Travelling With a Stoma

People may have a stoma for various reasons, including bowel or bladder cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or congenital anomalies. A stoma, which involves surgically creating an opening in the abdomen to divert waste, allows waste products to be redirected from the normal route, providing a way to eliminate them when the natural route is blocked or damaged. This can be life-saving and essential for maintaining health.

While having a stoma can be life-changing, it can also provide significant benefits, such as improving the quality of life and allowing individuals with certain conditions to lead a more normal and active life. However, the adjustment to living with a stoma can be challenging, and it may require psychological and physical adaptation. Support from healthcare professionals, family, and stoma care organisations can be invaluable during this transition period.

If you have a stoma, there’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy your holiday just as much as anyone else. Following surgery, you’ll usually be fit to travel about 4-6 weeks after the operation, but it's always important to check with your surgeon before you book a trip. Packing additional stoma supplies and knowing where to access medical care at your destination can help ensure a stress-free trip. Do be careful about lifting heavy objects for at least 3 months after surgery – remember that there’s a higher risk of developing a hernia or causing complications if you lift too soon. Consulting with a stoma care nurse about safe practices for physical activities can provide further peace of mind.

Otherwise, with a few precautions and some planning, you can embark on your travels with confidence, knowing that your stoma should not prevent you from enjoying new experiences and adventures.

My Top Tips for Travelling with a Stoma

Travelling with a stoma may initially seem daunting, but with careful preparation and a positive mindset, it can be just as enjoyable and fulfilling as any other journey. Whether you're an experienced traveller or planning your first trip post-surgery, these tips are designed to help you navigate the unique challenges of travelling with a stoma, allowing you to focus on creating wonderful memories and exploring the world without worry.

Before You Fly

Seat Booking: Consider booking a seat on the plane near a toilet, for peace of mind. You might also want to consider an aisle rather than a window seat, to avoid having to step over other passengers if you need to get to the toilet quickly.

Coloplast Travel Certificate: Ask your stoma nurse or visit the Coloplast website for a free travel certificate which explains your condition (in English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese), the
medical supplies you require and why you need to keep them with you.

Fit-to-Fly Certificate: A fit-to-fly certificate can make life easier if your pouch is picked up when you go through security. Staff may ask for an extra examination if it is detected but should not ask you to remove or lift clothing to show your pouch.

READ MORE: Fit to Fly Certificates

Change Your Pouch: If possible, change your pouch or at least empty the contents before you get on board a plane or other transport.

Travel Insurance: Even if you're travelling to Europe and have a valid EHIC or GHIC, always make sure you have specialist travel insurance that covers you for any medical condition you have. You want to come back with happy memories and the last thing you need is a huge medical bill because your travel insurance was invalid.

READ MORE: GHIC, EHIC & Travel Insurance

Packing Tips

Repeat Prescriptions: Request any repeat prescriptions you need in good time – especially if you’re going to need more supplies than usual. Remember, to keep half your prescriptions in your hand luggage. This way should your hold luggage go ‘missing’ you will have a few medications to tide you over for a few days until your bag is found, or you can get a replacement prescription.

READ MORE: Travelling with Medications

Supply of Stoma Bags: Keep a good supply of stoma bags and other supplies you need, in your hand luggage. You should include pouches, wipes, skin creams and disposable bags – you may want to keep a couple of each in a smaller bag that you can take to the aircraft toilet discreetly. Ideally, split your supplies with someone you’re travelling with, just in case of loss or accident.

Adhesive Removal Wipes: If you usually use an adhesive removal spray, ask your stoma nurse about a wipe version, to reduce the number of bottles of fluid you will have to take on board. Decant a small tub of skin protection cream if you want to take it through in your hand luggage without any queries.

READ MORE: Carry-on Luggage: What You Can and Can’t Pack

Pre-Prepare Your Pouches: You won’t be able to take stoma scissors or other sharp objects onto the plane, so pre-cut a couple of stoma pouch baseplates to size to in flight.

Double-Up on Stoma Bags: Try and take at least double the number of stoma bags you would normally use, just in case of tummy bugs, travel delays or accidental loss. Don’t forget to double up on stoma adhesive remover and skin barrier cream as well.

Whilst on Holiday

Avoid Fatty Food: The lower air pressure on board the plane may result in some ballooning of your pouch. You can reduce the risk of this by limiting your intake of fizzy drinks both before you board and while you’re flying. You should also avoid other foods, such as fatty foods, which make you prone to changes in the consistency of your pouch contents or make you prone to wind.

Hydration: Keep hydrated while you’re flying with plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Avoid or limit alcohol because it can make you prone to dehydration. Whilst at your holiday destination, be careful with the drinking water. In some locations, the water may not be as well treated as it is back home in the UK.

READ MORE: Which Fluids are Safe to Drink?

Beach Wear: If you’re going on a beach holiday, pack a couple of sarongs or cotton beach wraps if you want to be discreet about your stoma. But if you want to wear a bikini, that’s fine too!

Planning to Swim: Talk to your stoma nurse in advance if you’re planning to go swimming. Water can affect your stoma adhesive, and you may need to change your stoma bag more often. They may also be able to advise on adhesive tape to reduce the risk of leaks.

Seek Shade: Getting hot and sweaty can also affect the effectiveness of your stoma adhesive, as can sunscreen. Wait until after you change your stoma bag to apply sunscreen and seek shade regularly to avoid getting too sweaty. In addition, make sure you’re cool, and your skin is completely dry when you apply a new bag.

READ MORE: How to Stay Safe in the Sun

Travelling with a stoma requires a bit of extra preparation and thought, but it doesn't need to be a barrier to enjoying new experiences and adventures. By following the tips outlined above, from booking your seat to packing strategically and staying hydrated, you can ensure a smoother and more comfortable journey.

However, one of the most crucial elements is obtaining specialist travel insurance that covers all your medical needs. This provides peace of mind, knowing that you are financially protected in case of any medical emergencies while away from home. With the right preparation, your stoma can be just another part of your journey, rather than a hindrance.