For many, the thrill of international travel never fades. Airports buzz with anticipation, and the experience of flight remains magical. This passion for exploration shouldn’t be grounded, even when life presents unexpected turns, such as needing an ileostomy. Sandy Hyams, a seasoned traveler, shares her journey and offers invaluable advice for those embracing the world with Pouches For Travelling. Her story reassures us that with the right mindset and preparation, a pouch is not a barrier, but merely a travel companion.
Sandy, with a touch of humor, christened her pouch “Rita Reservoir,” following the playful naming convention she started with her ileostomy, “Stromboli Stoma.” This lighthearted approach sets the tone for her travel narrative, emphasizing adaptation and positivity. Her initial foray into travel with Rita was a short sun-seeking trip over Christmas. Cautious and conservative in her diet, Sandy navigated this first trip without any pouch-related incidents. The successful short flight and high hygiene standards of her hotel boosted her confidence for a more ambitious adventure – island-hopping in the Canary Islands.
However, life has a way of throwing curveballs. In the week leading up to her extended Canary Islands trip, Sandy experienced a few nighttime “accidents,” a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of pouch management. Her surgeon attributed this to pre-travel stress and adjusted her medication. Sandy, already managing her condition with six Loperamide and four Codeine Phosphate daily, was no stranger to meticulous planning. As a self-confessed list-maker, the prospect of a six-week trip naturally triggered a wave of organizational frenzy, and perhaps, some pre-travel anxiety. This experience underscores a crucial point for anyone travelling with pouches: stress can indeed impact pouch function.
Packing for such a trip required careful consideration beyond the usual holiday essentials. Aware of potential leakage, Sandy had to make space for sanitary towels and Incopads, practical items for added reassurance and mattress protection in unfamiliar beds. However, medication was non-negotiable carry-on luggage. Losing essential “stoppers” in checked baggage was a risk too significant to contemplate. Always prepared, Sandy also packed a prescription for Metronidazole, anticipating potential pouchitis, and oral rehydration salts like Dioralyte, understanding the importance of quickly addressing dehydration from diarrhea. These proactive measures highlight the expert level of preparedness required for confident travel with pouches.
Sandy’s “emergency kit,” tucked into her handbag, is a testament to her experience and foresight. This slimline kit, containing disposable cleansing tissues and soothing cream, proved indispensable, especially when dining out or away from hotel comforts. For male pouch users, adapting this kit to a travel bag is equally essential. Hydration is another key consideration. Aware of the constant need for fluids, Sandy always carries a small water bottle, ensuring timely medication intake, particularly during long journeys from her Norfolk home to airports like Heathrow or Gatwick. Pre-booked seats near the restrooms on all flights were another strategic move, minimizing anxiety during travel.
On her flight to Las Palmas, Sandy’s experience of needing the restroom three times after enjoying a couple of glasses of wine serves as a gentle reminder of dietary awareness while travelling with pouches. Informing flight crew about her condition proved beneficial, highlighting the understanding and assistance available when needed. She also touches upon the often-unspoken “knock on the door” syndrome, a shared experience in aircraft, hotels, and public restrooms. Her approach of apologetically explaining her “medical problem” demonstrates grace and normalizes the situation. Similarly, addressing the “noise factor” with humor and acceptance is a valuable coping mechanism.
During her Canary Island hopping, Sandy noticed an increase in her daily pouch output, possibly due to relaxed dietary habits, more coffee, or daily wine consumption. Instead of panicking, she wisely chose to relax and observe, a testament to her experienced approach to pouch management. This highlights the importance of adaptability and self-awareness when travelling. Her discovery that red wine exacerbated watery output and her marshmallow remedy, learned during her ileostomy days, are practical tips born from experience. Marshmallows, readily available, become an unexpected yet effective tool for thickening output.
In warmer climates, hydration takes center stage. Sandy wisely prioritized bottled water over sugary fizzy drinks, understanding the delicate balance needed to avoid dehydration while managing a pouch. While the increased restroom visits were an inconvenience, they didn’t overshadow her enjoyment of the trip. However, the unpredictable nature of pouch needs did necessitate adjustments to their itinerary, such as forgoing a long hike in La Gomera and carefully planning days around restroom accessibility, even impacting their plans to witness Holy Week processions in Seville. Despite these adjustments, Sandy emphasizes not letting these challenges diminish the joy of travel.
Embracing the Spanish culture, Sandy and Eddie adopted late dinners, a pleasant surprise that seemed to improve her nighttime pouch management. This unexpected benefit highlights how travel can sometimes bring positive changes. Perhaps one of the most personally significant achievements for Sandy was wearing a bikini for sunbathing. Overcoming potential embarrassment about scars, she embraced body confidence, aided by her surgeon’s neat work and her skin’s good healing. This act of self-acceptance is empowering and resonates with anyone self-conscious about visible differences.
Sandy’s compiled list of “Do’s and Don’ts” serves as a practical takeaway for anyone travelling with pouches for travelling:
- DO take sufficient medication and carry it in hand luggage.
- DON’T drink tap water or eat washed salads (unless guaranteed safe).
- DON’T use ice cubes in drinks (unless from safe water).
- DO peel fruit before eating.
- DON’T experiment with exotic new foods on holiday.
- DO drink more liquids than usual in hot climates.
- DO have fun – you deserve it!
Reflecting on the differences between an ileostomy bag and an internal pouch, Sandy notes the predictability of emptying a bag versus the spontaneity of pouch needs. While acknowledging the ongoing adjustment, even years post-operation, her concluding remark, “Rita is going to be a very well-travelled reservoir,” perfectly encapsulates her resilient spirit and unwavering determination to explore the world, pouch in tow. Her experiences offer valuable insights and encouragement for anyone seeking to confidently travel with pouches, proving that a pouch is not a limitation, but simply a part of the journey.
