Travelling with bladder or bowel issues

Experiencing new things is often the reason for travelling — but when it comes to feeling secure and comfortable, it would be nice to keep the surprises to a minimum. Leaving your home base requires that you make some extra preparations for both your journey and stay. But no matter where you go, your condition doesn't have to hold you back.

Before going away

Essentials before going away

Essentials before going away

What to remember? What to bring? How to pack smarter? Find tips and tricks and be well-prepared. What to pack when going away
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Essentials before going away

Before going away

  • Buy travel insurance.
  • Order extra products and order well in advance, so that you are sure that you have them on time.
  • Divide your supplies into different bags, in case your luggage is lost or the flight is delayed.
  • Note the name of your product(s) on your travel certificate or on other documentation – taking a picture of them may also be a good idea.

 

Pack a smart kit

  • Pack a smart kit including everything you might need in case something happens. Whether you are flying, driving or travelling by plane it is nice to have a your most needed supplies and personal belongings close.

 

TIP: It can be a good idea to order some compact catheters to take. Compact catheters have three main advantages on the go:

  • Compact catheters are pre-lubricated, so they are ready when you are. This also minimises the chance of bacteria and thus UTIs.
  • You can throw it out or save it in your pocket after usage – discreet, simple and clean.
  • It can hide in plain sight

Download a packing-list – and arrive with everything you need

We've created a packing list including must-haves, what to bring for a holiday by the beach, in the city or maybe outdoors, supplies, personal items and hygiene, clothing & accessories, gadgets, etc. – download it here

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Temperature has an impact on your products

Temperature has an impact on your products

Temperature impacts the flexibility of the catheter and may influence the wear-time of the uridome, so be cautious and pay extra attention to the products in different climates. Learn more about storage and usage
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Temperature has an impact on your products

The temperature has an impact on your products, so think about how to pack, moving supplies from the glove compartment in the car and bring some in your hand luggage if travelling by plane. Also, when using your products be mindful of the impact of the climate and pay extra attention.

Storage of intermittent catheters

We recommend that you store your products at room temperature at all times. However storing the products at extreme temperatures (below 0 degrees Celsius or above 60 degrees Celsius) for a short time will not impact the quality of the product. Thus your catheters can be in the aircraft hold even though it is cold. Be aware that the colder the catheter is stored the stiffer it will feel. It may be a good idea to heat the catheter with your hands before usage. On the other hand; the catheter will be softer if stored at a warm place.

Hot climate affects urine bags

If you are using a urine bag and are spending time in a warmer climate, be aware that the uridome may stay shorter than usual as you will be producing more sweat. Thus it is important that you bring more uridomes than you normally use. 

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On the go - what to consider

Travelling by plane

Travelling by plane

Prevent trouble at security by bringing a travel certificate and limit the amount of liquids you carry. Also, try to book a seat by the aisle. Tips for travelling by plane
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Tips for travelling by plane

Hand luggage restrictions based on information from UK airports

When booking your ticket

When booking your ticket it might be a good idea to book a seat in the back row near the bathrooms as it might help take away some of your concerns and make you feel more confident.

Plan your visits to the bathroom – for example it can be a good idea to catheterise as close to boarding as possible, so that you don't have to worry when in the air.

Feel safer going through security

Prevent trouble at security by bringing a travel certificate - it explains your condition, the medical supplies you are carrying and why you might need support and privacy as you go through security.

Liquids in your hand luggage

None of the Coloplast catheters hold more water that the allowed limit.

It is possible to see the catheter through the packaging when your luggage goes through x-ray at the airport, which means that you do not have to open any of the catheters to show them.

Remember that there are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. If possible, pack liquids in your hold baggage. Liquids include: all drink, liquid or semi-liquid foods, cosmetics and toiletries, sprays, pastes, gels, contact lens solution and any other solutions and items of similar consistency*.

If you do take liquids in your hand luggage, containers must hold no more than 100ml, containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person.

For more information look at the website of the airport you are travelling from before departing.

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Finding a restroom out and about

Finding a restroom out and about

Leaving your home base can require a few extra preparations and add some challenges to your routine. Read these tips and be better prepared Read tips and be better prepared
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Be better prepared

Be well-prepared

Check out all the places you want to visit to see if they have restrooms. This may be especially useful if you need one that is wheelchair accessible. Look up your destinations online or give them a call if you are in doubt. Also check if it is common to pay a fee for using restrooms and make sure to have small change in the local currency on you.

Learning the word for “restroom” in the local language can be very helpful.

If you have a disability, it might be possible to get a card you can show. Ask your healthcare provider or your local association about it. 

Using a catheter – plan your schedule

Plan all bathroom visits during your stay allowing time before or after an event. Set a watch or phone alarm, if you worry that you might forget when it is time.

Wheel-mate

The WheelMate app can help you locate restrooms and parking in many parts of the world. Not only can it help you find a restroom, previous visitors to that restroom can rate it and post on the site - and so can you.

Download WheelMate™ for iPhone/iPad or Android device

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At the destination

Food and drinks – important to remember

Food and drinks – important to remember

Often a change in environment and routine affects our digestion. Avoid constipation and dehydration, which can worsen your bladder and bowel problems. Tips for food and drinks
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Tips for food and drinks

Healthy eating tips

We can all allow ourselves to “cheat” occasionally when we are on holiday, but the holiday can be cruel to our stomachs. Get tips on what to eat and drink for a carefree holiday.

When you travel in hot climates you risk becoming dehydrated. Most people should try for 1.5-2 litres of water per day – unless your healthcare provider says otherwise, and if it's hot outside you need to drink even more water. Drinking enough water is very important.

Water commandments

  • If you are not sure about the quality of the drinking water, buy bottled water.
  • Don’t brush your teeth using tap water – buy a bottle of water instead.
  • Make sure to drink enough water (avoid too much alcohol, caffeine and sweet drinks as they increase the chance of dehydration).
  • You may also need to be careful with ice, fruits and vegetables depending on where you are travelling
  • Keep a water bottle handy so you can take frequent sips of water.

How do you know if you've consumed enough water? One way to gauge your hydration level is to look at the colour of your urine. If you're well-hydrated, it will probably be pale and you'll be urinating more frequently.

What to think about when eating

  • Whatever you eat, make sure it’s well prepared – especially fish and meat.
  • Try to eat food which is high in fibre
  • Don’t eat raw vegetables washed in tap water.

It can be very helpful for some people to take multivitamin pills including probiotics.** 

 

If you use an irrigation system

If you are going to use the system abroad, use bottled or cooled boiled water in places where the tap water is not safe to drink. Remember in different time zones your body may take a while to get used to a new routine. You may also be eating different types of food, which can affect the bowels.

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In case of emergency

In case of emergency

Find out in advance where to get medical assistance and reach Coloplast at your destination. Be prepared in case of an emergency
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Be prepared in case of an emergency

It is well worth the trouble to find out in advance where and how you can get medical assistance at your travel destination. If going on a longer trip, you should check whether it is possible to get the supplies you need locally where you're going. Your regular supplier might even arrange delivery abroad for you, if you ask well in advance.

Also, take a look at the ‘Coloplast around the world’ for Coloplast contact details at your destination for support. 

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Disclaimer: These are general guidelines meant to help you with typical questions. You should follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the intermittent catheterisation or ostomy solution you are using. Also, please note that if your nurse gave you any specific dietary advice, you should always follow that advice.

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