In this travel with an ostomy video, Shield HealthCare’s Ostomy Lifestyle Specialist Laura Cox gives travel tips, including:
- Getting through airport security
- What to pack in your carry-on – keep all supplies with you and pack two times as many supplies as you think you’ll need
- Why you should try to book an aisle seat
Laura also talks viewers through her experience of what happened to her on her first airline trip she took after getting ostomy surgery. Three months after her surgery, she took a trip and was worried about what would happen when she went through airport security. She decided to tell the TSA officer upon arrival to the security area, and, while TSA agents are supposed to be aware of what an ostomy is, they did not. Laura now recommends not bringing up that you have an ostomy unless you find it necessary.
For more information, see related ostomy articles and resources here:
- Stomas and Seat Belts | Ask Laura
- Exercising with an Ostomy | Products that can Help
- High Elevation and Ostomies | Ask Laura
- Travel with an Ostomy – Holiday Edition
- Talking About Your Health Over the Holidays
Shield HealthCare | Stronger with Shield
How do you explain what an ostomy is to someone?
“they did now” >> “they did not” ??
Good eye, Larry! Thanks for the catch – fixed! -Aimee, Shield HealthCare