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UC Symptoms and enjoying the beach

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/24/2012 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

As we know we are in the beginnings of the summer and I am eager to enjoy it.  I live in NJ and that means routine weekend trips to the shore.  This is my first summer with UC and I am afraid I won't be able to enjoy it as I did before.  So, my questaon to all of you is how should I prepare? I plan on bringing extra clothes, the dreaded diapers, an extra towel.

I find most of my "poo action" is overnight to about 9 in the morning. Of course, we all know that is subject to change and I don't know if the heat or the added activity of being down the shore will activate my bowels.  Should I pop an immodium?  I really don't to run back and forth to the bathroom all day.  Any help is appreciated.

My meds are:

Lialda 1.2 mg 4 tablets everymorning

Entocort 3 capules every morning

Cortifoam once in the morning, once at bedtime

Bentyl whenever needed (Not to exceed 4 tabs a day)

Posted 6/24/2012 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
I would advise not to pop an imodium. I have been told by my GI that it could lead to toxic megacolon. Stay on your meds and relax and enjoy. Natures bathroom is just a few steps away...just kidding. I always take some baby wipes with me. But I always so better if I am going somewhere I love and know I will have a relaxing day. Much worse if I know I am going to work. Hang in there, I am sure others will be along to give better advice.
Posted 6/24/2012 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm, well, some people build sandcastles when on the beach...you could build a sandtoilet! LOL! Seriously though, taking an imodium on occassion (like when going to the beach occassionally) should be fine...it's excessive and long term use that can cause toxic megacolon. Definitely take changes of clothes/undies and extra towels with you...try and enjoy the beach, I know it's hard not to worry with having this DD, but try and have a good time.
Posted 6/24/2012 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
A good blast of UV radiation will help suppress your immune system naturally! Enjoy your time there and hope your symptoms cool down after your trip, or even before!
Posted 6/25/2012 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
I find that in the middle of these sorts of outdoors activities where you can lose yourself having fun, my colon shuts down and its the last thing on my mind. Just win that mental game.
Posted 6/25/2012 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Even in my worst flares I went to the beach. I would pop two immodium early in the morning. I wouldn't eat much while sitting on the beach just to be safe. I find that I feel my healthiest while there. Relax and try to enjoy it. I just went for five days last week and hated to come back home. I'm in DE and also make lots of beach trips. Have fun and take the immodium. I use it all the time.
Posted 6/30/2012 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
Well...I went down the shore today, took my normal meds in the morning and popped a dose of immodium after breakfast. Put on a diaper just in case for the drive down. Got rid of it by the time I arrived and well....success!! No problems. My 3 year old nephew sure tested my system with running around on the sand to the constant lifting I did with him as he "jumped" over the waves. I packed plenty of water and had some mangoes to snack on while on the beach. By the time i hit the boards, i had a cheesesteak (gasp!) for lunch and some frozen yogurt for an afternoon cool down snack. I am home now and relaxing in the AC. Thanks everyone for the advice. I do have a question which I will post now...
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