Preparing to Leave

Less than 2 weeks before I fly to Thailand!! Super excited (and apprehensive!)

Here's what I've been up to:

• Got myself a Thai tourist visa
• My flat is all packed up, all my stuff is in storage
• Lots of goodbye lunches/coffees/drinks with various friends
• Received a very large supplies order, containing my new favourite bags (more below!)
• Asked GP for a large prescription of Azathioprine
• Received a large order of Humira
• Spoken to consultant and stoma nurse
• Tried an improv class

Still to do:

• Get Loperamide and Dioralyte
• Travel insurance
• See my Bro
• Do a final pack of my backpack

It has felt very busy!

I saw this great guide from the White Rose Collection about going on holiday that has some good tips and advice: http://www.whiterosecollection.com/Articles/Holidays-With-An-Ostomy. It also links to this article about the World Assist Alliance, which I never knew about before.

I tried using the SenSura Mio mechanical 2 piece bag last week and I was super happy that it lasted a whole 6 days without needing to be changed (and could have lasted longer as there were no problems when I changed it). I think it's because the mechanical part keeps the bag away from the stoma, helping to reduce potential pancaking. So I ordered a few to take with me - if they always last that long I will only need to change 10 times in my whole trip! The only problem I have is that the opening is a bit more tricky (can be a bit messy) then other bag manufacturers.

If I've forgotten anything I need to do, or if you have any tips on Coloplast bags, let me know in the comments.