Incontinence is no laughing matter and can cause anxiety for anyone who is affected. The Continence Foundation has free information for people affected by incontinence.
Here are some travel tips for when you are out and about on an aeroplane, provided by the Continence Foundation:
- Talk to your doctor about medicines to take away with you. Do you need prescription medicines or products for constipation, vomiting or diarrhoea? Keep your medicines in their original packaging when travelling overseas, and bring a copy of the prescription, or letter from your doctor.
- Consider using higher capacity products than everyday
- Book early and advise your agent of your needs. Book seats on the aisle, near a toilet or near the front of the bus/plane (where you can exit quickly).
- Purchase supplies early to ensure you have them in time for your trip.
- Plan each stage of your trip accordingly. If you wear absorbent pads for bladder leakage, allow an extra supply for unexpected delays. Plan ahead to locate public restrooms. Consider that airport security checks can cause long delays.
- Inform the airline staff of your needs so you can board the plane first. You'll be able to calmly organise and arrange your continence products, clothing, and carry-on luggage.
- Consider time zones, and remember that these will affect your body clock and normal patterns.
- Choose clothes in dark colours (to disguise any leakage) consider comfortable clothing too.
- For women travelling in the tropics, a sarong is handy to hide a leakage accident. It can also be placed on a chair. A jacket or cardigan can be tied around the waist to disguise an accident.
- Take along a small toilet bag in your carry-on bag, plus a change of clothing. Disposable wipes are handy and especially good for faecal incontinence. A small resealable bag can carry soiled clothing or discarded products.
- Drink plenty of ‘good' fluids (water is best) as air conditioning is dehydrating. Don't be tempted to cut down on fluids to reduce urine leakage as it can actually make things worse.
- Eat light meals so you won't feel uncomfortable, bloated or queasy. Your digestion and body clock can be upset when travelling.
- Avoid bladder irritants such as coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate drinks, fizzy soft drinks and sports drinks. Spicy or acidic foods are best avoided too.
- Stretch and walk as much as you can, to help with circulation and digestion. Seated exercises (like those recommended by airlines) are good.
- Pack extra supplies to cater for airport delays, ask about additional baggage if necessary.
The Continence Foundation of Australia can be called on 1800 330 066, and offers assistance for:
- Women - pregnancy, prolapse, menopause
- Men - prostate, after dribble
- Children - bedwetting, day wetting, soiling
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes, MS, Parkinson's disease, etc.
- Funding schemes
- Continence products
Information sourced from the Continence Foundation of Australia and The National Public Toilet Map
