Ostomy Supply Travel Bag for the Holidays – What to Put In
The holidays are here and like many Canadians you’re flying north, south, east, or west to visit (or escape from) family and friends. You’ve packed your Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers, and traditional day-to-day items, but now it’s time to focus on your essentials.
If you have recently received an ostomy, you’ll soon find out that an ostomy supply travel bag is an absolute necessity. Adopt the “don’t leave home without it” mantra before any trip to the airport. While InnerGood has put together an ultimate checklist for globetrotting ostomates, this article focuses on your all important carry-on. Read on.
4 Things You Need to Put in Your Ostomy Supply Travel Bag this Holiday Season
1. Extra Bags in Your Bag
No carry-on should be packed without an extra ostomy pouch. Consider which type of pouch is best suited for your flight. Closed ostomy bags are convenient when you need to change your bag in an airport restroom BUT on an airplane lavatory on where garbage disposal is limited, it can be a hassle to jam it in the small bin. Drainable pouches allow you to drain your output, but this can’t require some careful balancing when in a close-quartered airplane bathroom. It really depends upon your comfort level. One small note is very important – make sure that you don’t need to cut your pouch. You won’t be able to bring scissors through airport security (unless you plan on visiting Guantanamo), so either pre-cut your extra pouches, or buy them already outfitted (pre-cut) for quick use.
2. Essential Accessories
Your ostomy bag depends upon a system of accessories. A few key items that support this system need to be included in your travel bag, just in case. Add at least one additional flange, some skin barrier wipes, and a good skin cleanser which is very important given those germ-laden airplane bathrooms. And don’t forget a travel-size bottle (60 ml) of ostomy deodorant spray and extra drops, both of which are essential in preventing in-flight odors.
3. Nutritional Supplements
Packing a supply of health supplements (that account for your unique needs) in your travel carry-on is necessary, and not only for long flights. Short domestic trips in Canada are often met with delays in the winter. Then there are airport transfers, and so forth. Your health management is contingent upon smart nutritional supplementation. Cold and flu viruses love the closed environments provided by airports and planes. Thus, you need to manage your antioxidant intake while ensuring that your vitamin, mineral and nutrient (proteins, carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids) needs are met. Prepare for the unexpected and remove your reliance on airplane/airport food by keeping supplements (approved by your physician) in your travel bag.
4. Doctor’s Note and Related Documentation
Your bag full of ostomy supplies will likely look foreign to security personnel and customs agents. A travel certificate from your physician will ease the screening process. Additional documentation can go a long way towards reducing the time in queue. This can include a note from your nutritionist (for supplements that contain internationally regulated food products) and travel medical insurance documents that indicate you’re financially covered to travel with your “condition”.
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