How to fly with an ostomy bag. Don't fear the TSA!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 พ.ย. 2021
- Here's a link to the TSA website concerning ostomy bags: www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently...
In a recent video I briefly mentioned going through TSA airport security with an ostomy bag and received a handful of messages from other ostomates (that's what we're called) who wanted to know more details about the process. A couple of them were terrified at the thought of flying since getting their ostomy, so I decided to make this video in hopes that it can help ease some fears that people may have. My biggest piece of advice is to get TSA precheck so that you can skip the lines, and usually go through a metal detector instead of the body scanner. If you do go through the body scanner, you don't have to show them your bag, you don't have to let them touch it, you don't have to lift your shirt, and you don't need a doctors note or medical certificate. The process is very simple, adds less than a minute to your security time, and is the same whether you have a colostomy, an ileostomy, or a urostomy. Of course it's best to drain your bag before hand, but is not necessary. When it comes to getting on the airplane and going up to high altitude, your bag is not going to expand and balloon up, and it's not going to pop. The cabin pressure is kept close enough to ground level pressure that there will be no difference on your bag. Maybe in the case of cabin depressurization your bag may balloon up, but in that scenario the bag will be the least of your concerns. It really is just another day at the airport, and nothing to be afraid of.
I tried talking to one of the @TSA supervisors to see if there was a way to arrange to have a representative of theirs talk to me about the process from their side, but they wanted nothing to do with me and wouldn't even give me any info on where to ask to get something like that setup.
As for questions about my bag setup, I use a Coloplast Sensura Mio 2 piece drainable system and it works great. I've tried Hollister and ConvaTec as well, but have the longest wear time and fewest problems with the Coloplast. Below is a link to the backpack I use to carry my daily backup supplies
amzn.to/2YNhnMS
Update, I was incorrect about one thing! You don't have to pat your bag under your shirt for them to swab your hand. You only have to do it OVER your clothes. See, it's no big deal at all!
You can take the medical scissors you described with the ball ends. I have several times. And they always have me pat the area where my ostomy is. Never had any worries when boarding a flight.
I can feel them for you if I'm there
Is it necessary to bring your medical record from your doctor?
@@jaycrispacog5272 absolutely not, and they have no right to ask you anything about your medical history
I had a TSA agent being a complete A-hole so I popped my colostomy pouch off and placed it in his gloved hands and laughed at the shocked look on his face! Supervisor apologized to me and said that the agent was going to be taking a course for a couple months to help him!
Super episode. I had no idea you used a bag. A lot of people would simply stop being as active and mobile as you are.
Good on you sir. This is a subject that is probably very hard for some folks to talk about even though it shouldn’t be. People like you will change the world. No big deal. If ONE person gets on an airplane because of this video ( and I’m sure they will) you’ve made a difference. Be proud of yourself.
An important video and well presented too. I think the way Casey explains things could make him a natural work/skills teacher should he ever wish to make a sideline in years to come.
I want to compliment you on being so open about your ostomy bag. My father was horrified and scared after he had one after serious surgery. I had run out of ideas on how to make him comfortable about it and had mentioned it one day at the lunchroom at work. A co-worker (5 years) asked me to come with her to the restroom. She explained how she had been 16 when she got hers and it was no big deal. She explained a lot of things that I didn't know and although she never discussed it she said have your father come in. I got dad to come in( he was a gentleman and wouldn't refuse) and she had a one on one talk with him. I actually do not know all she said but in less than a week he was comfortable with himself once again. I heard he had conversations with others when they faced one. It is important the message you are giving.
That's so lovely that the co-worker spoke to your Dad and then that he was able to help other too
I lost my bladder to cancer and have an ostomy bag. Whenever I get scanned I ask the agent if they want to see it and motion like I’m pulling up my shirt when they will say no, no don’t do that. I guess the little inconvenience is better than the alternative, not living, lol.
I’ve had my bag for nearly 45 years through having Ulcerative Colitis when I was 22 in 1977 I’ve been to quite a few European countries in the past 20 years including Russia and the U.S.A. and I have had only one problem with one, and that was in Germany at Berlin Airport, they wanted to see my bag, so I had to go into a room with a Security Guard and show it, it made me feel like I committed a crime, I won’t be going back there again anytime soon!
Seriously? Your not going to a country because one person wanted to see the bag. I'm sorry, you went through all that and you can't event lift up your top so they can see the bag. Oh what a terrible thing to go through, you poor thing. 🙄
I had that in Schiphol Netherlands Aitport last year, for also just a flight within the €urozone, so i also requested a cubicle and other agents watching my tray.
My Brother is 30 + years using a bag, thanks for this, I would never have the guts to ask him about this, again thank you.
How wonderful that your educating ostomy clients as well as the general public. The more the public sees how you deal with this condition the more understanding they will be.
Casey, thank you for making this video! I am in the toughest fight of my life, I have been diagnosed with MS (over 26 lesions on my brain 🧠), Colitis, and type two diabetes, it’s great that you can still be so active. Keep up the good work my friend 🙏🏻
Something you might try are Waste Wicks made by Ostomy Armor. They've been a life saver for me, saving me when I've had a failure in public or private settings. As for spares, I carry an entire backpack with enough supplies for at least 2 changes a day for 10 days? Why? I've been caught to many times with a problem while traveling (car, plane and train) without enough supplies.It took several years for me to find working solutions but things have been smooth sailing for the last 2 years. Great video!
Casey, it is great to see you are willing to do videos like this to help others out.
My brother has a bag. He is hopefully going to get a reconnection surgery soon. I don't feel right asking him to explain what it is like. He is recovering from colon/rectal cancer. This helped me understand what he is going through. He has been having a lot of issues with irritation around the bag connection. He's working through it. Thank you very much.
@@skippyify awesome
I know this is very late and hope he found a way. I found that a few drops of Head and Shoulders on a soft wet paper towel cured the irritation and cleaning well. I developed an allergy to the product glue so had to have a special formulation made. Of course using the paste right around the sight helped as well.
My sister had all the same concerns when she flew the first time. We made sure we let the agents know ahead of time and there was no problem. Thank you for being so open.
I'm a retired TSA Officer. All you have to do is let us know. We will give a private screening so no one else will know your medical condition. That's the correct way to do according to the S.O. P. Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect no matter what. LAX Retired.
@@marshallcoleman8061 Yeah, so his video surprised me as i was thinking they are at any point very strict and cautious in the US, but in contrast in €urope they wanted to pat my ostomy in Schiphol for a flight within the €urozone. So i requested a cubicle. And i read a few other of those experiences in €uropean countries here as well apparantly.
Cassey, my grandma and my mom both had colon cancer! My grandma had an ostomy, something I will never forget! Some of my cousins wouldn't hug her for fear her bag would leak! Made me happy, more hugs for me!
Thank you for your comments and advice. When I was flying to Vermont, the body scan went off the TSA agent asked me to go to a room and show her my ostomy bag. I was mortified, then she made me touch it just to make sure it was OK. Following that she scanned my hand. From watching your video now I realize I can say no to showing the agent my pouch.
Hug. Thank you so much for this! My son has a bag and is embarrassed by how 'ugly' it is. All i see is survival and bravery. Your straight forward "no big deal" approach is so very helpful. Thank you!
Thanks for the video. I’m glad that you are able to open up and talk about it. I Suffered for 5 years with severe Crohn’s Disease and was absolutely miserable and so much pain. Having a total abdominal colectomy at 19 was not on my bucket list. I’ve wore one for 24 years and that was the hardest thing ever being a teenager and embarrassed about having one. Once I hit into my early 20’s and my health being so much better, I decided maybe I could share with others and it educate them also. Talking about it was the best thing I ever done. I’ve lived a very normal energetic life and most people are blown away when they find out that I wear one. I always hear the stories about so and so has one and they don’t ever get out of the house. So much of your progress is due to attitude and I’ve watched a lot of your stuff and never noticed that you had one. Keep up the good work and take care of your health.
After 30 years of being in EMS I don’t remember to many times we had patients with an ostomy bag. It just became the normal and 1 or 2 times. Sure the patient would mention it, if it wasn’t in any danger if was just another day of treating the patient and their illness/injury.
Thanks for sharing this with the general public, as others that have them or have family who deal with them on a daily basis it is a slight relief to them.
Casey you are rather matter of fact about the whole process. I thank you for being candid about a touchy subject. Life threw you a curveball and you hit it out of the park every time!
Very well thought out video Casey. As one who must travel medical supplies, I appreciate you using your channel to encourage those who may be hesitant to travel that it is okay to do so. Stay safe and have a great week.
I don't have an Ostomy bag , but I want to thank you for doing this video. I am sure that many people that do have an Ostomy bag will feel a lot more comfortable now knowing what to expect when they fly. Much respect to you Casey .
You are so good to do this, Casey. You're so real. I don't know this particular situation personally, but if I did, I'd doubly appreciate this episode.
I really love how forthright you are, very refreshing. .So many people live in fear and you just helped out a lot of people, AGAIN,. Sending some love your way💝. Some thing else I wanted to say, I like how you are always trying to teach people (me)something new 👍👍. I think you are a very loving person. Thank You !!! Still loving all the videos.😁
Thank you for being so open. This will relieve so many travelers. I don’t have a bag but am disabled and travel on a scooter with other essential medical equipment. The more open and natural we can be the more people will be traveling. Know your rights but be prepared for different TSAs. Not all are properly trained in all circumstances.
This is very good information for those that have never dealt with an ostomy bag to know also my mother had one
Caasey, I admire you for covering this. Hope it encourages others to travel. You have never shied away from talking about your situation.
Thanks Casey. I travel with a Cpap machine and the last time at security TSA. They announced, "drag those Cpap machines out of your bags". Many times before no extra time draging it out of my carry on. So I feel for everyones concerns with medical devices. Glad you included this one for others see.
thank you for this video. I've had two friends in the last month that both had to have emergency surgeries and came out with ostomy bags. I shared this with both of them hoping that all your preparation can help them live their life to their fullest like you said. love your videos love what you do be safe.
I had a good Ostomy nurse. but for $$$ alot of money I learned nothing..
I did with your video. I had reversal. and just paid all my hospital bills . l am happy about that..
And I didn't mean to push the dislike. so I changed it to
Double Thumbs Up Up
Bless You Bro !! I too had an ostomy bag for 4 months after surgery. Thanks be to GOD I was able to have mine resected.. I am so very thankful ! And SO lucky !! I Pray for you Bro !! GOD Bless BRO !! You are an inspiration for others. HooAH !!
Thank you Casey, that’s very useful. I have MS and can see this leading to an ostomy bag at some stage. I really appreciate this kind information.
Thanks for sharing. Great information. I had one for 6 weeks in between surgeries. Suspect that I will need again in the future. This helped me. Thank you for your courage.
Awesome! Your so open & sharing about ur personal Medical care. Appreciate u sharing. Never know what others are going through/dealing with.
You have no idea how many people you’ll help with just this video! You rock brother! BWI is indeed tough but, in my experience, very professional.
Thanks to share this. My grandmother had ostomy bag as well and sat me down once to show and explain it. Cheers.
Thanks for sharing! This is an area that is of great importance to many! Great video!
I wore something like that for awhile, had a cyst in my pancreas against the bile duct, it was used to drain the cyst, never went flying though, good luck with whatever it is buddy!
Outstanding video Casey, for those who have that condition in sure they appreciate it.
As a TSA worker all that’s needed to clear an Ostomy bag is a self pat down and test of the hands.
I wish all of your colleagues knew that. The vast majority of the time I have no problem and everyone is on the same page. But sometimes I get someone who has no clue what they're talking about and thinks they are going to make up their own rules. I don't let that slide.
I started working as a TSO when this video came out. I love my coworkers and it's the best job I've had so far. Just remember that TSOs are people too and they're just trying to do their job like anyone else. Not every procedure is going to make sense and other airports may do things a little differently, but I assure you that it is in the best interest for your safety. Yes, we make mistakes like any human being, but that's why we have to work as a team. Don't be afraid to ask questions because we get them all the time and we are happy to answer.
Casey! Thanks for sharing and being so natural about it! 👌☺️
Wow, great vid and info! I do not have an ostomy, but I am a nurse who often cares for clients who do. I like the info, but more importantly the matter of fact way it is delivered...by some dude who drives a tow truck. That, in itself will help many with acceptance and understanding. Definitely saving this for future reference or for sharing with others. I was suggested your channel for the recovery theme, I subscribed because of this ostomy vid. Thank you!
The more I learn about you the more impressed I am. You are great power of example 😊
Wow! I'm a fairly new follower. I know nothing about your medical situation. Very cool that you share Very personal information, and with the intent to help others. I watch many different channels involving the off road world. I enjoy your videos. Keep doing what you do, and I'll be following. Wish you all the best according to your beliefs.
One of the most honest and informative videos I've watched. I have a friend that has an Ostomy bag. We flew from Columbus Ohio to Seatac to help move my dad from Bothell to St. Marys WV. And to be honest I never even gave it a thought to what he would have to deal with. We never had any issues at all when going through security. But I can imagine the anxiety that someone would have with what seems like a daily change of airport security.
Thanks for putting yourself out there and just being honest. It really is refreshing these days. Next time in the PNW I will have to look you up. I graduated from Inglemoor high in Bothell back in 81. been a long time. Love the PNW. Just not all the policies that have turned it into what it is today.
I just stumbled on your video as I had my ostomy surgery 5 months ago and am taking a business trip up to Seattle next week (decided to do a little googling beforehand). Your video was very helpful. I was surprised to hear at the end of the video that you're in Redmond because I'm in Bend :-). Thanks for taking the time to explain traveling by place with an ostomy bag!
Thank you so much for sharing this. Someone in my life dear to me got an ostomy bag after an emergency lifesaving surgery and she's having a hard time accepting it and adapting and I'm doing everything in my power to educate myself and her so that she realizes her life can still be completely fulfilling with an ostomy.
This one video of yours has positively impacted more lives than you know. You are amazing.
Casey once again very informative simple logical explanation. Technology is changing the way we go through these experiences daily because of people such as yourself. I travel with a mobility scooter and over the last ten years it has changed remarkably. Airport/TSA security is evolving to a new modern world and the thing that makes it work better is a smile and just being polite. They have a terrible job with so many Entitled people.
Thank you.
Need to fly soon. Had a lot of fears and questions about my bag. Thanks for the great coverage. It really helped me.
I just found you channel. I was already impressed with your abilities and your overall calm manner and patience. I had no idea about this.in my humble opinion this moves you over to the super impressive category. Keep going the next level is super hero and you are almost there
Deep respect here. Well done.
Well done that man for being so forthright about it!
Ty so much for this! I do not have an ostomy bag myself, but it was sure interesting to see what it takes to travel with one... Love your channel! Keep up the great work!!!
Glad you are comfortable with it and helping others to feel more comfortable as well
Wow! Casey you are my hero! How amazing you are . You can do you all do. Bless you for tell us what you have to do I would never know. You are so young. We just started watching you so much to know about you and your family. 🙏🙏❤️
One of the many reasons why I subscribed as you go into such detail about your personal issues that others can get info on. A good part of that is look, I have this and it hasn't kept me from doing what I enjoy to do. YOU can too!
Love your very clear reasoning - and your humor. It might be your best bet, in mastering the serious difficulties that life deals you. Respect.
Very good information for people that may have one! Good job explaining everything!
Hello Casey, it was very nice of you to share this with people.. You were very kind n shared a lot of info..Thank-you, may God bless you in your kindness...
Great video with a lot of good intel! You are a great guy, Casey LaDelle!! Thanks for sharing! Greetings from Norway!
Dude it's really cool your welling to talk about your bag keep it up really like you're videos
Sooooo helpful - thank you. I always appreciate it when you talk so openly about your life and the specific things Casey deals with on a day to day basis. It no doubt encourages others to go and live their lives fully without fear! No one said we'd be good at this!! ❤😊
Thanks for such a detailed and informative public service message. You are an inspiration for many people.
Awesome video. Kudos to you for sharing something so personal.
You are an inspiration to others my sister has had a bag for well over ten years and still uses it as an excuse for absolutely everything I shared this video with her maybe she can watch your channel and get some perspective on life. My father also had one due to bowel cancer and he like you didn't let anything stop him. Thanks for the content your a good man❤from Australia
My son had a bag when he was a baby, nothing but trouble, maybe your sister has trouble with her bag/ situation ? Not your business what she does !
As a new colostomy consumer I really appreciate your videos. The section on your travel pack and all the supplies you take with you everywhere takes the guessing out of things. Thank you again!🙏
Thanks Casey , i have had a ostomy for 8 years and have got some good ideas from you , thank you .
Thanks I’m new to this and I wanted to fly but wasn’t sure what to expect. This has answered my questions.
I have flown with EMT shears in a carry on as recently as last July.
Great video, we traveled to the US with refrigerated syringe meds and round hotels for about 8 weeks trying to keep meds cold.
Thank you for every one who put our cold blocks in their freezers and swapped cold blocks with complete strangers.
We had our meds pack in a pouch and the patch in a refrigerated 12v cool bag.
All the best , keep doing stuff
Very interesting video, thank you for sharing this. You have a great attitude about dealing with having an ostomy bag.
Hi Casey. An interesting video and insight into what you go through when flying.
PS : you don’t have to justify to us if you want to fly with your favourite pink flowery suitcase. None of us would have noticed if you hadn’t mentioned it. 😂😂😂😎
👍🤣😂🤣
Thanks CASEY for the video. Have had an osteomyelitis for 12 years. I use a Hollister barrier nr 14104 and a definable pouch no 18192. Have good luck easy to use. Thanks again
Subscribed to your channel after seeing you on Matt's and Rat's channels. Have been nervous about my ostomy, and you have made me feel more comfortable. Much appreciated.
Once you get healed up and passed the learning stages, it's no big deal at all!
Thanks Casey for this information it is a lot of good stuff to know in a situation where you have go through the T.S.A..Thanks for sharing.☺️☺️☺️👍👍👍👍
You're A hero, sharing with everyone. Been there, done that.
Wow. Major organization. Brave of you to discuss your medical issue. Thank you for an informational video. It’s much needed.
And… one of the best features is you carrying the bag. You are a real man.
Bravo sir, for talking about your personal experience.
Love the pack, for the 14 months I rocked a bag I used the same pack...
Thank you so much for this video, I will be going on a trip next year and I was worried about how it was going to work with my ostomy bag! Thanks again😊
Thankyou so much for sharing this info with us, I feel now that I'm not alone with this ostomy. So appreciative
Thanks for sharing Casey,
That was great. My dad use to have one. Thanks for the video!
Great video Casey, I found it very informative and interesting. Cheers my friend.
Brilliant explanation, thank you.
Thank you Casey for the information. I have an ostomy bag as well, got finished with chemo in Dec. of last year, for 8 months of it, for stage 4 colon cancer. I'm preparing to fly for the first time in almost 13 years, so I will definitely utilize this information. You are a blessing to others.
It should also be noted that this is the TSA in the US. Some rules and procedures may be different elsewhere.
Love your transparency. 👍
Interesting info Casey, thanks for posting.
Love your calm, deal with it, manner.
Thank you for sharing this video. Given me some peace of mind.
Great video! It will help a lot of people I'm sure. Gotta love medical issues.
I am in for sugery tomorrow due to bowel cancer, this is something
I had not considered as a consequence. Thanks very useful info,
Most important thing to remember when traveling is to empty your bag as frequently as possible - before queuing to get ticket or hand in luggage, before security check, and then before the plane takes off. Without mentioning brands, some bags are transparent and when security see the urine, they can’t wave you through fast enough 😂 Thanks for taking the time for a video. I take a spare shirt and pants so I can change clothes if there is a leak. 😊
Thanks, such a selfless video . . . well presented information. Cheers.
Casey, I like your videos although I must admit I thought you were a smart aleck most of the time. However I have a new admiration of you for doing this. Nobody myself included would have ever guessed. You are very active, crawling under rigs etc so good for you. Keep up the great videos and thanks for not charging folks sometimes, I know it makes their day👍
Casey, I have a good friend that has a bag, so I will be referring him to this video for his own wellbeing - thank you!!
That was very interesting 🧐 and informative, well done 👍🏻🦘🇦🇺
Thank you for sharing , I had a Ostomy bag 5 months ago and it was a question that I was asking to myself.