I continue to get questions regarding travel, since the summer seems to beckon us to all types of places. Wanderlust is not lost on ostomates, and I am happy to report that at our Support Group meetings, there is a great deal of curiosity about preparations for a trip.

Here are a few thoughts I can share:

• Bring three times the supplies thought to be necessary for a trip. As I have stated many times, ostomy supplies are not readily available, and certainly one doesn’t want to waste precious vacation time looking for supplies that are sitting in a closet at home.
• TSA is not something to be feared. Most agents are trained regarding ostomy pouches and treat ostomates with kindness and respect. For the few who may not, be patient and cooperative. They are doing their job. I have experienced everything from knowledgeable agents to curious ones. Carry and show you United Ostomy Associates of America card, which you can download from their website (UOAA). Do not panic. In the worst-case scenario, an agent will ask you to wipe your garment over your pouch and wipe your palm to be sure there is nothing dangerous.
• Bring snacks and purchase water for the plane. Gas can build when hungry, and that can make us very uncomfortable. And dehydration is an awful feeling, and one we need to avoid at all costs. Add Liquid IV to your water for extra protection.
• Bring Gas X if you tend to gas for air changes in the plane. I have never personally experienced that, but others have and it is a wise suggestion.
• Try to stay on schedule. That is a mantra we should follow wherever we are. The delicate balance between our stomas and the rest of our anatomy is one to be respected. Sleep and eat on your normal schedule as much as possible.
• Enjoy yourself! We have all fought so hard to thrive and this is a wonderful time to enjoy the fruits of our efforts!

Please let me know if I have missed a concern you have, or want to add your own thoughts: ellynmantell@aol.com