



Travel By Air With An Ostomy

When making a reservation:

  • Ask that it be noted on your record that you have an ostomy and may need special treatment
  • Ask for a seat near the bathroom. (Keep in mind that the last seat before the bathroom usually doesn’t recline.)

Screening:

  • You will be subjected to the same screening as any passenger. However, before being patted down or entering a scanner, you can advise TSA personnel about your ostomy. If you prefer, you can inform the TSA person by handing over a card informing that you have a health condition and a device that may affect your screening. (Free cards are available from the Ostomy.org. Click here offsite link
  • You are entitled to have a companion with you during a private screening.
  • TSA personnel should not ask you to show your pouch. However, you may be asked to rub over your pouch outside your clothing so you hand can be tested for explosive residue.

 Before boarding:

  • There are reports that air travel may cause a pouch to expand during takeoff and landing. To avoid problems, empty the pouch before takeoff and landing.
  • Eat a light, low-fat meal prior to boarding. You may experience more gas during air travel.
  • Purchase a non-carbonated fruit juice or sports drink. You’ll need to drink to avoid dehydration on the plane. Plain water doesn’t replace sodium and potassium you lose in your ostomy output

 On board:

  • Ostomy.org also has a free card you can show to flight attendants so they will understand if you need to use the rest room at a time when the pilot wants everyone to remain seated. Click here. (link to: www.ostomy.org/ostomy_info/pubs/Travel_Card_2011b.pdf offsite link
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat lightly.