Copyright © Living With A Stoma -
Web Design By Happy Websites
OUT & ABOUT
When travelling, plan a car journey with sufficient comfort stops at places that have adequate toilet facilities. Most roadside cafés, restaurants, motorway service stations, hotels, etc. have public access toilets. In case of an unexpected long traffic jam, some urostomates place an old plastic pop bottle in the car to cover any emergencies. Also, have a toilet card should it be needed.
Generally, it is important not to keep ostomy supplies in the glove compartment, on the back window ledge or in the car boot on a permanent basis. Extreme heat or cold can damage the flanges. However, especially on a long journey, it can be handy to keep a night drainage bag in a carrier bag in the glove compartment, in case a urostomate needs to empty a bag, when as a passenger, there is a delay due to traffic conditions. Subsequent problems could be avoided by discreetly attaching the night drainage bag.
Ensure that a seat belt sits across the hip bone and the pelvis -
CAR JOURNEYS
It is very useful for an ostomate to carry a bottle of water or other soft drink, when travelling around. A flask of coffee or similar not only reduces costs at motorway service stations, it means that fewer comfort stops are necessary by drinking a little at a time (if not driving), rather than a very large cup of coffee all in one go.
DRINKS
Some ostomates prefer to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace as an added security precaution, when generally out and about, or when travelling longer distances at home or abroad. These bracelets have a ‘locket like’ compartment to hold written information regarding medical conditions, surgery, etc.
The following three organisations can offer further advice.
Doctors and pharmacists may also be able to provide relevant information.
MEDICAL ALERT JEWELLERY
The MedicAlert Foundation,
1 Bridge Wharf,
156 Caledonian Road,
London.
N1 9UU
Website
Telephone
Freephone
The only registered charity providing a life-
SOS Talisman,
Talisman Ltd.,
21 Grays Corner,
Ley Street,
Ilford,
Essex.
IG2 7RQ
Website
Telephone
Jewellery which provides vital information in case of an accident
or illness.
Jewellery that could
save your life.
ICE ID,
6 Farriers Close,
Woodley,
Reading.
RG5 3DD
Website
Telephone
Mobile
ICE ID supply a comprehensive range of medical alert bracelets
to help you in case of an emergency.
This card alleviates what could be an awkward situation, when ostomates are searched by doormen or security personnel at such places as nightclubs, etc. The card should encourage security personnel to act more discreetly, if a search is necessary. For further information about these nightclub cards or to obtain a card, contact Dansac.
NIGHTCLUB CARDS
From time to time, in different areas, open days are organised by stoma care nurses working with the NHS, stoma product manufacturers/suppliers or by one of the major stoma support organisations, e.g. the Colostomy Association.
These are particularly useful for many reasons. Firstly, it gives ostomates the
opportunity to meet and share experiences with other ostomates. On many occasions,
representatives from manufacturers of stoma care products and accessories attend,
and therefore ostomates can keep up-
Some companies and associations, who offer these open days, and a list of the upcoming events, are:
OPEN DAYS
A -