Flying as an Ostomate

I don’t think flying is a significant risk factor for developing an ileus, but abdominal surgery sure is. Perhaps the doctor was speculating about this particular event and it came out more strongly than might have been intended?

You’re definitely right and I think the close timeframe to surgery played a huge part. Will definitely ask her again the next time we speak.

Do you watch your diet in terms of insoluble fiber that is prone to cause a blockage (in connection with internal scar tissue after a surgery)? When I had my temporary ostomy, I was told to be careful about foods like asparagus and corn. I had a partial blockage several months after my takedown surgery, after eating some asparagus.

Hi Steve,

yes I’ve been pretty careful about any raw fruits and veggies, especially so close to surgery. Definitely going to ease back into those slowly in the future and try them out one at a time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5xA03LphpY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTO0ES4dpMU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW0g17bSHNI

@Zee3 I didn’t have issues flying with the ileostomy but did have an ileus within the first month or so of surgery but smooth sailing after.

Can I ask how long you were hospitalized after pouch excision, how long you had drains in place and how soon you felt you could return to work? Any complications? I’m going back to an ileo from Jpouch and curious about your experience if you don’t mind sharing.

Hope it’s all smooth sailing (flying) from here!

@Pouch2021, thanks for sharing your story! Are you going to be going to an end-ileostomy now?

My surgery was about 2 weeks ago and I stayed in the hospital for about 3 nights but I’ve heard that some folks may stay up to 1 wk total depending on their pain control, Ostomy output, etc. They removed my JP drain about 1 week post-op. I also have a perineal wound that is still healing and is wet due to the location but appears to be healing well. I was told just to keep some gauze there to keep the area dry.

I was told that I could return to work 6 wks post-op (about 1 month out now). But I’m probably going to take my time, because I lost weight and muscle mass that I didn’t have to lose in the first place.

Thankfully, no complications! My surgeon mentioned that the biggest complication they see is that 50% of the perineal wounds get infected, that there is a single digit risk of ureteral injury during surgery (but they mitigate this risk by placing ureteral stents and introducing contrast to them), as well risk for injury to pelvic nerves that could cause urinary retention, issues with sexual function in men.

I hope your surgery goes well!

@Zee3 yes, planning for pouch excision and end ileostomy in the next few months. Three days in the hospital is amazing! Gives me hope. Don’t love the 50/50 infection rate but imagine most are treatable. Will also ask about nerve damage in females with resulting urinary and sexual dysfunction. Doesn’t make sense that it only applies to males given the anatomy and perineal dissection involved with the surgery. Though expect they may not know the complication rate if not well studied. I didn’t realize they stented the ureters and used contrast. I’ll definitely ask about it as it’s seems like a great way to avoid snipping something unintentionally! Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s so helpful to get a sense of what to expect, recovery and what to ask going in. I wish you the best.

Likewise, wish you the best as well!  I’ve been overall happy with my decision - and hope things work out for you too!