The fall holidays are meant to be a relaxing time spent with family and friends, but if you have to travel to get together with your loved ones, then you know that this can be a hectic time. On top of crowded airports, long lines and tiny restrooms, using a catheter can cause additional stress to your travels.

Plan your holiday trips this season with these eight tips that will allow you to manage your catheter discreetly and successfully during travel.

Tip #1. Don’t Be On Time — Be Early!

Whether you’re getting to your destination by train, plane, or bus, try to arrive at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Early arrival can be especially helpful in case you need to drain your leg bag or empty your bladder before boarding. It can be difficult, stressful and unsanitary if you’re attempting to change your catheter in a rush in a public restroom before leaving for your trip, so pad your bathroom time by arriving early.

Tip #2. Pack a Catheter Kit

You should never be far from home without your catheter kit! A complete kit includes:

● One to two days’ worth of catheters.
● Hand sanitizer.
● Catheter lubricants.
● Plastic bags or trash bags for trash.
● Plastic bags or wet bags for soiled clothing.
● Extra clothes (in case of accidents).
● Paper towels or sanitary cloths.
● Antiseptic wipes.
● Disposable gloves.
● Reusable water bottle (for you to stay hydrated).

Your catheter kit should go with you everywhere, whether it’s the plane, train, bus or car. If you are flying, though, ensure that the sizes of liquids in your catheter kit meet TSA standards for carry-ons.

Tip #3. Take Extra Catheters & Get Them Covered by Insurance

While your catheter kit should have one to two days’ worth of catheters included in it, you should always take enough catheters to last you the duration of your holiday trip, plus extra. The average person uses an intermittent catheter four to six times per day, so pack accordingly.

If this sounds like a lot of catheters to buy before your trip, look into using a medical supply company like Aeroflow Urology that can help you get catheters covered by your insurance plan, rather than paying out of pocket. If you have Medicare or another type of insurance accepted by Aeroflow and have a spinal cord injury or other underlying medical condition that causes you to be prescribed a catheter, you can get a set number of high-quality catheters covered by your insurance every month. Aeroflow Urology also ships your products directly to your front door in unmarked boxes so you can be sure your order arrives discreetly.

Tip #4. Hydrate the Whole Time

Hydration is important for everyone and for those who use catheters, too. Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins from your body and prevents infections, such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), by clearing out bacteria that may build up or be brought in around your urethra when using a catheter. CAUTI is probably more likely during travel because sometimes you have to cath in cramped and unsanitary public restrooms that are most likely crawling with bacteria. Hydrating (on top of sanitizing your area) can help prevent these infections. Also, if you’re thinking that not drinking water will help you void your bladder less during travel, think again! Dehydration leads to concentrated urine, which irritates your bladder and makes you pee more.

Tip #5. Dress Accordingly

Everyone knows that wearing jeans or a dress shirt while traveling is uncomfortable and definitely not ideal when using tiny bathrooms. Plan ahead by wearing comfortable clothing that comes off easily and quickly so cathing isn’t as much of a challenge while traveling. Soft, flexible clothing will also keep your skin more comfortable during long trips.

Tip #6. Keep Your Medical Information On-Hand

It’s a good idea to keep a copy of your medical information with you while you travel in case you run into problems. Make sure the information includes your doctor’s phone number and an emergency contact. Plus, if you have a prescription, you can override certain TSA limitations due to medical needs.

Tip #7. Check In Early

Checking in early can mean printing tickets before arriving at the airport, downloading them on your mobile phone, or paying for checked baggage ahead of time. If you’re flying, TSA Pre-Check can make your life much easier if you use catheters or a wheelchair. By enrolling in this system, you don’t need to take off your shoes. You also don’t need to take out laptops, liquids, belts or jackets while going through security. Another bonus is that you’ll probably have a shorter line than you would without TSA Pre-Check.

Tip #8. Notify Transit Providers Ahead of Time

Whether you’re flying or riding a train or bus, you can call and notify the travel company ahead of time of your medical condition or disability to make things easier on yourself when you arrive. This may give you more time to use the restroom, and you can ask if they have larger bathrooms or ask for suggestions on where to cath. If you’re flying, you can use the TSA’s Disability Notification Card. With this card, you can discreetly let TSA officers know about your disability or medical condition without actually having to say anything out loud, which can save you time and keep your personal information confidential.

Use these tips this holiday season to catheterize safely and stay calm during stressful travel situations! To see if you qualify for catheter supplies covered through insurance with Aeroflow Urology, fill out the Eligibility Form on the website.

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