Traveling with the Monster: Part 2

So I went on my trip, and I swear it was the trip from hell... First, when I arrived at the airport, I couldn't find the sign that I had downloaded to let them know I had the ostomy, so I wouldn't have any problems going through the security check... Man, I wish I hadn't lost that sign. By the time it was my turn, my bag started to run, and I didn't eat anything; I just had a drink... Some of my pills make my mouth so dry I really needed that drink... I had a long sweater on, but I felt like it would show if I raised my arms up all the way... I tried to talk to one of the security ladies to let her know about my situation... She looked at me like I was crazy and said, "Go through the scanner and raise both arms up." It showed, and I was embarrassed... I saw people looking at it and then looking at me in my face like I was some freak, and to make matters worse, when I went through the darn machine, it beeped, so I had to step to the side to be checked with the hand scanner or whatever it is called... Oh, I'm not finished yet... They made me touch my bag with each one of my hands, and then they waved some wand over my hands to check for explosives... Still not finished... When I finally did get to board the plane... When the young lady was explaining what to do in case of an emergency... Gas... I put my head down, and tears ran down my face.

Dear Ragdoll, I am sorry I did not get back to you about the one-piece vs the two-piece appliance for your ostomy. I want to comment on your airport experience. I travel frequently and I just tell the TSA that I have an ostomy. They usually do not know what to say. I suggest that you act like it is nothing and have confidence; it takes time. They ask you to touch the bag and then they scan your hand. I think it is just to make sure you do not have drugs in the bag. Try to laugh it off and after a few times, you will be a pro and it won't bother you at all. Now, as for the appliance, I would like to suggest you go to convatec.com. Once you are on the site, click on "One Person Can Inspire Another." There you will find a list on the left-hand side of the screen: Preparing for Ostomy Surgery, Recovery, Living with an Ostomy, For Healthcare Professionals, Peristomal Skin Health, Pediatric Guide, For Caregivers, Product Guide, News, Services and Support, The ConvaTec Customer Interaction Center. Look all of these over and I think you will find much good information that will help you. Let me know if I can help in any other way. Free samples are available from all the companies. Also, if your hospital has a wound care clinic or nurse, go there and they can help you as well. It takes a while to get the system down, but you can do it. Best wishes, happybaglady

So sorry to hear of your stressful experience. I got patted down recently. The lady asked me what it was when she felt it, and I said it is a stoma bag. She asked, "A bag of what?" to which I replied, "It's a bag of shit," at which point she stopped and let me through.

I recently traveled by air for the first time since my ileostomy. I had downloaded the ID card and wrote the word ILEOSTOMY on it. I might as well have shown them a baseball card... It meant nothing to any of the TSA people. I also was pulled aside and wanded after a trip through the full-body scanner. Those people don't have a clue about ostomates. So I guess we'll just have to live with this procedure every time. I think next time I might go through with the card taped to my forehead!

Sorry you had to go through that also. I didn't know what to expect but it sure wasn't what I received. If you come up with any ideas let me know and I'll do the same.

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I think it depends on the airport and how much experience they have had with people and their ostomies. After I got used to having mine and traveling through airports, I developed a sense of humor. If they ask to see it, I will show it to them. Likely they will never ask someone again who tells them they have an ostomy!