Any advice about travelling and Morning Urgency/Frequency

Doctors vary on the Immodium question. Most seem reluctant to give a full OK because there is some theoretical risk that it can contribute to the development of toxic megacolon (which you don't want). On the other hand, many people with UC, including me, take it pretty routinely without problems. I won't get on a plane without it, especially in the morning. Some people have posted here that they take it every day. That strikes me as a bit much maybe, but, hey, we all have to weigh the risks and make the decisions we're comfortable with.

Early AM travel can result in a lot of anxiety for us, as that's when UC urgency and frequent BMS hit. Here's a few tips you can try individually, multiples, or all depending on your exact level of confidence and flare severity.

• Wakeup several hours earlier than needed, to have time to sit on the toilet and poop 3-4 times (or whatever your normal is)
• Use Imodium an hour before traveling. It's fine for occasional use (I've used it for early am flights), slows down the digestive tract which gives you more time to go. It doesn't eliminate urgency and frequency but it can firm things up, slow things down, and buy you more time to find a toilet.
• Fasting before and during the day of travel can help. Less input means less output.
• Avoid eating during travel as for some eating can stimulate a bowel movement (if it applies to you then be cautious)
• Avoid caffeine as it can increase urgency in some. If caffeine bothers you then avoid it the morning of travel.
• Bring a change of underwear, pants, and cleanup materials as they help for peace of mind. Anxiety can be a self-feedback-loop and if we ease the mind then we know we're okay and it's less likely to occur.
• Limit or avoid alcohol based on your experience with it. Alcohol can irritate the bowel walls causing more inflammation. I'll have a single drink and cut it off there. Drink too many drinks and I'm in for a bad morning. For some, even a single drink can be like a colonoscopy prep and open the flood gates, so know your body and how it reacts, and use caution.
• If you have a strict diet than bring approved snacks with you. As when we're traveling we tend to eat poorly, drink more alcohol than we do normally, and sleep differently. All of those things can make our bowel habits change and it's usually not for the better...
• Accidents happen and be prepared.Wear a pad or diaper as a peace-of-mind or for severe urgency. Nothing worse than being in a security line, or in a spot where you cannot leave to use the bathroom and having urgency strike hard (odds are that's where we get anxious and when it is most likely strike).

Do have fun, but be prepared should the worst happen. It's only human nature to assume the worst possible scenario out of everything, often we fret over absolutely nothing. If you at least took the best precautions you deem necessary, and have a plan then you'll likely ease your mind and not worry as much. As once that anxiety train gains a good head of steam there's no stopping that train and you usually run off of the rails. Keep your anxiety train starved of fuel and you'll do just fine.

I would advise you NOT to travel in the AM if you can get a flight later in the day when your gut is typically less active. From personal experience I would always try to minimize stress in the mornings whether at home or away, and to stay close to a nearby available john. Best wishes for a good trip whatever you decide! / Old Hat (36 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)

Butthurt said...

letsbeatIBD said...
Butthurt,
Thanks for your advice, May I ask what dosage you take? Since I have no history with it, thinking I will start really low.

I find that 2 of the OTC-strength caplets keeps me worry-free for 6-8 hours. In rare cases, I might supplement with a third pill part of the way through if I feel any rumbling.

Thank you! I will give it a try.