20 replies to this topic

[gsp23]

Trying to get myself in a position I can start traveling more again and I was thinking about being on an airplane. I have bladder control for the most part (not bowel but thats not an issue for a plane trip with planning) and seems like I used to have to urinate while on a long plane trips. So... what the heck do I do if I am on a plane and I have to urinate? Holding it may be an option if it is a short flight, but what about international trips like across the Atlantic or to South America? 10+ Hr flights I am sure I would have to go a couple times anyways. So... I am sure that people here have faced this same thing as I know some others here also have bladder control or dont wear leg bags, so what do you do?

[Tinbasher]

Unless you can stand and walk you can rule out using a toilet aboard the aircraft.

I use ISC in normal life but when flying long haul I use a Foley cath and bag.

Tin

[russ1]

Quote

Unless you can stand and walk you can rule out using a toilet aboard the aircraft.

Not actually the case - most long haul aircraft have a disabled adapted loo and the flight staff should be required to assist with the aisle chair if a disabled passenger wants to use it. I only know of one person who routinely makes use of the facility and I've never personally seen or used it. It seems a whole lot of hassle if you can do something else (like putting an indwelling in) but never the less the facility is there.

I know this because I researched it after being refused entry onto a BA plane because I didn't have an AB carer with me to assist me to the on board loo (which after 30 mins of arguing was sorted out as I have a SPC and wouldn't need the loo). I have a (subsequent) letter from BA stating that they do in fact assist to the loo in flight.

[Mikerowaved]

Yeah, I ran into a sticky situation one time on a flight where I needed to self-cath, so I just asked for a blanket and a large cup and let it rip. Fortunately, I always keep my cathing paraphernalia with me.

Now for extended flights (anything over 2-3 hours) I either restrict my fluid intake during the prior 4 hours or wear a leg bag.

[Texaswheelz]

yea for me it would be a condom cath and leg bag.

[Kev-O]

Mikerowaved, on Jan 12 2008, 11:03 PM, said:

Yeah, I ran into a sticky situation one time on a flight where I needed to self-cath, so I just asked for a blanket and a large cup and let it rip. Fortunately, I always keep my cathing paraphernalia with me.

Now for extended flights (anything over 2-3 hours) I either restrict my fluid intake during the prior 4 hours or wear a leg bag.

Im sure the flight attendant was wandering why you were handing her a warm cup of apple juice

[gsp23]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I can walk a bit with sticks but my balance is not good and dont think there would be any way I could walk on a plane without falling over. I dont normally cath but might have to look into this as an option when I take the next long flight. Short flights... watching liquid intake should be sufficient (I hope).

[hanguk]

Kev-O, on Jan 13 2008, 12:01 AM, said:

Mikerowaved, on Jan 12 2008, 11:03 PM, said:

Yeah, I ran into a sticky situation one time on a flight where I needed to self-cath, so I just asked for a blanket and a large cup and let it rip. Fortunately, I always keep my cathing paraphernalia with me.

Now for extended flights (anything over 2-3 hours) I either restrict my fluid intake during the prior 4 hours or wear a leg bag.

Im sure the flight attendant was wandering why you were handing her a warm cup of apple juice

I have traveled by airplane quite a few times since being injured in 1987. For flights of 4 hours less I don't worry about the bathroom but I don't drink too much. For 4-6 hours I wear a diaper just in case and drink even less. More than that, I wear a Foley or use the airplane bathroom. I have had mixed success with the Foley. I flew about 14 hours to Korea 13 years ago, and used a Foley. That worked OK except I used it during my 2-week trip also because there were not lot of wheelchair accessible bathrooms a lot. It leaked a few times, and also got yanked out while transferring out of a car, and I developed a nasty yeast infection and diarrhea. I really hate Foleys. So next time I made the long flight to Korea, in 2006, I saw on the airline website that in-flight chairs were available on request. I went to the bathroom about 3 times during the flight. I think the staff hasn't had to do this much but they were agreeable. I am thin so it's not extremely difficult for them to help me out of the airplane seat and onto the flight chair. They let me use the bathroom in the first class section because it's bigger. Not easy but I managed to get in there and do my thing and have a reasonable amount to drink during the flight. But on the flight home I was told there was no aisle chair on the flight. That turned out to be wrong. So I had a wet diaper. Since then I have taken the flight to Korea 2 more times. The 2nd time later in 2006 I decided to try the Foley again, with a bag that you strap to your stomach. The Foley did not drain much and must have gotten clogged and I was very uncomfortable and leaked around it. They almost wanted to stop the flight because I wasn't doing well but there was a doctor on the flight who removed it for me and I used the bathroom. Third time, 2007..same flight..I decided to forget the Foley, and just ask to use the bathroom again. This was a flight with a stopover in California so I had to use the bathroom on the plane less often. Staff on all 3 airlines I flew with on these trips (Korean Air, Singapore Air and United) were very helpful. I did not have a companion on any of these trips.

[STownsend]

Wow hanguk! That is a lot of great experience. Really not looking forward to using a foley on a long flight, because of the complications you mention. I've done the self cath under a blanket in my seat thing once too. But I need to go NYC to Paris then Paris to Bangalore. I'm wondering if anyone has done a regular catheter and 'taped it' so it doesn't move then drain to a leg bag. Is that a reasonable compromise? Or am I just being a whimp?

[Motor]

STownsend, on Jan 17 2008, 11:48 PM, said:

Wow hanguk! That is a lot of great experience. Really not looking forward to using a foley on a long flight, because of the complications you mention. I've done the self cath under a blanket in my seat thing once too. But I need to go NYC to Paris then Paris to Bangalore. I'm wondering if anyone has done a regular catheter and 'taped it' so it doesn't move then drain to a leg bag. Is that a reasonable compromise? Or am I just being a whimp?

At first I straight cathed on plane and had wife empty cup in bathroom. Then had self contained cath with bag and just thru it out. Now have supa pubic cath and all I need to do is empty bag into cup if it fills up. I bring a urine bottle so its easy.
This was last flight..LOL

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Edited by Motor, 18 January 2008 - 05:49 AM.

[Justinkase]

can't beat the self contained cath kit! Just sit by the window and keep it on the DL. Easy for me to say -- i never travel alone.

Although, i've thought about using a foley. Would that be a total mistake? I wonder if hanguk’s prob was just gravity.

I’ve noticed that I tend to get slight nagging symptoms of Autonomic Dysreflexia while flying. Anyone else?
I'll always think I have to urinate, but when I cath that's not always the case. I figure it's either the uncomfortable seat, or the cabin pressure messes with my bladder. Anyone else?

[hanguk]

I think the Foley works for most people. First time I did that on a plane it was OK. The second time I was using something called a belly bag.. straps around the waist instead of the leg. Could have been gravity, but Foleys always clog up on me and need flushing. I have a bladder augmentation and it produces mucus because part of the intestine was used. When sitting someplace where I know I can't conveniently use the bathroom, I think more about having to use the bathroom and worry about an accident.

[Justinkase]

I'm glad you mentioned that; it can be psychological. I'm glad you agree. I was on a relatively short flight from Vegas last week and was feeling urgent the whole time, so for the last 45 minutes I just cranked up the iPod. When it all was said and done, i only had about 300cc.
If you take the anti-spaz stuff for your bladder like Ditropan or Detrol, and you know you're going to be in this situation, it doesn't hurt to pop an extra one. Works for me -- If nothing else, it can give you peace of mind.
Of course if you have limited capacity or an infection and you need to cath then you need to cath.

[KarenFerguson]

I have both bowel and bladder and boy have I held it for long periods of time. I've been on plane rides that lasted almost 14 hours. Needless to say I "ran" for the bathroom after we landed (my head and bladder would nearly explode waiting for the isle chair). But unfortunately, your only option is to hold it, crawl to the bathroom, or to have someone carry you. I don't think they carry isle chairs on board. Just limit your drink intake - I know it's hard to resist when the drink cart comes around - it's like a party on long plane rides.

[hanguk]

KarenFerguson, on Jan 24 2008, 04:35 PM, said:

I have both bowel and bladder and boy have I held it for long periods of time. I've been on plane rides that lasted almost 14 hours. Needless to say I "ran" for the bathroom after we landed (my head and bladder would nearly explode waiting for the isle chair). But unfortunately, your only option is to hold it, crawl to the bathroom, or to have someone carry you. I don't think they carry isle chairs on board. Just limit your drink intake - I know it's hard to resist when the drink cart comes around - it's like a party on long plane rides.

Hi Karen, can you hold it in because your injury is L3-4? Your bladder will just fill? Mine gets spasms and really does not hold more than 400 mL. Even if I drank nothing I couldn't hold it. They do have aisle chairs on longer flights (but you have to request when you make the reservation and double check before your flight. It's not the easiest thing - getting into the bathroom requires some gymnastic maneuvers. I wrote a post a few back about a 14 hour flight and using the bathroom.

[KarenFerguson]

hanguk, on Jan 24 2008, 03:34 PM, said:

KarenFerguson, on Jan 24 2008, 04:35 PM, said:

I have both bowel and bladder and boy have I held it for long periods of time. I've been on plane rides that lasted almost 14 hours. Needless to say I "ran" for the bathroom after we landed (my head and bladder would nearly explode waiting for the isle chair). But unfortunately, your only option is to hold it, crawl to the bathroom, or to have someone carry you. I don't think they carry isle chairs on board. Just limit your drink intake - I know it's hard to resist when the drink cart comes around - it's like a party on long plane rides.

Hi Karen, can you hold it in because your injury is L3-4? Your bladder will just fill? Mine gets spasms and really does not hold more than 400 mL. Even if I drank nothing I couldn't hold it. They do have aisle chairs on longer flights (but you have to request when you make the reservation and double check before your flight. It's not the easiest thing - getting into the bathroom requires some gymnastic maneuvers. I wrote a post a few back about a 14 hour flight and using the bathroom.

Yeah, I have complete bowl and bladder - I had sacral sparing - thank goodness, however, bad for long airline flights. It's times like that I'm jealous of my hubby's condom cath and leg bag. I just have a really "good" bladder apparently - my mom dubbed it the "bladder of steal" because she's a frequent pee'er. Hee hee. As hard as it is to even get an aisle chair to show up at the gate, I'm fairly sure they would have problems getting one on the plane - but the next time I fly somewhere I'll seriously try to get one on board. Hubby & I are considering Japan for our next big adventure.

[hanguk]

Japan would be great...I went to Korea (3 times). The airlines I used were Korean Air, United and Singapore Air. All of them were willing to provide the aisle chair on board. I did a lot of double checking though. Korean Air was a little doubtful but it turned out they could do it also. It's just like the one they bring you on board in. They didn't even mind helping me into the chair. But for flights of 6 hours or less I use the restrict fluids method with a diaper (ick) just in case. What I love is when you travel alone and you get really baffled looks from airline employees - they are looking around for the person who helps you. And sometimes they ask why don't you have someone to travel with you....as if you are going to spend another thousand bucks to have someone go with you to a place they don't really want to go, and pay for their expenses while they are there, just so they can help out on the plane.

[kewlcatkez]

hanguk, on Jan 25 2008, 03:37 PM, said:

Japan would be great...I went to Korea (3 times). The airlines I used were Korean Air, United and Singapore Air. All of them were willing to provide the aisle chair on board. I did a lot of double checking though. Korean Air was a little doubtful but it turned out they could do it also. It's just like the one they bring you on board in. They didn't even mind helping me into the chair. But for flights of 6 hours or less I use the restrict fluids method with a diaper (ick) just in case. What I love is when you travel alone and you get really baffled looks from airline employees - they are looking around for the person who helps you. And sometimes they ask why don't you have someone to travel with you....as if you are going to spend another thousand bucks to have someone go with you to a place they don't really want to go, and pay for their expenses while they are there, just so they can help out on the plane.

Hi,

I am not 100% sure, but I have a feeling ( not many below my waist! LOL, sorry joke!) that it would be a breech of Health and Safety legislation etc if they didn't have some way of transporting a person who is disabled on a plane. I know that sounds awful "transporting" but lets face it, there is no way an aisle chair is independence and Luxury is there? and that is perhaps as good as it gets!

Take care,

K

edited to add that I found the following on British Airways Website ( UK) They also have a US part of the site and I would imagine that every major Airport would have such information on their websites, if they follow it is another thing entirely though!. Anyway, here is the info under "assistance - Special Needs" on the site:


""Assistance at the airport and in-flight

Wheelchairs and buggies provided by the airport
Please let us know a day in advance, or preferably at time of booking if you need a wheelchair or buggy to help you through the airport. We will try our best to ensure that the airport provides this service for you.

Travelling with your own wheelchair

We can usually arrange to carry your wheelchair or mobility aid on your flight.
Please tell us your wheelchair’s measurements and weight at the time of booking.
If space is available, we will store collapsible wheelchairs and mobility aids in the aircraft cabin. If we cannot do this they will be carried in the hold.
One mobility aid e.g. a wheelchair will be carried free of charge in addition to the applicable checked baggage allowance.
Special permission must be requested when bookings are made for mobility aids over 30kg because of weight and space restrictions.
If you have a battery-powered wheelchair, you need to take certain safeguards before you travel. Please ask for details when you contact us.
We will try our best to ensure that, if you wish, you can stay in your own wheelchair until you arrive at the boarding gate. However, all airports are different and sometimes it is not practical.
At some airports we may have to check wheelchairs or mobility aids into the aircraft hold and give them back to you in the arrivals baggage hall of your destination airport. If we do this we will transport you from check in to the aircraft in another wheelchair and, on arrival, from the aircraft to the baggage hall.
Facilities on board

We provide the following facilities to help you when on board our aircraft:

on board wheelchairs on all longhaul twin-aisled aircraft
adapted toilets with handrails on some twin-aisled aircraft, however cabin crew cannot assist in the toilet
a number of seats with lifting armrests for ease of access
Restrictions on certain aircraft

On Airbus A319 aircraft we cannot carry wheelchairs or mobility aids weighing more than 60kg due to limited space and weight restrictions.
If you are travelling on a flight operated by one of our airline alliance or franchise partners, please contact us to find out if you will be flying on one of the aircraft types mentioned. ""


HTH

Take care,

K

Edited by kewlcatkez, 25 January 2008 - 05:20 PM.

[gsp23]

I do fear trying to hold it for longer flights... first for obvious reasons of if I cant do so and secondly because I get AD and I dont want to trigger it with the overfull bladder even if I could hold it. That also brings me to the issue of not drinking anything because I heard that dehydration can trigger AD in some people as well. Dont know if it does for me or not cause I generally keep myself well hydrated.

[kewlcatkez]

gsp23, on Jan 25 2008, 05:17 PM, said:

I do fear trying to hold it for longer flights... first for obvious reasons of if I cant do so and secondly because I get AD and I dont want to trigger it with the overfull bladder even if I could hold it. That also brings me to the issue of not drinking anything because I heard that dehydration can trigger AD in some people as well. Dont know if it does for me or not cause I generally keep myself well hydrated.

Hi again Gsp23,

In my opinion, the thing with SCI/D in relation to AD and dehydration is that risk of dehydration is usually for a few specific reasons which if careful risks can usually be avoided or lessened. Sometimes this is because of the excessive sweating above the level of the lesion (eg when unable to control the environmental temperature around us) but often it is because of the avoidance of drinking as much as should be drunk! because of the inconvenience of remembering ( especially true if/when thirst isn't registered the same), or b/c of the fear of Incontinence. It is pertinent to point out that AD can also be triggered by an over- full bladder too for those of us who have Flaccid ie non-reflex bladders where the urine just continues to fill the bladder, stretching it and backing up to the kidneys ( unless a catheter is used!)

I hope this helps,

K

Edited by kewlcatkez, 25 January 2008 - 05:33 PM.

[macthefox]

If you can fly Singapore airlines your troubles are over -- see my notes for 25th Feb
This has changed my life
Have fun
Mac