At today's ostomy support group meeting, we shared stories of traveling with an ostomy and took in lots of good tips and tricks. Following are some of the things we discussed:
United Ostomy Association of America (UOAA) provides a printable Travel Communication Card that helps navigate through security lines at airports. If you are interested in downloading this printable card, CLICK HERE to get your own copy!
Understanding and knowing your rights as an ostomate are important. The UOAA has developed a bill of rights document that can be very helpful. Click the link to get more information on the ostomate bill of rights!
Having a travel pack of accessories available at all times is an important piece to being prepared. Most people have a "supply change" in their car, purse, work and any other place where they might find it useful.
Ostomy.org is a valuable resource for many ostomates. This is the official website of UOAA and has tons of valuable information.
Ostomy Academy is a section of the UOAA website that has tons of archived information that many found to be helpful. This section of their website is broken down into several categories, allowing you to find just the information you are wanting.
For those with urostomies, the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network can be a very helpful resource. Check it out by clicking the link.
While this tip wasn't necessarily travel-specific, it was met with resounding excitement. One member shared her issue with odor and said she tried several products that are available -- all at a high cost and with no luck, in the end. What she did find that worked was Altoids -- the mints you buy in the little tin! When asked how many she put in the bag to control the odor, she said you don't put them in the bag, you eat them. Many people on the call were surprised as several had tried Altoids in the past but were putting them inside the pouch! She said she takes one after eating and then again about an hour later. Her odor issue has been resolved!
Thanks, as always, to everyone for attending our meetings. If you ever have questions, please feel free to reach out through the website!
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