H is for holidaying
in collaboration with Hollister
Here at Bisforbladder, we believe that long-term illness, in particular bladder health, should not keep people from enjoying travel. As with many other medical conditions, people suffering from a bladder problem should seek advice from their GP/consultant specialist before traveling. They should discuss any risks that may be involved, and plan for immunisations, medicine, and other medical devices that may be needed before or during the period of travel.
As someone who loves to globetrot, I can say, having a disability and traveling is not impossible, but it's not always an easy feat. Corin and I have both been on some amazing trips, both abroad and locally, since our diagnosis. There are a few nuggets of wisdom we would like to share with you that we ourselves have learnt through trial and error along the way.
Our top 5 ‘must knows’ for travel
Grab a ‘just can’t wait card’ in the language of your destination. There are many places you can get hold of ‘just can’t wait’ cards now but we’d recommend contacting Bladder Health UK. Bladder Health UK will translate this emergency toilet card into any language needed for your trip abroad – handy or what!
Organisation is everything when travelling with chronic health. From packing enough medication and medical equipment to looking up local hospitals and pharmacies near to where you’re staying. Note – some airlines allow extra hand luggage for those who have a medical condition so it’s worth giving this a google. Siphoning everything down to 100ml for hand luggage can by nigh-on impossible for anyone travelling. I don’t want to sacrifice my perfume for a medical item thank you very much! And whats more, I know that a bladder flush or a tube of lidocaine jelly is not all going to fit into the tiny little plastic bag they give you at security! Need extra liquids? Not a problem - all you need to do it pack them as normal but remember to bring a printout/ screen shot (from the NHS app) of an up to date prescription note. Mention this at security and remember to add a few extra minutes onto your wait time - you’ll be through, no issues with bladder supplies galore!
Traveling from the UK abroad? Don’t forget to get an up to date EHIC card. EHIC cards allow free access to local health services that are available to residents of the country you’re visiting within Europe, it’s worth checking if this is sufficient for your needs but we’d recommend always having one to hand.
Sunflower Lanyards have transformed travel for us – we’d highly recommend! They allow you to access extra assistance with luggage on long walks through the airport, fast track check in and frequent toilet breaks when waiting in long queues whilst still maintaining your space.
Peace of mind always helps when organising a trip away. We’d suggest researching appropriate travel insurance which provides a level of cover that you’re comfortable with.
Hot holidaying with ISC/SPC/urostomy? We got you covered!
Our top tips
Swimwear that’s comfortable for your condition. Plan a girly shopping trip with a friend and try on as many styles as you can to see which suits you best. High waisted are great for hiding SPC/stoma whereas a low-rise bikini bottom is more accessible for ISC.
Planning on catching some rays? We suggest stationing yourself near to the beach toilet. This will come in handy in particular when regularly ISCing.
Hydration and plenty of flushes – keeping everything flushed through is important in the heat. We double our fluid intake when on a hot holiday. I’ve also found that in the past, when ISCing, the more hydrated I was, the easier I found it.
Clamp off your SPC/use a valve. I find this is the most discreet way to wear your SPC whilst holidaying on the beach or by the pool.
A quick rinse and using sand removing powder before you ISC was something I found to be useful. Keeping everything as clean as possible can be hard on the beach with all those tiny grains of sand getting in the way so this was always my pre- ISC ritual when on a hot holiday.
Being at one with nature and camping with ISC/SPC/urostomy – it’s the easiest of them all!
Our top tips
Night bags are dreamy when camping – you’ll be making your loved ones jealous by not having to creep out of your tent/van in the dark, flash light in hand!
Be militant with your sanitary routine – water wipes, Clinell surface cleaner, anti-bac hand gel are all must haves! You want to create as near a sterile a environment for ISCing/SPC valve changing/stoma bag changing as possible.
No need to pack light – if you are camping in the UK, there is no need for light packing! Enjoy bringing all the supplies with you and not having to be selective – chuck it all in, just in case!
Action packed active trips with ISC/SPC/urostomy – it is still doable, trust us!
Our top tips
Comfortable and secure – these are two things my underwear needs to be when on an active holiday. We ski most years and I would always pack thick, elasticated pants as this held my SPC in place (I can imagine this would be the same for urostomy users too). Stoma belts are also great for this! Underwear that moves with you but also leaves my device feeling secure is key. Corin enjoys walking holidays with her dog Mabel - when on long walks, I know she puts her ‘big girl pants on’ (so to speak). Corin’s favourite are made from Lycra - super for device securement!
Thinking ahead, knowing your route and planning toilet breaks are something we’d recommend when out adventuring. This is particularly important when you’re using ISC to empty.
Pack extra supplies for those ‘just incase’ moments – you don’t know if your day might over run! I’d always recommend packing sanitary products too, such as wipes, anti-bac hand wash etc.
Written 13th November 2022