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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 7/3/2010 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi: I was wondering if you all could share with me your travel tips -for example, what meds you take with you, how to manage long airline flights etc! I am planning a big trip next month and am very nervous about traveling with this disease! Thanks!
Posted 7/3/2010 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
I took Imodium AD several times before leaving for the airport, at the airport, and once I got on the plane. That way I made sure I was not going to have to go while on the plane or from the plane to the hotel once I landed. It worked wonders and was able to have a wonderful trip. I took all my usual meds and then took several Imodium AD throughout the day. I had a 7 hour plane ride to Hawaii, 2 1/2 hours to Bermuda, 3 hours to FL. All those trips never had any problems. If you are going somewhere that doesn't have safe drinking water bring some bottled water and also some other "safe" snacks for you while away. I highly recommend just using a lot of Imodium AD!! Best of luck and safe travels.
Posted 7/3/2010 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks - great idea. I did buy some Imodium but have never taken it before. I am traveling with friends from Colorado Springs to Utila, Bay Islands in Honduras. Have never been before, planned all this over a year ago before diagnosis and can't get money back (not that I would really want to).
Posted 7/3/2010 11:08 PM (GMT 0)
Since you're going to Honduras I would bring some "safe" snacks, and bottled water. That way if they have foods there you don't care for or upset your stomach you'll have some stuff you know doesn't bother you. The Imodium will let you enjoy your trip and not worry about traveling around the Island. Try it a few times before you go so you can figure out how many a day works for you so you feel more comfortable once you go on your trip. Have a great time!!
Posted 7/3/2010 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
You know if your anxiety ramps up about this (very common for Crohnies), you might want to talk to your doctor about a low dose of Xanax to use. I did and it really kept me calm.

I travel to Mexico quite frequently, and I find that when I am gone I do really well. Not sure if its because its so much less stressful than life at home or what, but I seem to always have a good time. When in Mexico I only drink bottled water or gaterade. I do not get ice in any of my drinks and avoid eating at the street vendors. I only eat in the nicer restraurants and I always do fine.

Good luck on your trip and I hope you have a wonderful time.

Hugs
Gail*Nanners*
Posted 7/3/2010 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Nanners; I'm glad you posted, I have been thinking about you and your upcoming surgery on Tuesday-are you ok? (and how are the knees)? Thanks for the tips. Barb
Posted 7/4/2010 6:20 AM (GMT 0)
i would try taking the imodium a few times before you actually do on your trip to see how it affects you...i for example only can take 1/2 a pill now at a time or my gut feels horrible after...i also make sure i hit the head before i leave for the airport, when i get there, before i get on the plane etc...i may just sit there but who knows. i also take xanax before i fly to settle down. i don't eat or drink on the plane. when traveling hotels usually have the best public restrooms...but i always jump online to check out where i'm going- to see what's around..and this forum is great...we just went to la jolla and i posted and asked about beaches with public restrooms- got some great advice from people who live in the area. we had an awesome time! have a great trip!!!!!!!
Posted 7/4/2010 7:55 AM (GMT 0)
Be careful with imodium if you have any strictures it could add to an obstruction. I have used it in the past for special occasions but have ended up with bad stomach cramps which in a way have spoilt the occasion anyway and have mad travelling very uncomfortable (but clean !). I have recently had an MRI(after being hospitalised with an obstruction) and found to have strictures. This has now made me wary of using anything to 'stop the flow'. Just a thought.
Posted 7/4/2010 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Have to agree with Nanners, anxiety is what can really kill a trip. My Daughter who is an 11 year IBDer and a fan of long distance and international travel does pretty much the same as Nanners.
She takes 1/2 dose of Ativan or Xanax before long distance travel and full dose if she will be flying many hours internationally. She also goes with a bland diet 2-3 days before traveling.

This girl has traveled in some less than prisitine conditions especially in South America. Long, hot, nasty bus travels. Good to have immodium on hand just in case. Anti-nausea med is good too.
Bottled water always.

Don't forget to pack your prescription meds in your carry-on in their original containers!! Can't trust the airlines these days or the peeps checking through your luggage.

Happy travels to You! yeah
Posted 7/4/2010 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for the great suggestions and I am so glad it is still doable!  Barb

Posted 7/5/2010 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
My husband's from Honduras.  The bay islands are beautiful, I've been there twice in 6 years.   You'll luv it.  My GI dr. told me to take Pepto morning noon and night.  Basically 20 minutes before I ate anything.  She said that would coat my stomach and that it would be difficult for bacteria to attach to the lining in the intestines.  Thats what I did both times and I was the only one who did not get sick.  They have different bacteria in food and water there.   So if your not  used to it you can get sick.  And if you do get sick Immodium is your best friend.  Good luck and have fun!
Posted 7/5/2010 6:02 AM (GMT 0)
I just got back from a week in Mexico and did just fine!  I made some Bacon Wrapped Salmon Skewers to take on the plane with me, along with Cinnamon Crunch cookies and Lara Bars.  The Lara Bars, which I tolerate VERY well, served to supplement my diet while I was gone.  I chowed on them whenever I needed something extra.  While in Mexico I ate peeled fruit (I can do raw fruit) only, such as pineapple and cantelope.  I also had fresh omlets each morning and a simple stir-fry of chicken and veggies each lunch and dinner.  Not very exciting, but it kept me safe and I had no problems!  As for meds/supplements....I had a note from my doctor but didn't need it.  I was worried because I have some powdered supplements and thought they might fight me on that, but not a single person batted an eye through all the airports/customs/security.  :)
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