Modelling Swimwear

I did an ostomy underwear photoshoot last week for White Rose collection  (http://www.whiterosecollection.com/), where I met some fellow ostomates who told me that they wear the same bag for several days at a time! I always find that mine leak if I wear it for more than about one day. It would make travelling a lighter easier if I could wear the same bag for several days at a time! So today I resolved to look into new products - so far I've ordered some Brava rings, Brava paste and Sensura Mio bags.

I also got some really well-fitted swimwear for keeping everything flat to the body when swimming - http://www.whiterosecollection.com/Men/Swimwear/Items/CO1229/Fitted-Swimtrunks

Keeping Cool

Apart from how I am going to carry around 2 months of ileostomy supplies, one main concern is how I am going to keep 8 to 10 pens of Humira cool when traveling on the plane, between hostels etc. (is there always a refrigerator that guests can use in hostels??)

First I had a call with my IBDN a few weeks ago, she said she knew a girl who went travelling who found a really good cool bag, but wasn't able to give me any more details on where it was from, what kind etc.

So I've been looking on Amazon, and I think I've decided on one of the following three choices

iCool Prestige Medicine Travel Bag
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009PMI0AQ/
Pros: looks pretty compact
Cons: might be too small



MedActiv MediCube for transporting temperature sensitive medicine
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B010DG84TE
Pros: definitely large enough, looks pretty industrial in terms of keeping things coldest for longest
Cons: might be a bit too big, expensive


MediGenix CoolMeds 2 - 8°C Bag for transporting temperature sensitive medicine
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00XPPHOI8/
Pros: has a in built thermometer
Cons: might be too small

Also, I'm using Humira pens, maybe I should switch to the self-injections because they are smaller?

Let me know if you have any thoughts/advice!

Pilot

Hi!

I'm Mark, I'm 31, from the UK, I have an ileostomy due to Crohn's disease and I'm going travelling!

I have to inject Humira once a week (has to be kept less than 8°C) and I have to change my ileostomy bag at least once a day most of the time (more if it's hot weather), so backpacking with all that stuff is going to be tricky. Not only that but some countries have 'toilet difficulties' if you know what I mean!
Because of the weekly Humira, I was told by my IBD nurse that I should probably only be away from the UK for up to 3 months at a time, which at least for my initial trip I am limiting to 2 months just in case. After that I will pop back to the UK for a top up.

I thought I'd write a blog with my thoughts, in case anyone else is thinking of going travelling with an ostomy and wants some details on the difficulties/experiences.

My current itinerary:

1) Quit work.
2) Go skiing (probably Austria).
3) Thailand!
4) Japan/China
5) Europe

First thing I need to do is get a cool bag to keep the medication cool on the journey. I will update on this soon.

Let me know any questions/comments or any advice.