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vacation in Mesa Verde, Colorado?

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Posted 8/30/2008 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
So, my hubby and I are supposed to go on our "belated" honeymoon next week, and I'm still flaring! We're doing a self-guided road-trip style tour of the Mesa Verde area in Colorado... the National Park, the railroad, etc.

I was just wondering if anyone else has done this vacation-type-thing while flaring...? Are there lots of bathrooms available in the desert? We're not doing any "guided" tours or anything, I'm just trying to calm my nerves down about bathroom availability... I wish I could just pop some magic pill and not worry about it for a week, but no such luck. I have to go about 6 times a day as it stands now...

If any of you guys have done this area, or something similar while flaring, I would love any pointers you might have! I'm thinking, worst case scenario, I can just have my husband pull the car over and hide on the side of the car to make my own Loo on the winding desert roads if I need to...? So... TP and Wet Wipes... but that's the extent of my plan so far! How Romantic! Such a crummy thing to have to worry about... but I'm determined to make the best of it!
Posted 8/30/2008 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
Never done the trip while flaring. But I did do the trip once. From what I can remember, there are rest stops as you drive along the highways. There are not a ton of populated areas insofar as stores with restrooms, etc. But you know what? The whole area is so ancient and peaceful and humbling, you might just find that you won't have to poop so much while you're there.

Depending on where you stop and hike....you may have to poop behind a rock or a shrub. It's God's great open country and not a lot of places to hide...not off the main roads anyway.

Hey, go and enjoy the heck out of the trip. No kidding! You'll probably be fine and nice and relaxed. The trip is definitely good for the soul. Have a great time!
Posted 8/30/2008 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
I am not sure on the availabilty of bathrooms in the desert. But I get alot of anticipatory anxiety when we travel. What I do is I take Xanax (.25mg lowest dose) when I wake up and when I go to bed. I started it about 3 days before I left and took it while I was on the trip until I started feeling like everything would be okay (about 4 days). It really helped with the "what-if's" and helped to keep me calm. And its such a short time, I didn't become dependent on it. You might want to talk to your PCP about it. That's one idea.

As for the "D" my only suggestion would be maybe Immodium or a prescription strength type medication like that. I think its called Lomitil.

The Xanax helped me the most to tell you the truth. It kept me calm and helped me to have a wonderful vacation. I hope you guys have a wonderful time and I look forward to hearing how much fun you had. Good luck!

Hugs,
Gail *Nanners*
Posted 8/30/2008 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
An excellent time to create your own "potty van". Search for "potty van" in the search tool above and see all the great ideas in that post. Just take along a bucket, trash bags for the bucket, paper towels to put in the bottom of the bags, and a foldable toilet seat on 4 legs (bet you can rent one). When you need to go, just pull into a senic overlook. Put the bucket under the toilet seat and you can poop while taking in the lovely countryside. Once you are so equiped, you can completely relax -- you can poop anytime without worry!! And being in the middle of nowhere means no one will see you. Not stressing about finding bathrooms may help the flare.

Just go and have a great time!!
Posted 8/30/2008 6:21 PM (GMT 0)
You can always buy a "port a potty" and poop in the privacy of your car. Sit it right on the back seat and no one will know you're sitting on a potty.
Line the potty with a shopping bag and throw it in the garabage afterward.

Have a nice trip!
Posted 8/30/2008 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
most camping stores have this contraption called the "luggable loo"...bucket, seat and disposable bags!!!  My non-Crohn's husband uses it when he goes camping without facilities...don't stress about it, plan for it and you won't have to use it!!  Have FUN

Posted 8/30/2008 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
You guys are always so full of brilliant ideas!

I think I'm gonna ask about the xantax, AND track down a portable-loo contraption of some kind. Planning for the worst is definitely the best way of avoiding it... I think you're right.

Thanks guys!
Posted 8/30/2008 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
i have always said the best job for a us is on a ranch..not only can you poop anywhere, anytime but you really dont even need to wear pants.
Posted 8/31/2008 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
Everyone gave great ideas..........having some type of back up portable potty should eliminate alot of your worries! I always carry a bucket, wipes and trash bags in my van just in case and it makes a huge difference knowing that its there ( I never have had to use it yet!)

I just wanted to wish you a wonderful trip....you both really deserve it!

((hugs)) Shelley
Posted 8/31/2008 1:36 PM (GMT 0)
I second what everyone said. Xanax really helps me as well. Just a low dose to take the edge off, not enough to knock me out or anything. I also like having the bucket in the back for a worst case scenario. Wipes and tp are a relief if you need to pop a squat on the side of the road. You should be fine!
Posted 9/1/2008 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Loving all the great ideas. Hope you have a good time .lol gail
Posted 9/2/2008 7:27 AM (GMT 0)
Marianne,

Happy belated honeymoon! I've only been dx'ed with colitis for a couple of years, but I've been taking road trips to Southern Utah and the Escalante, Lake Powell area for years, and I wasn't about to let some BMs keep me from my yearly pilgrimage. Since I spend my time hiking and camping while in the desert, and don't stay in hotels I've gained some great experience with coping in the outdoors.

Things I've learned:
Port-a-potty is useful, carrying lots of toilet paper is useful, wet wipes useful. You already were thinking of those. The members of the forum had many wonderful suggestions as well.
I try not to rush myself, and I understand that I will be stopping more often than I used to.
I stop at rest areas and other bathroom opportunities even if I don't need to, because you never know when the urgency will strike.
I try to avoid Immodium but only because I had a bad experience with it. It did help control my d, but it had a horrible rebound effect on me.
I try to modify my eating habits on road trips. I go for low residual foods (usually low fiber/low sugar), and don't eat very often. The formula Less in = Less out is my motto.
When I'm going out for a hike/walk, I carry toilet paper, a plastic bag for garbage, and a spare set of whatever clothes I might need to change. I've had a couple of accidents.
Finally, enjoy yourself! If you fully immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings, you won't be focussed on every little noise your bowels make. I think that being over-vigilant sometimes causes problems that wouldn't have been, if that makes sense.

Have a great honeymoon. Mesa Verde is a cool place to visit, and hopefully you'll leave with lots of fond memories.
Posted 9/2/2008 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
You guys are the best!
I called my doc this morning to ask for the Xanax...that way I can start it Friday or Saturday in preparation for our Monday departure... I'm starting to get SOOOO excited! And, just to give myself a "break" right off the bat, I scheduled the train ride from Durango to Silverton for our first day's adventure... almost EVERY car on the train has a bathroom, woohoo! As for the rest of the hiking around - I will be WELL stocked. :-) I MIGHT even have scored us a stay at a bed and breakfast that can deal with my gluten-free nonsense!

All of the encouraging words really do mean a lot to me. And like many of you said, the serenity of the landscape could go a long way towards mellowing me out. Thanks again guys.
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