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Valium for traveling?

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Posted 7/16/2009 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
I asked a few days ago, but never received an answer from anyone.. I was diagnosed the 1st of the year..since then the only flare ups I have had are when I am traveling, which is often. I have read here and on the net that valium may help me relax and stop starting a flare up.. I have never been on valium before and dont want my new dr to think I am drug seeking.. Just wanted some advice if this is something I should ask about..thanks in advance..
Posted 7/16/2009 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
     Ask your doctor.  My GI doctor was very reluctant to put me on xanax but while flaring I get extremely anxious.  I have no idea whether the flare causes the anxiety or the anxiety contributes to the flare.  I suppose a little of both.  He only prescribed me 0.5 mgm and the bottle contains 40 pills with a strict NO REFILL on the bottle.  Maybe your family physician would be more willing to give you a script for valium.

     By the way...I also am on 100 mgm of 6MP and today decreased my prednisone from 40 mgm to 35 mgm...weekly decreases by 5mgm.  Also taking Cort enemas and Canasa suppositories, Colazal (nine pills a day).  Are you feeling any better?  I do believe this high dose of 6MP is making me feel extremely fatigued but yet I cannot sleep without the Ambien CR....ugh....bummer.

Posted 7/16/2009 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah I feel a little better...I am def. more fatigued since they upped my dose of 6mp.. I am 26 and feel like I am a bum and I think my work and friends think I am on drugs or something because I feel so lazy. Not sure if the valium is the answer or not.. just curious.. the last 3 trips that I had to fly I started showing symptoms of a flare up and now I have had to up all my meds since the last trip.. I think it is the stress and anxiety of it all, but who knows.. Wish I could just find this so called remission for a while.. Thanks all for the support..
Posted 7/16/2009 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
I use .25-.75 of xanax on days I'm flying or taking a train or bus. Works like a charm. I also use it for job interviews or other special events that get the bowels going. My primary rx'd it.
Posted 7/16/2009 5:18 AM (GMT 0)
Most definately I would reccommend a Xanax or something to help with extra stressors like traveling, etc... from time to time.. When I flew back to South Carolina for my Son's graduation from Army boot Camp, I took one every day of my entire trip... I was traveling alone and totally sressed out.... People who don't have IBD can deal with stress and don't get sick... We get sick with stress.... My Dr. Prescribes them to me and I get 30 pills every 3 months. I only end up using like 1/2 of the prescription.. but I keep getting it renewed every 3 months for times like I'm going through lately...like right now, I'm on so many steroids, I am taking it more often, and it has been helping me IMMENSLY to cope.. Stess is a HUGE trigger for me and if you feel it might be for you I'd definately ask your doctor.. maybe he can just prescribe you a few to get you through this trip, and then if another situation down the road comes up, he can give you a few more then and so on... He might feel more comfortable with RX'ing it that way... Some Dr's are so paraniod about prescribing it, but as long as you don't have an addictive personality.. you should do just fine with a little extra help now and then :)
Posted 7/16/2009 12:29 PM (GMT 0)
I also use Xanax to deal with anxiety. Even when my symptoms are pretty much under control, I still have those unpredictable days where I don't know if I'm going to need the bathroom while I'm out and about. Typically I only need .125 mgs. but sometimes I'll take .25 mgs. I only take one dose a few times a week. My doctor prescribed 30 pills with no refills about 3 months ago and I still have about 7 pills left (I only take a 1/2).

It really sucks with this disease because prior to UC, I never had anxiety and was the most laid back person. The disease itself gives me anxiety. I wish it would all just go away!!!
Posted 7/16/2009 1:47 PM (GMT 0)

After trying three kinds of anxiety drugs - Xanax is my medication of choice (doctor's choise also).  My husband and I both take Xanax - 1/2 doses usually, as needed.  As helped me through some tough times traveling and when he was ill.  You may find you have to try several types as we are all different - starting with small doses!

ElaineNY

Posted 7/16/2009 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Guess I will just ask about it and see what the dr says. I am curious to see what he will say... I just have found it strange that my flare ups have been during or just after my flights for whatever reason.. I was told that most dr don't like Rx that kind of med to the younger crowd. Would be nice to get just a few to try and see if it helps. Who knows.... Thanks all for the advice.
Posted 7/16/2009 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
My doc gave me some xanax to help with the stress of being prohibited from using the restroom in a plane (when flying into DC especially, they would arrest you). I didn't find it made any difference. BTW, I never had an accident, it was just stress. Sometimes I would feel tremendous urgency, but once I had access to a restroom, it subsided. Head games my body played on me, but the xanax didn't help me.
Posted 7/16/2009 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
my doc prescribed valium. it helps with relaxing etc... but it doesnt stop a flare.
Posted 8/13/2009 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
I always flare when we travel. I figured it was the different food and eating patterns. Our usual trips are to see family in a different part of the country and they eat differently, and also so much of our "togetherness" is centered around meals, it's really hard not to eat things that are tough on me. But, in any case - My doc has prescribed atavan and it has helped. last time I thought I was fine and only took it once - and have been dealing with the consequences for a month!
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