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Traveling with an Ostomy

   Your ostomy should not hinder your sense of adventure or desire to travel. But it does require some forethought and special considerations.

    Here are a few points to help avoid problems:

  • Take at least 2-3 times the amount of supplies you would normally use in the same given time period at home. This will allow for any products failure,           increased activity that may loosen your appliance, delays in your travel plans, or any gastric upset caused by traveling or new foods.

  • Keep your products with you in your carry-on or ask a companion to put some in their carry-on.

  • Pre- cut your wafers(if you use a cut to fit) so you won't need to bring your scissors.

  • Make sure you always keep a record of the appliance manufacturer, size & product numbers and your supplier's phone number, in case you need to order something while you are away. If you are in a foreign country you could go to a local pharmacy and see if they have a substitute for what you need.

  • Book an aisle seat to make the restroom more accessible.

  • Drink water or fruit juice every hour to combat dehydration and jet lag.

  • The ~SA has a prepared card for travelers with medical conditions or devices. This card and an extensive list of travel considerations can be found on the            UOAA website- www.ostomy.org

 

  Replacing Electrolyte Loss from Dehydration or Diarrhea

     Most of us know that in times of fluid loss from our bodies we can develop some very serious complications from electrolyte imbalance, including heart

  arrhythmias, dizziness, mental status ; changes, etc. Proper electrolyte balance is imperative. Having an ostomy, especially an ; ileostomy whose output is

  already liquidy, can put one at a higher risk of imbalance. Here are some symptoms that would indicated impending imbalance:

:      1. Dehydration: marked thirst, dry skin and mucous membranes, decreased urine output, i shortness of breath, fatigue, abdominal cramping

i      2. Potassium depletion: Muscle weakness, gassy bloated feeling, fatigue, decreased sensation in | the arms & legs

      3.  Sodium depletion: loss of appetite, drowsiness, abdominal cramps. Sodium is one of the electrolytes that needs to be kept in check. Do not completely

   eliminated salt from your diet. lYour body needs it.

    If you find yourself displaying signs of impending imbalance Gatorade is an excellent fluid to ; ingest. It is rapidly absorbed by the intestine and it replaces the

  sodium and potassium that have been depleted. The sugar also adds a boost to your system. Sip it slowly to get the most benefit. V8 is also another excellent

  beverage for replacing sodium and potassium. A well balanced diet will also help keep levels where they should be. Bananas and oranges are good to replace 

  potassium

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