Hi my friends, I've learned so much from reading current and past posts, but have a question about travel. I am going to Australia - Sydney 5 days, a cruise 12 days, and ending with New Zeland, Brisbane. I know I need to take plenty of supplies, but is there anything else someone more experienced can suggest I take. I am excited about this trip and want to be prepared as possible. I do not like surprises. Thanks for any help you can give me. Judith

Judith,

I have traveled extensively around the world with my jpouch and the only thing I do differently is pack an Rx of lomotil and Cipro. Because most of my travels include long distance hiking I also take mini rolls of TP and wet wipes. Have a great trip and may this vacation be the beginning of many more!

Sue

Hi Judith...you're doing so wonderful with your kpouch! Your trip sounds wonderful...I'll pack up and will be ready and meet you at the airport! ha!

I bring doxycycline 100 mg (x 2 a day) as it's great for travelers diarhea and dirt cheap. It's the old school antibiotic for kpouch pouchitis.

Immodium is also a great idea to have in your purse whether you are traveling or not.

If I'm traveling via air, I take extra catheters - one in my purse, one in carryon and one in suitcase. Since your going via cruise, just take one or two extras.

I like cruises cuz the ships doctor is available. While he won't be able to help with the kpouch, he'll be knowledgeable enough to help with most issues if they arise. BUT, I think you'll be just fine!

I am very careful eating when traveling..I use hand gel often and try not to eat anything that had to be rinsed (lettuce) and/or not cooked. There will be plenty of yummy cooked food to enjoy and those desserts!!

Toss some extra TP from your room into your purse when you head out to land.

And, I take lots of my zip lock bags to toss my catheter in after emptying.

ENJOY and HAVE FUN !!!!!

When I go out of the country I always start popping Pepto Bismal about a week before we leave and continue munching it throughout my trip. I also get that Cipro prescription and I've never needed it. If you don't get it, of course that's when you'll need it.

I take my huge supply of loperamide and up the daily dose. And I take my Metamucil wafers.

Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are good too.

kathy

Thanks for your replies...Janice, pack up anytime, the world has lots of stops!!!!
I am going print all the replies and get what I need, great ideas...I appreciate everyone taking the time to help me out. I am not going to anticipate any problems, but better to be prepared. I will keep you updated...thanks again, Judith

Hi Judith......I thought of more things.

I would bring a couple of leg begs. If you get a serious case of diarhea, it is much easier to tape the cath in and attach it to the leg beg so you are not getting up out of bed constantly to empty. A kock pouch gets really full fast when a bug hits it and your stoma gets sore from constant reinsertion. If you are very weak, then you can empty the leg beg at bedside.

If you are worried about drinking the water, bring along the water purification tabs.

Bring electrolyte replacement packages to drink.

If you are going to be away from a toilet, bring an empty water bottle or container that has a lid. You can empty right into that and toss it later. I just 1st insert the opposite end of the cath into the bottle, then insert the cath into my stoma so I don't make a mess. I never empty all the way when out, just enough to continue on until I get to a toilet.

Also, I would write up a quick note that you have a kock pouch continent ostomy that requires interbation with a medina (or Marlen if you use that) catheter. I'd keep this in your wallet with your ID if you do not have an id bracelet.

I keep this info in my cell phone under my I.C.E. information. And, be sure to have Dr Ls office included.

I am so excited for your trip!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: JaniceM,

I found that my best travel buddy is a squirt top water bottle, baby size, kept in my purse...I fill up before going into any bathroom while abroad..there is not often a viable sink or water suppley (use minerale water in certain foreign countries) when out...makes life easier..I also bring some stoma patches for leakiness and a cortisone cream for irritation around the stoma, rashing etc..antihystamine for any sniffles/sneezes.... allergic reactions...
I am packing up for my trip home and since recent events (multiple stoma complications etc) I carry different types of caths, bullit tips, stiffer, straiter etc..loads of lube and nice, soft kleenex mini packs as patches (cut up minipads)...
I make up 'kits'(pencil cases are great) with a 60cc syringe, 2 or 3 caths, 3-6 lube packets and some tape and stoma covers...I keep a few of them with me at all times...one in my purse and 1 in a fanny pack..at least 2 in the suitcase too..means that if I loose one I just grab another out of the luggage..also love gravol..anti-nausea..stops all types of travel sickness and is great against dizziness, seasickness and stomach upset...
Have loads of fun and keep us posted on the trip
Sharon

I have traveled out of the country, even to the far destination of Russia.

I do things differently. I don't take any type of meds with me. I do take extra catheters,syringes (small ones,Continentostomystore.com),collapsible cup(for my carry kit), and of course pads.

I have found that I am frequently carrying bottled water with me and will use that in the bathroom to irrigate if tap water isn't suitable.

I will look for juice in the local markets and keep an eye on the foods I am eating. Red wine is a good substitute for grape juice.

I have been in some disgusting situations. Anything is do-able

Have fun!