Rosie Does Europe

Hi everyone, Rosiesmom here. Rosie (my stoma) and I are currently in England. We just spent 12 days in Scotland. She is being a real trooper, adjusting to international flights, different foods, time changes, the whole shebang. This is our biggest challenge since we became a team in 2014. I am so proud of both of us; it makes me know that there is a normal life after cancer and colostomy. Yeah us! My fervent prayer is that my fellow ostomates are as fortunate.

Hi, I found traveling with my ileo had more to do with timing and not overindulging in eating or drinking, with longer layovers at airports being better. My wife and I are thinking about a trip to the UK as both of us have ancestors from there.

Hello Rosiesmom. Thanks for the update on your trip. I'm always interested in how fellow ostomates get on when travelling. My problems when travelling are only partly to do with the stoma stuff. I suffer with sleep apnoea and have to have a CPAP machine. With this and the stoma equipment, I feel the amount of luggage that I would now have to lug around is a little too daunting. If you are in England and would like somewhere to bed down for the night you would be most welcome at our place. If you send me a 'message' I will be able to reply with my details. Best wishes Bill

Bill thank you for your kind offer, however we are just about to leave England. Next stop Ireland. I wish you could find a way to streamline all your equipment so that you could travel. I will keep hoping you can.

Hello from Australia, Rosiesmom. I wanted to say thank you for your post. Our situations are very similar, except that I have not progressed anywhere near to where you are yet, 6 months down the track post-surgery. You are a couple of years older than I am, though, and you are indeed an inspiration, and that is what I need at the moment! As I don't have anyone to travel with, I would like to do some solo traveling when I feel healthy and active enough to do so. It would be lovely to hear of some of your adventures.

My Ostomy Journey: April | Hollister

Hi, well Rosie and I are off to Ireland on Sunday. So far we are doing well; of course, Rosie's baritone voice has inserted itself into a couple of occasions, lol. I just tell folk she is female and must let herself be known. Hey, what else can you say? It is what it is. Let's see if she picks up an accent on this trip. Will check back soon. God bless, rosiesmom

Thank you so much for sharing your courage, strength, and hope. My family is from England and my very good friend lives in Scotland. I've been to both countries pre-ostomy several times and loved it. I am beginning to gather up the courage to travel there once again. Keep us posted on your travels. It sounds like you and Rosie are having a ball. Enjoy the delicious hot tea, crumpets, clotted cream, and jam... one of my favorite afternoon snacks. Take care. LH

Hi everyone! Well, Rosie and I returned stateside last night after a grueling 24 hours. Pooped (no pun intended) but glad to be home. My Rosie was a real trooper. I always keep my diet bland and minimal before flights or long car journeys, and it really helps. Ireland was our last leg, OMG it is amazing! I never thought anywhere could match my beautiful Scotland, but Donegal gave it a run for the money. Our cottage overlooked the Atlantic; the warmth of the people is genuine. Went to see the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin. Magnificent. My daughter-in-law now wants to move to Scotland, England, and Ireland, lol. I read Tricia's account of her recent foray into traveling and was appalled at the treatment she received at customs security. Ignorance of our situation is no excuse. We need better training for security staff. Rosie and I were fortunate to deal with knowledgeable staff. Good to be home, love to all.