This past month I’ve been on an extended trip overseas, and I wanted to share my experiences and some travel tips.

I knew from fellow ostomy travelers to take plenty of supplies. I took twice what I thought I would need. I didn’t really need that much, but was glad to have them, because I did have one unexpected wafer change and I was glad not to worry about using any needed supplies. I always carry a stand-up mirror with me, and I was glad to have it on this trip. We had a variety of hotel rooms and not all had mirrors that allowed me to view my stoma while changing. Plus, the mirror gives me a more close-up view, so I don’t miss and cover half my stoma! (I’ve done that before). I have a separate carry-on bag that has all my supplies, plus a two-change Starter Kit bag in my backpack, and one emergency change in my purse. I try to cover all the bases.

TSA – I didn’t really know what to expect. One member of our support group had been taken aside for almost a half hour recently while they checked out his urostomy appliance. I know the rules in the USA are that they can not ask you to undress, but I wasn’t sure about Europe. I was pulled aside at Heathrow. The security agent, a woman, felt my appliance on the outside, and was rather thorough about it (but not obtrusive). She did start to raise my shirt and asked if my appliance was located on the outside, and I told her it was attached to my body. She stopped raising my shirt and asked me to step aside, where they scanned my shirt where the appliance is and my hands with the explosive wand, and fed that into the scanning machine. I then had to take off my shoes and was re-scanned in one of the x-ray machines where you raise your hands above your head. While I was doing that, they scanned and opened all my carry-on. They were very polite and the whole process took about 15 minutes. We had plenty of time and, all things considered, it was a better experience than could have been. I did not use my TSA Blue Card because I figured it would have no effect overseas.

The UOAA (United Ostomy Association of America) has a representative that works with the TSA in the US to specifically advocate for ostomates. Before traveling, it’s a good idea to check out their guidelines and recommendations so you know what to expect.