Traveling with a stoma

If you have an ileostomy or colostomy you may have particular concerns about travelling. However, with careful planning, having a stoma should not stop you from going away.

It is important to take ample stoma supplies. You are likely to be eating differently and you may have to change your appliance more often than usual, especially in hotter climates. You may need to take more supplies than you think you will use – some people suggest twice as much as normal. You could check whether your supplier delivers abroad, as some companies offer this service. If you are travelling by air, taking your supplies in your hand luggage ensures that you are not without them should your luggage go missing.

Some stoma appliances have a filter to enable air to escape and prevent embarrassing odours, which may help when flying. If your stoma does not have this, it may be worth contacting your stoma company to see if it is available. You are also at increased risk of deep vein thrombosis after surgery. See the next section for further information on this.

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