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Stress-Free Travel Tips?

Sat, September 10, 2011 9:41 PM

Hi Folks,

I could use the CCFA Community's help!! My family wants to travel to Florida for Christmas to visit my grandparents. I'm terrified of flying to begin with, so the stress has already begun. Then, having UC, it makes me nervous about bathrooms as well. What if I need to go immediately to the restroom? I am nervous that I won't have easy access to a bathroom if needed. Has anyone else dealt with this situation before? I don't think my family understands why i'm nervous about flying for vacation?

Please let me know what I can do to deal with the stress of this!

Thanks,

emily kate
Joined Jan 25, 2011

Thu, October 06, 2011 9:46 PM

Reply posted for Lizzies Mom.

Hello,

Thank you for your responses on this topic! Sorry it took me a while to respond. It has been a busy summer/beginning of fall. I will use your comments to help during my flight.

Lizzie's Mom-Thank you for always helping me through things in so many posts! It helps a lot to talk about things with people who understand what we go through on a daily basis. I just joined the CCFA. I still haven't received my membership kit and it's been two weeks already, so hopefully it will show up soon in the mail.

Hope all is well with both of you! Thanks for your advice!

emily kate
Joined Jan 25, 2011

Mon, September 12, 2011 3:55 AM

Reply posted for Emily Kate.

Lizzies mums advice is great. And for peace of mind get some good protective underwear and use several thin pads in addition so they can be removed easily. I am always amazed that they are ALL designed for people with bladder problems and not ibd.

Does Immodium help? I know we are not supposed to use it in a flare but I do sometimes take it as 'insurance ' for travelling and it does work although the next day can be much worse.

A little humour works wonders for embarassing runs to the bathroom. It's amazing how many others admit to anxiety on the same subject even if they have no idea how severe your problem is.

I think the airline staff are quite aware of passengers with urgent need to use the restroom. They once unlocked the door on boarding the plane for me without hesitation and I didn't need to explain anything.

Best of luck

lca
Joined Oct 12, 2008

Sun, September 11, 2011 12:45 PM

Reply posted for Emily Kate.

Emily Kate,

You can do this. Really! There are several things you can do to make life easier and less stressful. First off plan ahead, being the trip isn't happening til the holidays, you have plenty of time. In case you don't already, watch your diet more strictly than maybe you do on a regular basis, maybe 5 days ahead of departure. Then bring things that help you relax during the flight. I think one of the best inventions is the i-pod. Next, bring your own snacks, bananas, water, goldfish, whatever. Do you drink tea? If so, brew some chamomile, mint, or other herbal tea that you usually get good results with and sip in on the car ride to the airport. Maybe stop by a bookstore and get a new book, anything to keep your mind occupied.

In case you don't already have, CCFA has a card w/membership that we carry in the event we need to use a restroom quicker than another guest if there is a line.

Good luck and enjoy the trip. It will be great.

Lizzies Mom

lizzies mom
Joined Sep 9, 2009

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