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Posted 5/31/2010 8:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Everyone! It's been a while since I've been on the site, but I have an issue I'd like your feedback on. Tuesday I am going to Las Vegas for 4 days. The trip itself is super exciting as it's the first time I've been since I became legal in February. However, there are a lot of things that are making me anxious UC wise.

1) I have to take an 1hr 30min BART train from my cousin's house to the San Francisco Airport. Stuck on a train for that long with no bathroom and no bathroom stops. At 8 in the morning. Not a good thing for us UCers.

2) My 1hr 30min flight is on an express plane with one teeny bathroom for the 90 person plane. I can feel the anxiety bubbling.

3) Both these will be repeated on the way back.

4) Walking around Vegas between hotels (Far with limited restrooms on the strip and walking long distance itself makes me feel I need to go).

5) Sharing a bathroom in the hotel room

6) Rich, Vegas food, and possible contaminants in Buffets spells disaster

Basically a lot of my triggers are all rolled into one and I'm freaking out a little.

I would appreciate advice on how to deal with these issues, past Vegas stories with your UC, or anything else you care to share.

Thanks!

AshleyO
Posted 5/31/2010 11:50 AM (GMT 0)
I travel constantly for work and say thank you every day for I've never had any colitis issues while traveling...and I've been in the middle of a flare for over two years now. Your concerns are completely understandable. I can completely understand the anxiety for I've had situations instantly set off my colitis in the past that caused me to find a bathroom immediately. I'm not sure why my colitis has never been an issue while traveling but I'll take it. I do take an immodium before I travel just in case and thats about it to be honest. I also try and use the bathroom before I walk out the door...my mornings used to be my worst, so I would get up extra early to make sure I had enough bathroom time. I know it's hard but try not to think about it too much or the anxiety will get the best of you. As far as the food...I've been to Vegas multiple times...you'll easily find plenty of options. There are alot of restaurants that don't involve buffets so not to worry. I've never had to share a bathroom but does the person you're sharing with know about your colitis? If so, I would hope they would understand. Walking between the hotels, if you're in one, try and use the bathroom before you leave to walk to another one, even if you feel you don't have to go...I will say, that walking thing will get old quick lol, they're not as close together as one may think.
Posted 5/31/2010 12:33 PM (GMT 0)
I had many of these concerns when I took a trip in February.

First, you have to try to calm down (trust me, I know it's hard).  But it will really help.  When I was at the airport waiting for my flight (REALLY early in the morning) I used the bathroom at the airport and then sat and tried to relax, read a magazine to keep my mind off things. 

It is a good idea to get up early to try to get the bathroom trips over with before you leave.

I've never used immodium but many have and say it helps.

As far as sharing a bathroom at the hotel...I know that some hotels have bathrooms at lobby level.  You may want to scout them out so you have that bit of information tucked in the back of your mind, that might ease your anxiety about sharing a hotel bathroom.

Buffets...yeah Vegas is full of them but they have regular restaurants too.  If you are at a buffet, just choose the best foods you can.

Relax, have fun!

 

Posted 5/31/2010 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
Just go have fun.  Be prepared - like when you have an umbrella with you and it rarely rains.

I see you take Imodium - take it!  I went to Orlando for 10 days and took 1/2 Imodium every morning before going out and 1/2 in afternoon about 2 hours before dinner.

You no doubt know what upsets your stomach and colon - stay away from the foods that you know you should not eat.  You can have lots of fun in Vegas without those buffet foods.  I ate only plain food in Orlando - baked fish, baked potato, ice cream, etc.  This is what agrees with me.  Eat light and often.  Take snacks you can eat.

Sharing a bathroom - just make others aware you might have to come in in a hurry. I have never had a problem with my friends and family understanding that one. 

I LOVE vegas and wish I was going with you.  Every casino/hotel, etc have several bathrooms. RELAX!!

ElaineNY

Posted 5/31/2010 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
Just do what I do... don't eat.
Posted 5/31/2010 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
You are kidding I hope about not eating.  Maybe I am the only one who gets very sick if I don't eat - worse than UC symptoms.  BUT - you can eat lightly, bland, no sauces or spicy things.

ElaineNY

Posted 6/1/2010 3:38 AM (GMT 0)
Ugh yeah I'm worried about my trip. It'll be like an eight+ hour flight, followed by waiting (assuming I'm not delayed) then a train, then the S-Bahn. Blah. And I've started having issues.
I might skip breakfast on the travel days if I were you, but other than that just eat what you know you can handle.
Walk smoothly. Roll your feet like in marching band.. lol
Posted 6/1/2010 4:25 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys!  Good news, I don't have to take the train anymore-I will be driving to the airport and back so I just have the flight, which should be no sweat.  PHEW.....

I plan on bringing immodium.  But won't take it unlesss ABSOLUTELY necessary because I hate how after I take it I never know when my bowels will restart.  Talk about a ticking time bomb. 

I will eat light and not overindulge..

My cousin Michael (4 years my senior), is my travel buddy and he does know about my UC so he'll be understanding. 

I'll be in vegas in 16 hours-whoo hoo!

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