Bladder > Info and Advice > Travelling with confidence

Travelling with confidence

Going on holiday can be a concern when you have a bladder problem. You may be anxious about your journey and whether you can manage your bladder problems in the same way on holiday as you do at home.

Get out and about and enjoy life - travel abroad, stay with friends, in hotels, hostels, guest houses or campsites. Having a problem such as incontinence does not mean you have to stay at home.

Speak up

Many people have a health problem which affects their lifestyle. Having the courage to speak up will help you to ask for items or services which you need, and will give people the opportunity to make your trip or stay enjoyable. And remember, the first time is the hardest - you will find it easier to speak up in future.

Do not be embarrassed to mention that you have a 'waterworks problem' or 'bladder problem' or a 'bowel problem' that requires certain services or facilities. You are within your rights to do so. If you are worried about asking for certain things when you arrive at your destination, it may be easier to write a letter in advance.

Supplies

The best policy is to take with you a supply of all the items you will need - catheters, pads, pants, creams, wipes, etc. You may find that you can purchase items locally wherever you are going, but do not take this for granted.

If you are travelling within Ireland and the United Kingdom, you might find that it is quite possible and not too expensive to send supplies of bulky items ahead to your holiday destination or to a local health centre for collection.

Remember that different products may need to be stored differently. Pads need to be kept dry, so ensure they are in plastic bags to prevent them being spoiled by weather or an accidental spillage. Certain medicines need to be kept refrigerated so carry them in a 'Coolbag' or insulated container and transfer them to a fridge as soon as you can. To help carry sensitive medicines remember that you can get reusable cold blocks that are put in your freezer overnight and will stay cold for a couple of days in an insulated container, or, if you are traveling away from facilities, you can get chemical cold packs from camping stores, that will stay very cold for several hours after you initiate them. Be careful not to freeze liquid medicines by leaving them in close contact with the coolant medium.

Doctor's letter

Certain items are more tightly controlled in other countries than they are at home. If you carry catheters, syringes, medicines, etc., it is useful to have a letter from your doctor explaining their use. This letter might also be used to explain your condition to a doctor in a different country if you need to get a prescription there. In any case, carry a copy of your prescription and, if at all possible, leave your kit in its original packaging.

Security

The major appliance suppliers offer a customs and security certificate which explains in several languages what your kit is (bags, catheters, sheaths etc), that they are essential for you to manage a medical condition and you must not have them taken away. You can get this stamped and validated by your GP's surgery.

If you wear a stoma or urine bag, be prepared to change into a new one - fresh from its original packaging - if security staff require it. They will always arrange for this to be done in a private room, but you will be supervised.

Bed protection

Ask if this can be supplied where you are staying as this will ensure that it fits the mattress properly and you will save weight in your luggage. Failing this, take a generously sized waterproof sheet or pad - not one which is designed for a specific size of mattress.

Hygiene and Laundry

As soon as you arrive you should find out what the waste disposal arrangements are. It is best to take your own 'nappy sacks' (disposal bags) and a few bin liners for used pads, etc.

A deodorising spray may save embarrassment.

Washing facilities and water may be limited where you are staying. If you are not able to have your own washing facilities, check how often and at what time baths or showers are available.

Find out what the laundry arrangements are - an extra charge may be required. You can probably do some of your own laundry for smaller, rinsable items - a portable washing line (or just a piece of strong cord which can be stretched across a room or balcony) and a few clothes pegs can make drying a lot easier.

If items are to be sent away for washing, make sure they are clearly labelled to avoid loss.

Long journeys

You might find that it is worth changing the method you normally use to manage your incontinence, depending on the length of your journey and the type of transport. For example, you might normally use quite light pads but these may be difficult to change in an aeroplane toilet - it might be worth wearing a much heavier pad or an all-in-one nappy style pad for the journey.

On trains and planes it should be possible to arrange to have a seat near to a toilet. If you are travelling for long distances by car, there is a range of urine collecting devices and portable urinals which can be a godsend when you cannot find a public toilet.

If you restrict your fluid intake in preparation for a journey, remember to make up for this as soon as you reach your destination.

Luggage

When flying, remember to split up your supplies between different bags, in case one is lost! Also, remember to pack a supply of all the items you are likely to need during the flight and waiting periods at each end in your hand luggage. Do not be afraid to explain why you need extra luggage or cabin baggage - most companies will allow this if there is a medical reason. Ask prior to arriving at the airport. Remember you will need a medical letter with you at airport security if your products e.g. skincare are in access of the security cabin baggage allowance. Currently all liquid substances must be contained within 1 clear re-sealable plastic bag no larger than 8'' by 7.5'' (20cm by 18cm) a litre bag; this bag must be presented separately at the x ray machine and must be sealed. Each liquid gel, paste etc container must not exceed 100ml; the contents must fit comfortably within the 1 litre bag. If you need to carry more than this in hand luggage, seek advice from the airline. You may be able to buy skin care products at an 'air side' chemist and you can carry more in hold luggage.

Change in environment

Changes in temperature can affect the amount of urine produced by your body. In hot weather dehydration can result in dark, concentrated urine which can irritate the bladder more than usual. Increase your fluid intake if this is the case. It may be useful to carry the appropriate antibiotics with you in case you get a urinary tract infection. In cold weather your body may produce more urine than normal and you may need to empty your bladder more often.

Public toilets

Disposal of pads and used kit in public toilets can be difficult because there may be no suitable bin in the toilet - especially in men's toilets. It is a good idea always to have a bag (an opaque carrier bag with tie handles, for example) with your changing kit so that you can put the used pad and kit in it and take it out of the toilets with you to the nearest bin.

Public toilets are few and far between in some countries. It is often easier to find a toilet in a hotel, bar or restaurant, or in a shopping centre.

When away from home, consider using disabled toilet facilities. These usually have much more room and are equipped with mirrors, a washbasin and safe disposal facilities in the cubicle - making it much easier and offering more privacy for changing pads, emptying leg bags, catheterising, etc.

You may be challenged if you use a disabled loo because many people think that 'disabled' means using a wheelchair. Of course this is nonsense, and you are perfectly entitled to use these facilities in order to manage your problem safely, and with dignity.