UOAA Discussion Board

One of those mornings yesterday. Went through four bags trying to get a fit.

First two, couldn't get the little growth under the stoma to pop over the hole. It's one of those growths that always come back when you cut it away, but for me it's ideally sized and placed to help as a guide. Third one, noticed what seemed to be a gap between skin and wafer and just couldn't trust it.

The bag in question is Hollister's soft convex one piece. I know Hollister's a sore subject with some here, but I started with this system four years ago and it beautifully cleared up some skin issues the tupperware ring was causing and is the only one-piece I've found secure.

So I've been fretting over:

* Got a trip out of town coming up. Another round of can't fit/won't fit is unlikely, but I'm still thinking of taking 12 or so for a week's trip.

* What happens if the system I'm using double-crosses me -- maybe the company fails, maybe they discontinue or change it, or maybe my skin develops a new issue. I guess I could go back to Convatec's old reliable but then it's just a matter of time before skin irritation kicks in again...

Sorry, being neurotic and probably a little crazy. Life's been stress city right now and I'm trying to write this out to get it out of my head.

And if anyone else is been there/done that, I'd love to hear from you...

Not Neuroses, just planning ahead. Me, I always keep a 3-4 day supply when ever I am traveling by plane, along with a drain able bags and maybe one or two wafers, in case I have a major blow out. I also carry a current script just in case. I do this, in case my luggage does not make it. I have a special zip bag that I carry everything I need including paper towels, cheap scissors (because there was a time, you could not bring scissors on a plane after 9/11). in case I have to change at an airport or where ever..

Do you use barrier rings? Can you possible fit a few of you appliances prior to leaving home as a back up in case you need to change one on the go.. Am I correct to assume you use a one piece system? i use a two piece system.

Taking 12 for a weeks worth sounds good, maybe 14 might be batter. Me personally, take your worst day, average that out, plus plan an additional 3-4 days just in case you don't make it home on planned date. Flight get cancelled, weather bad, weather forced airport shut down, etc. You gotta be prepared just in case. For me, 5 bags in a day is a VERY bad day, thus I will included 3-4 bags (I generally use 2 on a daily bases) per day that I am going to be out of town, add in an extra 3-4 day supply, plus at least one or two drain able, just in case your are 3-4 days late in getting home.

These supplies are not something you can get a your local Walgreen's. Maybe they can help you, but assume it could be 3-4 days before you get your supplies. Better to safe and prepared than sorry.

My husband can get by many times, by just throwing something on the plane (above seat) when we are traveling, but me I need extra luggage to accommodate my special needs. I have a piece of luggage that goes under a seat, but also luggage I check in.

Keep your good scissors at home. I also have a special blue card that says I have a colostomy and I may need to empty my bag now even thought we are required to stay in my seat. If I am going, my body does not care what the captain says. Somewhere on this site, find that card, make a copy and keep with your traveling supplies.

Hope this helps, if you are traveling by plane, I learned to leave my modesty at home. A lot has happened since I got my colostomy bag 16 yrs ago, a lot of advancements. But sometimes you are the learning curve. A new TSA and you are the 1st colostomy person they are dealing with. Been there, done that. I am big on educating people what a colostomy bag is. Honesty and open communication goes a long ways. With today's x-rays, your colostomy will stick out. They always pull me aside, I lift my shirt, yes I have a colostomy bag, (they see the top of a bag and a belt) what do you want me to do. At that point, it very friendly. Generally wipe my hands across it, and they pass a wand across my hand. They are looking for bomb type material. Takes a minute out of my schedule. The plane is safer because I was not carry bomb type items next to my body. I'm okay with this.

good luck, hope this helps,

Nickolas.

Thanks, Nickolas.

Yes, a one-piece system. I've never had an issue with scissors on this trip but I have curved ostomy scissors, with blades well within TSA guidelines.

I usually change this thing twice a week, regular schedule.

I have little first aid pouches I've repurposed. I can get in 4 bags, a little bottle of powder, wipes (adhesive, adhesive remover and Cavilon), barrier rings , disposal bags and scissors. I normally take two of the kits on a trip so I've got backup, and I'll take another plastic bag of supplies as well.

Already had a worst case scenario a year or so ago. What was planned as a week's trip to visit my parents looked like it was going to stretch out for months as Dad recovered from something -- and then that got rescheduled because he didn't recover. It got weird and I had to use friends of my parents to receive extra supplies I ordered off Amazon. But memories of that are probably a contributor to current stress level as I visit Mom.

When I travel, I take double of what I usually wear for the time period that I'm gone. I have never needed it, but it reassures the mind to have it "just in case".

David

Have you called any of the manufacturers? Most have ostomy nurses who will speak with you. I've dealt with ConvaTec since their inception. One of their staff encouraged me back in 2010 to make a solo trip, introducing me to this Discussion Board & their moldable wafers. What a blessing both have been for me!

Page 32 of the latest edition of The Phoenix (Spring 2020) carries news of their new line. Looks hopeful. And they might be able to refer you to local providers in case you need supplies where you plan to visit.

With prayers for a good outcome of your trip.