Managing Ostomy Care in Hotels with Friends

So you're going to share a hotel room with a buddy or a few friends.

First of all, if your friends are close enough to you to share a room, y'all are close enough to discuss your colostomy, and its potential issues. Do it.

So you have to do a bag change. Many hotel rooms have sealed windows, many of the bathroom fans are useless. Here are the hotel tricks:

1) Let your friends know all about your bag, be last in the shower as they go down to breakfast, and if you're somewhere safe, prop the door to to the hall open at least as long as you're in there.

2) Try to get a room with a balcony--lots of ventilation for late-nite bag changes!

3) My BEST TRICK!  Check in. Excuse yourself from your friends, and ride the elevator to the basement. There WILL be a bathroom there (often beside the gym). With no traffic. 

So, during the course of your stay, dash out for a bag change in the basement bathroom via the elevator, desk staff will never see you, friends know that you are working with a colostomy and need to chill.

I hope this helps for "Tips"!

Hi NotDeadYet,

Thanks for sharing your tips! I'm sure you'll find plenty of support and advice from the large community here. It's great to see you taking proactive steps to manage your ostomy care while traveling with friends.

Your suggestions are spot on! I especially like the idea of using the basement bathroom for privacy. It's a clever way to handle things discreetly. Another tip I've found helpful is to pack a small travel kit with all the essentials, so you're always prepared for any situation. It's also a good idea to have a quick chat with your friends about your needs, as understanding friends can make all the difference.

Congrats on being part of this community! You'll find lots of support, information, and some really cool people who understand what you're going through. Looking forward to hearing more from you!

Hello NotDeadYet.

Thanks for the tips as I've just booked my holiday break for early next year and need to be contemplating this sort of thing. 

Best wishes

Bill

Just get the M9 Odor Elminating drops.  Figure out how much you need (I give it couple shakes without squeezing).   I had issues with the office I worked in had a bathroom with no ventilation and no windows that opened.  The drops completely (100%) removed all odor.   Even if you don't use them all the time or can't afford to use them all the time, get one bottle to use for special ocassions.  I have a small bottle I put a small amount in to so that it fits in my pocket for when I am out.

Sold!