It’s natural to be anxious about how you will travel if you are suffering from Crohn’s disease. Usually, people experiencing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) worry about their toilet access and the quality of available food stuff while traveling, along with many other concerns. If you’re living with this illness, Crohn’s disease Houston has excellent resources for managing your health on the go.
People with Crohn’s disease possibly could start believing that remaining at home is the best option if you go through symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach discomfort, and an intense rush to use the restroom. However, with some proper planning, traveling may be far less stressful than you can imagine. Try implementing some of these tips to make those long travel days go more smoothly.
Make a comprehensive list of everything you may need while away from home, from additional clothing to prescriptions and extra ostomy supplies. Don't forget to carry an emergency kit to keep with you at all times, or have a go-bag always available for IBD emergencies. Include toilet paper, tissues, wipes, ointments, plastic bags, hand sanitizer, electrolyte hydration powder, and adult diapers (particularly if you're flying). Some people prefer to bring their own toilet paper, as individuals with IBD may spend more time in the bathroom.
If you're driving, plan your route to include rest stops; many navigation applications feature them. When traveling with someone you're not very close to, it may be beneficial to discuss your IBD and bathroom needs beforehand. This can help reduce tension during your vacation. It's important to inquire whether your bus or train has a restroom before boarding. When flying, select an aisle seat near the restroom for easier access. Also, consider carrying an "I Can't Wait" card in your wallet. It clearly states that you may need to be first in line for the restroom or use an employee-only toilet in case of any emergency.
Before planning to travel, be sure to carefully pack any prescription or over-the-counter medications you could need for your Crohn's disease and place them in your carry-on bag rather than your checked luggage. In order to treat an unplanned flare-up, your doctor may additionally prescribe some medicines or other antibiotics.
When you have Crohn's disease, finding food while traveling can be quite difficult. It's essential to prepare well in advance. The day before your journey, pay attention to what you eat because it may impact your bathroom habits on the day of traveling. When dining out, carefully consider which restaurants to visit or how to replicate meals similar to those you eat at home because certain foods, such as salads, ice cream, and prepared dishes like potato salad, might trigger your Crohn's disease symptoms. Therefore, if possible, bring your own food and protein powder when traveling to areas where meeting your dietary requirements is challenging. Also, ensure to remain hydrated with bottled water helping avoid dehydration, which can worsen diarrhea.
Traveling with Crohn's disease requires ensuring you have emergency medical coverage. Also, bring your insurance cards or save the details on your phone for quick access. Moreover, for airport security, you can print a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) medical card to explain that you may require additional screening due to Crohn's disease. Lastly, before your trip, make a list of the phone numbers and addresses of major hospitals and in-network providers in your destination city. This will save you valuable time in case of an emergency.
Having Crohn’s disease is not always easy, but worrying over every detail could spoil your trip. You can certainly travel despite having a chronic illness; you just need to be organized and prepared. Set yourself up by packing your emergency supplies, documents, and medications in advance. Plan ahead by locating nearby restrooms and communicating your requirements to others. Above all, remember that those who live with Crohn’s disease can also enjoy the journey.