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| A long weekend or a whole week away? A no-frills flight or first-class luxury? A relaxing break on a beach or an active excursion in the water? There are so many decisions to be made when planning to travel away from home – but even more to think about when you’re an ostomate hoping to get away. We’ve compiled a list of top tips to help you make all the right moves, pack all the right things and arrive feeling refreshed. With up-to-date advice and information submitted by members of the C3Life community, you’re bound to feel more at home when you’re traveling abroad. And if you make a few discoveries you’d like to share, drop us an email or a postcard to let us all know. |
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| Hints & Tips |
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Carrying a large quantity of supplies can make a big difference to the weight of luggage and it’s always worth clarifying baggage limits with the airline in advance. |
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Make sure not to over pack individual pieces as the luggage may become too heavy to lift and the risk of muscle damage can increase. |
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In case extra supplies are needed while away, ask about stoma associations or where additional equipment can be purchased in the area. |
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It’s worthwhile thinking about securing a note from the doctor which describes the products and medications being carried and explains what they’re used for. |
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It’s a good idea to prepare a checklist well before departure to take account of the items and equipment used on a daily basis or over a number of days. Airport delays, lost equipment or changes in climate and environment that may mean using more pouches than normal. |
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It’s a good idea to check if the destination country has ostomy products available in case luggage is lost or the trip is extended. A quick check on the Internet can help identify if the correct products are available or something similar. |
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A separate, small travel kit containing items needed for a pouch change on board can make trips to the toilet for a change discreet as well as providing some back-up items in case luggage goes astray. |
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Try and avoid storing products in the trunk or glove compartment of the car as this area can become extremely hot very quickly. |
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If in doubt about the quality of the water supply, buy bottled water for drinking and cleaning teeth. Bottled water is a good idea also if irrigating a colostomy. |
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Before staying in a hotel at home or abroad, it’s a good idea to try to make sure to get an en-suite bathroom. This will enable you to change your pouches easily, in private and at leisure, at a convenient time. |
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When I travel I always carry Wet Wipes for cleaning my stoma in a public bathroom, where you cannot use a sink to clean with, they can be bought in individual packets. Be sure they do not have any aloe, to interfear with the barrier seal. Hope this tip helps! |
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some airlines allow extra weight for medical supplies eg. Easyjet allows an extra 10kg! pack a supply in every suitcase as well as in your hand baggage just in case of lost luggage. ALWAYS use bottled or boiled water - check in advance if your hotel provides a kettle - if not buy yourself a travel kettle. |
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| Submit your own hints and tips for Travel. |