Hi Jackie,
I don't have an ileostomy, but got something called a Mitrofanoff. Simply put a continent urinostomy. While I don't use bags (my bladder still performs the function of collection), I do use dressings.
There are a couple of basic 'rules' anybody with these types of -stomy's can find some help in;
- supplies do fine in regular bagage, but ALWAYS have at least enough in your carry on for a day or 3 or 4. Especially nowadays with the nobody-can-pronounce-it-vulcano acting up. If something does happen with the flight and/or your bagage gets lost, you'll at least have enough supplies to last you a couple of days.
- always have the emergency number of your supplier on hand. If you need extra supplies, they can help you with it. Anywhere in the world. Don't know about the UK but our healthcare system even covers these charges.
- always carry at least 1.5 times as much supplies as you use at home. Different activities can have an impact on your body and thus the need to chance bags, bandages etc. Weather can also have an impact.
- look at what your supplier can deliver. Sometimes folks will use different supplies during travel, depending on the situation they want/need to use it in. Where possible, always try out new stuff at home first.
If you need water for emptying and/or changing bags; one option is to look for the companion bathroom. They've all got a sink right in the stall. Some of the handicapped stalls in regular bathrooms do, but not all of them do, so you'ld want to check on that before closing the door behind you. You can also always use first aid if you need to and can leave supplies with them while you're in the park if you need to.
Personal experience? I always travel with at least twice as much supplies as normal, and a bit more variation besides that (so that basically makes even more than twice as much). I keep about 5 days worth in my carry on, check the rest. They've always done fine. The sun does influence the adhesive of my dressings, some more than others. It makes them come off a lot easier. I can normally remove and repast a dressing about a couple of times, but in the FL sunshine that same dressing can come falling of after a couple of hours without me even having removed it once.
Others have less of such a big decrease in adhesive powers, but they all seem to stick less and/or a shorter time.
If you have any 'living rules' and/or are proun to any infection or anything to the ileostomy; take along back up precautions for the 'just in case'. I learned that one the hard way! I actually never had a UTI (should've had many over the years, never did until our 2008 trip). Got my Mitrofanoff in the summer of 08 and had since than learned that it became more important to drink enough and regular spread out over the day. December 08; WDW-trip. I shifted my drinking patern somewhat because of the flight. Nothing major, but it did result in me having a UTI by the time we arrived at MCO. Didn't notice it as it's symptoms were masked. Back up meds didn't work, long story short, it got out of hand and most of the trip spent in the room. Lesson learned big time! Since then, each travel will come with me on extra strong preventive antibiotics during the trip, back up on hands, sticking to my fluids rules more stricktly than absolutely needed. And lo and behold; no more problems abroad since.
*knock on wood*
I also always travel with dressings that allow swimming. I'm not always up for it, but want to have all of my options open and decide on a whim. I've used that option a couple of times and worked like a charm. Weather didn't seem to bother those dressings too much but then again I don't swim for that long of a time. I would advice also trying those out at home while soaking in a tub or something. I've found some wouldn't hold up for even a couple of minutes on me for some reason
while others hold up perfectly.
Hopefully someone else will come along that can help you out a lot more. If not, some suppliers have got some great info and tips on travel with any type of -stomy. Have a great trip!