Has anyone had to do this and how did it work? The last few trips I've taken with my bag have been short and I was able to empty before I boarded and was fine until we landed. In the next few months I have some longer flights and I'm wondering how to handle it. I always sit and empty between my legs. This usually requires me to scoot back on the seat more to allow room. Those airplane toilets are so small and the space itself is so small (not to mention TURBULENCE !!). How in the world do you manange it? Any tips?

Thanks!
Erin

Hi Erin -

When I had my stoma, I was on a relatively short flight (2 and a half hours) and yet, I still had to empty twice during that time.

I didn't have any troubles, so I can't really offer any tips. My best advice would be to treat it like any other situation. The more freaked out you are about it, the more nervous/shaky you might get, the more apt you might be to make a mess.

Most flight crews are pretty good about letting you know when there will be turbulence, so I would definitely stay out of the bathroom if you are going through a period of bumps.

Good luck - you'll be just fine.

Lisa

I wonder if you could just empty into throw-up bags and then dispose of the bag into a ziplock bag. I'd think you'd be allowed to bring plastic ziplock bags in your carry-on but you should probably give the TSA a call just to make sure. Emptying into a throw-up bag would mask everything and the ziplock would take care of leakage and smell. But you're gal so I'm sure your poop doesn't smell! This method also means no sitting on those little tiny toilets that are UNISEX for god/dess's sake.

kathy

I agree with Kathy. When my daughter had her bag she just hated going into public bathrooms anywhere to empty her bag. So I suggested carrying around ziploc baggies and wipes. She would go into the stall, didnt have to sit on those nasty things, and just empty it into the bag. use the wipes to do the cleaning and then she would wrap the baggy wiht some toilet paper or if she remember ahead of time to bring in some of the paper towels and just discreatly cover the baggie and toss it in the trash pail.
This also comes in handy in the car as long as you dont have to pee also.

Hi Erin,

Me and Wee Willie have travelled far and wide and I have never had a problem emptying in a aircraft's loo. I also sit and empty between my legs and there has always been room enough to enable me to sit back as far as possible and do this.

I do wear the 12 inch bags though (diagonally across my belly) so they always hang down into the toilet so no aiming needed. Also I always swish my bag with water and have never had a problem with that either. To be honest, when I'm on a plane Wee Willie is usually the last thing on my mind as I'm usually looking forward to my arriving at my destination!

You'll be just fine. I hope that you will be travelling for pleasure not business!

Take care

Shell

I typically site and empty the same way that you do, but find airplane bathrooms are way to small to do this. I prop up the toilet seat and empty standing up. There is no water to worry about the splash factor. I usually bend my knees just a bit to get closer to the target. It can be a challenge but for the most part this does the trick.

I've never had a problem with this...when you put on your appliance do you angle your bag in between your legs? This helps a lot.

I think I am one of the few thats doesnt think about anything with it... I figure when I get there I will deal with it LOL!

LOL Jason you're not COMPLETELY alone.

When I was a care-free kid with an ostomy, I never really thought twice about things. Just deal with things when they come - and I (and I'm sure you are) just fine.



xo♥,
Win

GOod lol thought it was me... Not saying I havent dropped a full bag out of my hands lol but I really dont give a 2nd thought to things.. The only extra supplies I carry with me during the day is a clip LOL!
I think we should all go away together .. it will be a jpouch illeo flight only!

Hi guys I haven't posted in a while. I have traveled lots of time with my ostomy. I usually fly in the AM. I never eat before I get on the plane. I bring on board a sandwich or a bagel. I then eat an hour or so into the flight. If I do have to empty, I put paper in the toilet, stand & aim & flush while going. I have never had an issue! Good luck! Jeff

Erin,

I'm like Tricia I just stand in front of the toilet, bend my knees some and dump it right in. I just returned from Hawaii -- a 5 1/2 flight each way and had no problems. The only thing to watch out for is the timing. If you sit toward the front of the plan and they have one of those carts in the isle you might have to wait for awhile until they get done so you can get to the toilets in the rear of the plane. I tried to empty when the aisles were clear, no turbulance and without waiting too long to force a trip at an inconvenient time.

Jim

JASON YOU FORGOT STRAIGHT PULL-THROUGHERS (AKA ME)!!!!

Hopefully not much longer though, I hate it.



xo♥,
Win

lol winnie.. I sent you a Pm a few days ago dont know if you check them.

Thanks guys! I do angle my bag in toward my pelvis but those airplace bathrooms are just so small! I've been doing a lot of traveling lately and everything has been going well (knock on wood) but the airplane worried me, what with turbulence and all. I just took a 6 1/2 hour train ride up the coast this week and it was great. The train is so much more comfortable, I take it whenever I can, not to mention the great scenery. The bathrooms are handicap accessible and are HUGE and the seats have so much more legroom!

We need to all take a trip together and have just us pouchers, osteomates and PULL THROUGHERS together! That poor flight crew won't know what hit them!

Thanks again!
Erin