There is nothing I love more than a holiday! Initially when my surgery was planned; thinking about flying with a stoma felt so overwhelming but after a fair few trips now I wanted to share my experiences.
Book that flight ✈️
On my first trip following my surgery, I was so nervous and had no idea where to start with what to pack, where to put things – it just seemed so much to think about but honestly I had nothing to worry about.
Firstly, be prepared and book special assistance – and book medical baggage. You then take your supplies in your hand luggage. I flew to New Zealand last year, my main luggage was delayed for 48 hours on arrival so if I hadn’t had my stoma supplies I would have really struggled!
The additional bag you book can normally be up to around 10kg and a is free of charge (check with individual airline).
Once you are packed and off on the start of your journey, airport security is the next stage. Due to your special assistance and medical baggage; this means you skip the queues. I can honestly say after around 10-12 trips the security has always been really straight forward; I always mention that there’s a medical bag when putting it in the tray to be scanned. Then personally walking through the scanner, only once have I been checked over at Heathrow and they were really great. Initially they did mention taking a swab; I showed them through the window of my Pelican Moda Vi bag and they were happy it was only poop 💩 they could see!
On the flight itself, I have never had to do a full bag change but always be prepared that you may have to and have a separate set of items you need which is easy to access in your medical baggage. If you have an ileostomy like me, emptying your bag mid flight is no different than anywhere else just a tighter squeeze! And to bust one myth, no my bag did not blow up like a crisp packet!
My final advice is would be, book your holiday and enjoy every minute! Preparation is key – so don’t let your stoma hold you back from doing the things you love!
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