Travel

[Deb1957]

Hi Everyone,

I've completed all radation and chemo. CT scan and full blood work scheduled for the end of June (keeping fingers and toes crossed). Meanwhile I leaving tomorrow to visit my family.

Should I expect any problems with security, having a Ileostomy or a port?

Thank and keep the faith
Debbie

[Bev G]

Hi Debbie:

I can't speak to traveling with an ostomy, but I've been through security many times now with my port. I just tell them before I go through that I have a chemo port in my chest and they've never blinked an eye. Now....my insulin pump, that's another story and a huge hassle with them

Congratulations on getting through all your stuff, and have a great time visiting.

Hugs, Bev

[Gaelen]

I had a problem at Reagan International Airport going through the x-ray scanners - don't know whether it was my port or my permanent colostomy, but they held me for a pat-down and opened all my luggage. When I stepped through, the TSA agent said "ma'am, you'll have to wait" and I looked right at him and said "I'm a stage IV cancer patient in active treatment - is it my chemo port or colostomy that triggered this." He just looked down and held me there until the agents came to do the wanding/pat down and examine my luggage.

I wouldn't call it trouble - but if the airport(s) you're using have the x-ray scanners, you might want to plan extra time for the additional hands-on personal inspection. I flew a dozen times before the x-ray scanners, when the personal scanner was just a metal detector, and was only held for a luggage exam once (yes, those are Depends in my luggage - what's your point? )

Just plan for extra time in security. And yeah, I know they're just doing their jobs - but their sensitivity level isn't, in my experience, quite where it needs to be yet.

[SkiFletch]

I've been through the newfangled scanners with my port and that didn't cause any issues. My baggy winter jacket they didn't like, but didn't notice the port. Probbly more issues with the ostomy in your case.

[Stomatrooper]

I didn't have a port - I didn't get any trouble with airport security through the 'bag' except when I took my scissors through with me (Duh....) - if you don't want to show off your ostomy tackle don't leave your scissors in the carry on luggage.


John

[Deb1957]

Thanks for your help! Hopefully I wouldn't have any security stories to share were I get back.

I'm so excited,I have not seen my grandson in a year. The packing is almost finished.

Keep the faith

Debbie

[Terry]

Well Gaelen, if you weren't carrying those explosives in your colostomy you wouldn't have those problems! Seriously, I can't even believe they did a pat down. There must be a certain look to a colostomy that doesn't look like a bomb. And if not, yes, they could be a little more sensitive at least after you told them that you were stage IV.

That's what our world has come to:(

[thelongglass]

I have been curious about this as well, though I don't think I will fly before my ileostomy reversal. I do, however, have permanent staples in my rectum following the LAR. I have envisioned an amusing encounter with security over the metal detector wands beeping as they go over my backside. I am working on clever responses if I get into trouble. Perhaps you can give me some suggestions? Really though, I have no idea if the staples would get picked up on scans or wanding. Anyone know?

[beth568]

I asked about the staples just after my surgery, and my doc said they wouldn't trigger a metal detector. They're tiny, and they are titanium (I think) which apparently isn't a problem.

I had the same thoughts about my bum beeping in an airport!