A month in Wien with a rather leaky disability

Do you have an Amazon account? If so, you can log into Amazon Germany (Amazon.de) with your US account and see if they carry what you need. I've ordered numerous things from them and had it delivered to Vienna. While you can't transfer your prime account, they sometimes offer a free month of Prime that you can cancel before you get charged.

I did a quick search for colostemy bags and they have a big selection.

If you found places that carry your supplies in Austria, do they have websites that state prices?

A warm welcome to the forum mikhaelah/Leaky McLeak!
Wish I had firsthand advice for you but I'm SURE you hear from some others with similar challenges. In the meantime, I'm applauding your bravery and adventurous spirit - challenges be damned - and this.....

...made me leak like a White House intern

...is likely to be the best laugh I'm going to have all day! 😂🤣

Yeah, I’ve been using that White House intern bit since my urostomy surgery in 2017. Happy to give you a laugh!

Welcome to the forum!

I pack very light, but I wouldn’t advise you to try. Set yourself up for success as much as possible. You may be able to buy supplies in Vienna, but what if they’re slightly different and don’t align well with your dimensions & needs? I think you’re wise to just plan on bringing what you need with you. Vienna is lovely! I hope you have a wonderful time!

I would buy plane tickets early to obtain the front row aisle seat of Comfort Plus. That will give you extra leg room. And call the airline to let them know you have a disability, so they don’t switch your seat.

Hi Mikaelah, what a wonderful opportunity to go stay with a friend in Vienna for a month!

I don’t think you are overthinking this. You are wisely (in my mind) trying to anticipate things that might trip you up, and how best to avoid them.

You are fine checking a bag; your idea to carry on your medically necessary items is wise. And to ask for the airport assistance, Jean has great advice about calling the airline to ensure they put a note with your reservation outlining what will help you have a successful plane journey (the aisle seat, etc).

Vienna is fabulous. Enjoy your time getting to know it.

Is your friend picking you up from the airport? If not, it may be worth it to pre-arrange a car service since you will be navigating two suitcases, etc. I think your idea of bringing "all the things" with you is a good one. It's been my experience that Europe doesn't always have the same types of drugs, medical supplies, etc. AT ALL. Better safe than sorry, and since you have wheelchair assistance and a friend on site, that will greatly help with the additional "lugging" that extra baggage brings.
Also, kudos to you for doing the trip. I also have an invisible disability that makes travel a bit complicated, but I firmly believe it's still worth the effort. I've only been to Austria briefly, just over the German border near Fussen, but it sure was gorgeous. I hope you have a marvelous time.

Bring a week and buy locally. I am 90% sure, without being on the Austrian plan the supplies will be cheaper or no more than the US. I have to buy a few meds in Austria and that's been the case, dont know why your supplies would be different.

Go have fun.

Just answering some questions…
- my friend is picking me up at the airport. I am actually staying in an apartment his familyvhas for really cheap money for the month and to top it all off, he’s going to be getting married at the end of June! I already have a pretty dress for the occasion.
-I use a particular manufacturer for my urostomy products, and I actually spoke with a representative that said that they have offices in Vienna.
- I have tickets and I have sent a note to the airline that I will need seats near a bathroom and on the aisle. My seats have not been assigned quite yet, but I’m hoping that they pay attention to my plea. If not, it will be pretty obvious on the plane when I open up my carry-on bag.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and suggestions. Oh, have I mentioned that I am also in the process of moving?? Yes… The lorazepam is on standby at all times! 💊
Leaky McLeaky

I am sure that your very good friend has plenty on their plate with an upcoming wedding, but could they check the prices for you of your preferred products?

Regarding your airplane seats.... We travel with a family member with disabilities. I always call the special assistance number for the airline right after I've booked my tickets, and the representative helps with assigning the seats that I specify. In our case, that means as close to the front of the plane as possible to avoid a lengthy aisle trip. We are still within the economy section, as per the tickets I've purchased, but are always assigned "preferred" seats in the first row or two of economy. Because of the disability, we don't pay an extra fee for those seats.

So I would recommend calling the special assistance number for the airline and have a specific seat in mind that you would like. The rep should be able to put you there as long as it's in the same cabin.

Have a great trip!