Part of being a Paralympian means travelling all over the world. Having competed in the European and World Triathlon Para Championships in both Valencia and Abu Dhabi in 2021, Fran Brown shares her top tips for anyone travelling with a stoma.

Start planning two months in advance

When I travelled to Spain for a training camp earlier this year, I knew I would be away for eight weeks, and the considerations are quite different. About two months before my trip, I contacted my GP and asked if I could place a double order and then placed another order while I was away, so it was ready for when I got home. Sometimes the stoma bags I use are on back order, so they aren’t always available straight away. You have to plan for that and think about what you need to take with you.

Allow extra time for general admin

Once you have all the supplies you wonder what you’re going to do with this gigantic pile of stoma stuff. You need to find out which airlines give you extra baggage. Your GP can give you a letter to request extra cabin bags or hold luggage but then you need to contact the airline to organise it. Allow extra time to get in touch with people because these days, due to COVID, the phone lines are rammed, and it can take several calls to get through.

Plan how to dispose of your bags

I usually take black bin bags with me and put my waste in the communal bins. If you’re staying in a hotel, you might not want them to know you have a stoma. I usually ask the cleaner not to take the rubbish until I check out. I find rooms are being cleaned less often at the moment. In Abu Dhabi, we were there for ten days without the bin being emptied. I also found in Spain you can’t buy nappy sacks in supermarkets, so I now pack extra disposable bags.

Be prepared for the airport checks

I’ve never had a problem with airport security, but I have heard some horror stories. I always put a week’s worth of stuff in hand luggage so, if my case is lost, I have enough supplies for a week. I pre-cut my bags, because even though you can take scissors on board it’s just less hassle. Adhesive remover wipes aren’t classed as liquid, but they sometimes get pulled out by security because they’re in a foil pack, so I put these in a zip lock bag. Some countries also have different rules. For instance, aerosols are banned on internal flights in Japan. So, find out before you travel.

Get organised with your medication

Always keep any medication in the original packaging and take a copy of your prescription with you. Imodium and codeine, which are common medications for someone with a high output stoma, are completely banned in Japan and Abu Dhabi without an import certificate. You need to apply for this about three weeks before you fly and apply for an export certificate before you leave. Any medication that needs to be chilled can be stored with cold packs but check if your accommodation has a fridge before you travel. If you usually have an infusion for your medication, organise to rearrange these well in advance. I had to fly back to London recently just for one day because they couldn’t reschedule my appointment! You can also talk to your nurse about altering medication if you want to avoid side effects while you’re on holiday.

Find ways to travel light

You don’t want to take lots of bulky things away with you. Dry wipes don’t weigh much but they take up lots of room. When I have limited space, or hand luggage only, I pack an adhesive remove spray and then just buy kitchen towel when I get there to use as a wipe. Think about ways you can alter your routine slightly to save space, especially if it’s only for a few days.

Get ready for warm weather

I always take hydration tablets with me and drink around three litres of water every day if I’m training. In hot weather you sweat a lot and this can affect your adhesive. You also change your bag more because you want to feel fresh in hot weather so always pack extra supplies. Certain medications can make you more sensitive to sun and sunscreen can be expensive abroad. I always take factor 50+ with me. Don’t put sunscreen under your stoma bag as this can also affect adhesion.

Buy yearly travel insurance

You have to declare any pre-existing conditions to a travel insurance company and this makes your premium expensive. I buy a yearly travel insurance policy and spread the cost by direct debit. If anything changes with your medication make sure you update your policy as you won’t be covered if something happens when you’re on holiday. I’ve just changed to an infusion which has added extra cost. It is expensive but it’s worth it for the peace of mind.

I have a couple of cycling races coming up in May and then my next trip will probably be to Portugal for another training camp, but I don’t find it hard to pack now because I know what to take.  I’d say to anyone travelling to just be prepared. Plan well in advance and there’s nothing to stop you having a great time.

About the author: Fran Brown is a world and three-time European champion paratriathlete based in London. We’ll be following her progress as she prepares for the Paralympics in Paris 2024. If you’d like to become one of our guest bloggers, please get in touch. For more travel tips visit living with a stoma.