It is always best to be prepared for every eventuality. We recommend you follow this motto if you also have an ostomy and are looking for a way to enjoy life to the fullest without having to worry constantly.
Whether it’s a short or long trip, visiting family and friends, or just going to work. Having an emergency ostomy kit on hand can alleviate that slight worry you carry with you when you go out.
Many ostomates avoid traveling because they are worried about unexpected situations when they have to change or empty their pouch. But having an ostomy bag does not mean giving up the pleasures of life; with the right preparation, you can get back to doing everything you are passionate about.
What should your emergency or travel kit look like and what should it contain? We will tell you in the following section:Your emergency or travel ostomy kit’s main purpose is to make your life easier, which is why the bag should be light, compact, easy to carry, roomy, and, of course, stylish.
The bag must include:
- an ostomy bag
- a plate
- barrier strips or rings
- soft and durable dry disposable wipes
- some adhesive remover wipes
- A cleaner for stoma hygiene
- a moisturizer
- scissors
- A stoma measurement guide and a pen
- a hand sanitizer
- some resealable bags
- some medical tape
- a deodorant
- a pocket mirror
- A small bottle with a spray dispenser or a syringe with water
- your ostomy travel card
- Also put in a change of clothes (if you have room).
In this article, in addition to guiding you in organizing your emergency ostomy kit, and finding all the accessories you will need, we will provide some tips to prepare for any eventuality.
Remember that even when traveling, it is essential to perform a proper peristomal skin hygiene routine. This will allow you to avoid annoying irritation around your stoma and have healthy, supple skin.
If you want to learn more, about how to perform proper peristomal skin hygiene, check out this article.
Why do I need an emergency ostomy kit?
An emergency ostomy kit serves to prepare you for any eventuality that might arise when you least expect it. It is essential not only for when you are traveling, but also useful in everyday life, such as when you are at work and perhaps even when you go to the supermarket just to get groceries.
Having a prepared travel bag means that you no longer have to worry about a sudden loss affecting your mobility and preventing you from living your life to the fullest.
What features should a good emergency ostomy kit have?
Your ostomy travel kit is there to make your life easier. If it fails to do that, it is not doing its job well.
You will need to consider the following aspects when choosing an ostomy travel kit that is the right one for you:
Your travel kit should be lightweight and compact
If your travel bag is large and bulky, it defeats the purpose of being ideal for traveling. Choose a bag that can hold what you will need while at the same time not taking up a lot of space or making travel difficult.
The bag must be easy to carry
An ostomy travel bag should be easy to carry with you, without getting in the way during your daily commute. A backpack is too big; a fanny pack may be too small and perhaps not very stylish. The ideal solution is a shoulder bag that is not only easy to carry but also quite stylish.
The bag must be capacious
Look for a bag that has plenty of space and lots of compartments so you can organize all your essentials well.
Must provide easy access
You may find it quite inconvenient to have to change your ostomy bag outside the home, in a small toilet, or in a public restroom, especially if your ostomy travel bag is not roomy enough and creates problems for you in taking in and out the accessories you need, without dropping other items. For this, we recommend bags with numerous easily accessible compartments.
Choose a stylish bag
This point may not be completely essential for you, and that’s fine. Instead, if you want your bag to not look like a medical supply container, choose a stylish bag that makes you feel comfortable. You could also customize your bag to suit your style and make you happy with your creation. You could decorate your bag with sewing or thermoadhesive patches, or choose a color that reflects your personality!
What are the best ostomy travel bag models?
Here are three bags we recommend that could be a stylish addition to your style:
A multifunctional, water-resistant bag with a detachable clear liquid pouch for maximum comfort at the airport. Features a rotating metal hook for hanging, a removable mirror and a towel holder. 32 x 27 x 9cm, weight: 320g – available in gray, black, pink, turquoise
A waterproof PU leather bag with multiple pockets and double zipper with three separate compartments that dry quickly + a complimentary waterproof shoe bag. 30.5 x 17 x 18 cm, weight: 370g – available in 7 different leather colors
Waterproof and scratch-resistant PU leather bag with 6 removable dividers, shoulder strap and removable mirror. 26 x 23 x 10 cm, weight: 1000kg – available in black
What should be included in an emergency ostomy kit?
Your ostomy travel bag should be lightweight, compact and easy to carry. Some things are a must-have and others are optional, and so it will be up to you to choose.
Here is a list of 17 items that should not be missing in your ostomy travel bag:
- Ostomy bag: bring at least one, and if you have enough space in your bag or your trip is very long, it is better if you bring two bags with you.
- Ostomy plate: In the case of using a 2-piece garment.
- Barrier strips or rings: In case you use them routinely.
- Disposable wipes suitable for ostomy cleaning: disposable wipes for hygiene of the stoma and surrounding skin are gentler on the skin than other wet wipes or gauze pads.
- Adhesive remover wipes: are useful for gently removing excess adhesive on the skin before applying the new bag.
- Specific cleanser for stoma hygiene: this cleanser keeps the skin clean, prevents and soothes skin changes, and is essential for proper ostomy care.
- Moisturizing cream: It is most important to keep the peristomal skin moisturized and intact to avoid complications, so the use of a very small amount of apositive moisturizer at each plaque change is recommended.
- Stoma measurement guide and a pen: the other option is to pre-cut your own supplies!
- Stoma scissors or curved cuticle scissors: you will need scissors to size your wafer or cut anything else. Generally, scissors smaller than 6 cm can be carried in your carry-on luggage for international air travel.
- Hand sanitizing gel: To sanitize hands and/or surfaces in public environments.
- Resealable bags with pressure zipper: Are useful for disposing of used bags.
- Medical tape: If a 2-piece system is used, the tape can be used to extend the plaque. Also, it can be used to hold wound dressing in place or as a temporary solution for a tear in the ostomy bag.
- Travel deodorant: Useful for eliminating odor or freshening up.
- Compact folding mirror: With a mirror you will be able to look at whether the ostomy bag is attached properly or check if you have left any souvenirs on your clothes.
- A small bottle with a spray dispenser or a syringe with water: this is useful for cleaning or rinsing your ostomy bag.
- Change of clothes: Depending on the size of your bag, bring a change of clothes for an emergency situation.
- Your ostomy travel card: will help you easily explain your condition and certify the essentiality of carrying those products.
Of course, the list of essential items may vary from person to person, you will probably need to add or remove some items, depending on your needs.
The above list is more of a guideline regarding what might be useful to have in an emergency ostomy kit. Over time, you will be able to understand your needs and what is most useful for you.
This kit is designed as a carry-on baggage safe. You do not have to worry about liquid restrictions as they do not apply to medical needs. Be sure to bring your Ostomy travel card with your doctor’s signature.
5 useful tips for your ostomy travel kit
Now that you know the items that should not be missing from your stoma travel bag, we will give you 5 crucial tips so that your travel kit will actually help you in an emergency:
1. Protect your ostomy travel bag from temperature fluctuations
When you travel, you may encounter unexpected temperature changes. Your emergency ostomy kit contains medical supplies that may be sensitive to changes in climate. If you leave your bag in the car, you may need to protect it from extreme heat or cold.
In these cases, it is helpful to have a thermal lunch bag to store your kit inside. This will protect your supplies such as plates and barrier rings, and relieve your stress as you go about your business.
2. Be sure to change your supplies regularly
An ostomy travel bag is for emergencies and you may not need it often. Some of your supplies may expire, get damaged or dry out over time.
It is important to keep this in mind and replace supplies at regular intervals so that you will not be in trouble when you need this kit.
3. Pay attention to what you eat before a trip
If you are going on a road or airplane trip, be sure to pay attention to your diet. Avoid foods and drinks that cause leakage or gas.
4. Keep your travel bag or stash at your regular destinations
If your daily routine involves a lot of travel or several regular destinations, it is helpful to have multiple ostomy travel bags stowed in these places.
If you regularly visit your parents or partner, or if you have a space where you can leave your kit at work, take advantage of it!
Sometimes you might forget to take your emergency ostomy kit with you if you only have one; it’s helpful to have some spare ones in these places you frequent often, so you can keep yourself prepared in these times of emergency.
5. Prepare an extra supply for your wound care
If you recently have an ostomy or have had surgery recently, it is helpful to have extra wound care supplies such as bandages, disinfectants, or medical tape.
This can make sure that you feel comfortable during your journey or during your daily routine as you go about your life.
Final Considerations
You may find yourself having to use your emergency ostomy kit infrequently, and sometimes you may think it is not necessary. But it is always better to be prepared for the unexpected than to leave yourself to chance. Having an ostomy travel bag will prepare you for any emergency that may happen.
If you are preparing for a long plane ride, check out this article. It will give you the confidence you need to travel on a plane without worrying about an unexpected loss or airport security checks.
There is no reason why you should not be able to travel or go about your daily business with confidence and without having to feel any fear or embarrassment.