Stoma

Ckernohan
Ckernohan Online Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
in Transport and travel
Hi I’m new to scope and was wondering whether anyone knows if security at airports is complicated with stoma patients and their medical bag? 
TIA 
caroline 

Comments

  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    Hello @Ckernohan

    I haven't travelled with my stoma yet but I have researched it. Salts have a fantastic page of information :) 
    My tips would be to:
    • Split supplies between your carry on and your suitcase. Remember to pack the scissors in your suitcase though and precut your bags for the carry on. 
    • Ask for double your prescription so you can pack a little extra or have them ready for when you are home. Saves any faff near prescription renewal dates.
    • If putting anything in separate bags, pick clear ones or ones that unzip and fold out to show everything easy.
    Where are you travelling to? 
  • Ckernohan
    Ckernohan Online Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
    Hi Hannah 

    thank you for your advice. 

    I’m only travelling to Belfast to visit family but I’ve only had my stoma 10 weeks and heard bad things about security at some uk airports.  

    I was worried so I have ordered scissors to get delivered over there at my parents house so I can leave mine here 🤣 just didn’t know how they deal with scanning ur stoma bag in private or in view of everybody but I will find out in 5 weeks when I travel! 

    Caroline 


  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    @Ckernohan Double check with your surgeon and stoma nurse you'll be ok to fly :) I was told 12-16 weeks when I had my surgery, but everyone is different. 

    Oh sounds lovely! :) 

    Yeah they may ask you to open and unzip to see everything, sometimes it going through the scanner is fine. It may be worth asking your airline if they have priority boarding for those with health issues. My friend has quite extensive medical kit she needs to take as carry on and goes priority with check in and boarding. 
  • Ckernohan
    Ckernohan Online Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
    Thanks Hannah 

    I am seeing my stoma nurse next week so will ask him.

    I also have other disabilities spinal fusion a few years ago and scoliosis and stenosis and recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia so have asked for special assistance at the airport.  

    Appreciate your help and advice thank you 

    Caroline 
  • L_Volunteer
    L_Volunteer Community Volunteer Adviser, Scope Member Posts: 7,922 Championing
    Have they been able to agree to special assistance at the airport yet @Ckernohan? I hope you can receive the support you need and deserve and have an enjoyable flight  :)
  • Ckernohan
    Ckernohan Online Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
    Hi yes I have managed to book special assistance thank you 😊 
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    That's great news @Ckernohan and soon you'll be off to see the family :) 
  • Ckernohan
    Ckernohan Online Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
    Thanks Hannah 😊 been a rough few months so I’m really looking forward to seeing my parents 
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    There's nothing like going home to be spoiled by the parents. When I had my stoma surgery last year, I went to see my grandparents and was spoiled :D
  • Ckernohan
    Ckernohan Online Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
    So you are new to the stoma too.  How are you coping with it?  It’s my first time flying with it and not sure how security will be with me and also being on the flight the pressure etc - have you flown yet? 
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    I've had two stoma surgeries. I had a loop ileostomy done in 2020 and then my end ileostomy done in 2022. I haven't flown yet, it'll hopefully be something on the list to do this year :)

    I cope well with mine, but I knew it was coming because I fought for it. How are you getting on with yours? Did you give yours a name? I called mine stitch, like the Disney character. Because he does what he wants  :D I've met a few people name theirs after their ex partners! 

    Don't be anxious about security, they will have had someone with a stoma before. Did you know that every 90 minutes someone in the UK has a form of stoma surgery? They will have had training :)
    With the pressure, the tips I've seen is to not put the sticker over your filter, if that's something you do and to empty before getting on the plane. 
  • Ckernohan
    Ckernohan Online Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
    Definitely get yourself away bless you having to go through it twice.  Mine is end ileostomy 11 weeks ago now and getting use to it better than I expected.  I do miss certain foods but I’ll get use to that. 

    I’ve called mine Seamus  (or my third nipple - if you watch friends you will know what I mean 🤣🤣)

    I’ll let you know how I get on at the airport and flight.  If it balloons I’ll just use toilet let air out 🤣 

    it’s nice to have someone to talk to about it who understands so thank you 😁
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    Hoping so, I feel like walking round some museums and art galleries :) 

    Good! :) Do you have good support with your stoma nurses? 

    I found the food part was hard to begin with, but if you chew well you can get by alright. A few things as a general no no can be a treat now and then, like popcorn. I still can't eat beansprouts, was my favourite bit of the chow mein!  :D 

    Fantastic name! 👏🤣 Please do let me know and hopefully Seamus behaves! :) 

    Always here if you fancy a natter! We do have a few stoma friends in the community <3
  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,001 Championing
    I remember being told to eat jelly beans and crisps at the start - I didn’t need much encouragement!
  • Ckernohan
    Ckernohan Online Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
    Thanks Hannah.  Hope you manage to get away for a holiday too.

    calcotti yes I’ve been told to eat jelly babies and marsh mallows which I love 🤣
  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,001 Championing
    Ckernohan said:
    Thanks Hannah.  Hope you manage to get away for a holiday too.

    calcotti yes I’ve been told to eat jelly babies and marsh mallows which I love 🤣
    Unfortunately it was only for an initial period so no excuse to continue for ever (and I didn’t have my stoma anymore anyway).
  • Siwheels73
    Siwheels73 Scope Member Posts: 750 Pioneering
    Hi @Ckernohan and @Hannah_Scope, my wife and I have had Stomas for a considerable time, and think that some the information published by the medical firms is ok, but they neglect to say the most important thing - honesty with the Security staff is the best policy. Explain you have a bag, and where it is, and just ask them for a private Pat-down search. They are trained, and it shouldn't be an issue. We have flown many times with no issues on that score.
  • Ckernohan
    Ckernohan Online Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
    Hi thank you I’m a bit nervous about it all but your advice helps do I need a medical certificate my doctor said I don’t need to waste money on one? 
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    @Ckernohan I know it's easier said than done, but no need to be nervous :) Although one isn't needed, I probably would have one just in case. It would depend on how much my GP charged for one. 

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