By Nadia Maffucci Di Rienzo, Ostomy Canada Ambassador
In January 2023, I underwent life-saving ostomy surgery after living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) for 25 years and receiving a colorectal cancer diagnosis. While I was grateful for a surgery that gave me a second chance at life, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about how an ostomy would affect the things I loved to do, especially traveling.
Before surgery, travel already came with challenges because of my IBD. I often worried about bathroom access, urgency, flare-ups, and whether symptoms would interfere with my plans. After surgery, those concerns were replaced with new ones. Would I have enough supplies? What if I had a leak? What if airport security had questions?
The fears were different, but they were still fears.
Despite those worries, I knew I didn’t want my ostomy to stop me from living my life. In fact, I named my ostomy Stormy, and together we’ve tackled overnight getaways, road trips, a family vacation to Jamaica, and most recently, a three-week adventure through Italy.
Looking back, booking that first trip with an ostomy was by far the hardest part. The fear of the unknown felt overwhelming. I worried about everything from flying and airport security to managing my ostomy in a different country.
Since then, I’ve learned something important: confidence comes from experience. Each trip has helped me become more comfortable, more prepared, and more trusting of my ability to manage whatever comes my way. What once felt intimidating now feels like just another part of travel.
My First Trip with an Ostomy
Planning my first vacation after surgery felt overwhelming. I spent weeks thinking through every
possible scenario.
Would I have access to supplies if I needed them?
Would flying be uncomfortable?
Would I spend the whole trip worrying about my ostomy?
My first major trip with Stormy was a family vacation to Jamaica. Taking that first flight felt like a huge milestone. I spent weeks preparing and running through every possible scenario in my head. The reality was much different than I expected. Once I got on the plane and settled into vacation mode, I realized I was far more capable than I had given myself credit for. That trip proved to me that an ostomy didn’t mean the end of travel. It simply meant traveling a little differently.
Since then, Stormy and I have continued to explore. This year, I took an even bigger step by traveling internationally for three weeks in Italy. Traveling overseas with an ostomy felt like a major milestone. Being farther from home, navigating airports, trains, hotels, and different languages could have felt intimidating, but instead it reinforced everything I had learned from previous trips. Preparation and confidence really do go hand in hand.
By the time I returned home from that first trip, I wasn’t just proud of the vacation itself. I was proud that I had pushed through my fear and regained a sense of independence.
What to Expect When Flying with an Ostomy
Flying with an ostomy can feel intimidating the first time, but it quickly becomes just another part of the travel experience.
Airport security may require a brief conversation if you are carrying medical supplies, but I have found security personnel to be professional and respectful. If you prefer, you can discreetly inform the screening officer that you have an ostomy before screening begins.
One thing that often surprises new ostomates is that changes in cabin pressure can cause an ostomy pouch to fill with air, often referred to as “ballooning.” This is completely normal. I find it helpful to book an aisle seat whenever possible so I have easy access to the washroom if I need to empty or vent my pouch.
Before boarding, I always empty my pouch completely. Starting with an empty pouch helps me feel more comfortable and can reduce the need for washroom visits during the flight.
What’s in My Ostomy Travel Kit?
Preparation gives me peace of mind, so I never leave home without a well-stocked travel kit.
My essentials include:
- Extra ostomy pouches and flanges
- Barrier rings
- Adhesive remover wipes
- Skin barrier products
- Disposal bags
- A complete change of clothing
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Electrolyte packets
- Any other ostomy accessories I regularly use
One of my biggest travel tips is to pack at least double the supplies you think you’ll need. Delays happen, travel plans change, and having extra supplies means you’re prepared for unexpected situations.
I also divide my supplies between my carry-on and checked luggage. Most of my supplies travel with me in my carry-on, while the remainder go into my checked bag. This way, if luggage is delayed, I still have everything I need.
Another helpful tip is to pre-cut your flanges before you travel so you don’t need to carry scissors in your carry-on baggage.
Preparing for Travel
Fresh is best!
I like to change my appliance the night before or the morning of travel. Starting my trip with a fresh appliance gives me confidence that everything is secure.
It’s also worth checking with your airline to see if they offer accommodations for travelers with disabilities or medical equipment. Depending on your needs, you may qualify for priority boarding or be able to request seating that provides easier access to the washroom.
Managing Your Ostomy While Traveling
Travel can affect routines, eating habits, and hydration levels, so I try to keep things simple.
When it comes to food, I generally stick to foods I know work well for my body, especially on travel days. While it’s tempting to indulge in every vacation treat, maintaining some consistency can help prevent unexpected output changes.
Hydration is especially important. I never travel without electrolyte packets that I can easily add to a bottle of water. Staying hydrated helps me feel my best and can be particularly important when traveling to warm destinations.
If you’re vacationing somewhere hot or spending time swimming, pay extra attention to your appliance seal. Heat, humidity, sunscreen, lotions, and water exposure can affect adhesion. I recommend checking your flange regularly and being prepared to change your appliance more often if needed.
I also keep my supplies stored in a clean, dry place and make note of nearby pharmacies or medical supply locations, just in case I need assistance while away.
Taking Care of Yourself Along the Way
Travel days can be stressful, especially when you’re adjusting to traveling with an ostomy.
I like to pack a good book, listen to music, or enjoy other relaxing activities during the journey. Staying calm helps me feel more in control and allows me to focus on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about every “what if.
Traveling Before and After My Ostomy
People often ask me how traveling with an ostomy compares to traveling before surgery.
The truth is that both came with their own challenges.
Before surgery, traveling with IBD meant constantly thinking about bathroom access, urgency, flareups, and whether symptoms would force me to change my plans. After surgery, those worries were replaced by questions about supplies, leaks, and managing my ostomy while away from home.
The fears were different, but they were still fears.
What I’ve learned is that confidence comes with experience. While traveling with an ostomy requires planning and preparation, it has also given me a sense of predictability that I didn’t always have during active IBD. Instead of worrying about a sudden flare disrupting my vacation, I can focus on enjoying the journey, knowing I have the tools and supplies I need to manage my ostomy.
For me, travel looks different now, but it is no less rewarding.
The Most Important Travel Tip: Have Fun
It’s natural to feel nervous before your first trip with an ostomy. I certainly was. I spent weeks thinking about everything that could go wrong.
What I’ve learned through multiple trips, including a family vacation to Jamaica and a three-week adventure in Italy, is that confidence comes with experience. Each time I travel, I become more comfortable, more prepared, and more confident in managing my ostomy away from home. The things that once worried me, like flying, packing supplies, or navigating a new destination, now feel much more routine.
If there’s one thing I’d tell a new ostomate, it’s this: don’t let fear stop you from taking that first trip. The first one may feel daunting, but each trip gets easier. With every experience, you’ll learn what works for you and gain confidence in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.
Remember that your ostomy is not something to be embarrassed about. Ostomies are life-saving. Mine helped prevent the spread of colorectal cancer and freed me from decades of IBD symptoms. So pack your supplies, make your plans, and take the trip.
The world is waiting, and your ostomy doesn’t have to hold you back. Stormy and I are proof of that.
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Nadia Maffucci Di Rienzo is a source of inspiration, advocating for those with invisible illnesses and bringing hope to many. Despite battling Ulcerative Colitis since 1997 and, more recently, colorectal cancer, Nadia’s resilience shines. After her total proctocolectomy in January 2023, she has bravely embraced life with a permanent ileostomy. Nadia shares her journey on her blog, Gutsy Girl Diaries, and Instagram, chronicling her experiences with IBD and cancer and her new life with an ostomy.
As the inaugural Ostomy Canada Ambassador, Nadia aims to destigmatize invisible illnesses and disabilities. Her story is not just about survival but thriving, proving life with chronic conditions can be purposeful and positive. Through her empowering spirit and uplifting message, Nadia inspires others to embrace life fully, despite challenges.
Visit Nadia’s website Gutsy Girl Diaries, or follow her on social media!
Disclaimer: The information shared by Ostomy Canada Society is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every person’s ostomy experience is unique. Please consult your health care provider with any questions about your condition, care, or treatment plan.