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Travel to Europe


Mon, May 26, 2014 9:39 PM

Hi!  I am traveling to Europe next year.  I have had UC for the past 3 years (on remicade).  I know I will have to schedule the trip around my treatments, but do you have any tips that could help me - preventing flare-ups overseas, what to do if I get sick overseas?  This will be the first time to Europe for me and I am nervous since my family won't be along with me. 

Also, I am to see my doctor this week regarding my symptoms flaring up right now.  Should there be anything I ask him in regards to the trip?

Thanks,

FPO emily kate
Joined Jan 25, 2011

Fri, March 24, 2023 7:52 AM

Reply posted for ligisev540.

Shanghai is a large and diverse city, with many different neighborhoods and accommodation options to choose from. Here are a few suggestions for where to stay in Shanghai, depending on your preferences:

The Bund: The Bund is a popular tourist area with stunning views of the city skyline and the Huangpu River. There are many luxury hotels and upscale apartments in this area, as well as restaurants and shops.

French Concession: The French Concession is a charming neighborhood with tree-lined streets, art deco architecture, and plenty of cafes and boutiques. It's a great area to stay if you want to experience a more relaxed and bohemian side of Shanghai.

Jing'an: Jing'an is a bustling commercial district with many high-end hotels, shopping malls, and office buildings. It's a convenient area to stay if you're looking for easy access to transportation and amenities.

Xintiandi: Xintiandi is a trendy neighborhood with a mix of traditional Shanghainese architecture and modern development. It's known for its nightlife, restaurants, and shopping, and there are many boutique hotels and serviced apartments in the area.

Pudong: Pudong is the newer part of Shanghai, with skyscrapers and modern architecture. It's a good area to stay if you're interested in exploring the financial district or visiting popular attractions like the Oriental Pearl Tower or the Shanghai Tower.

FPO ligisev540
Joined Dec 29, 2022

Tue, January 24, 2023 8:34 AM

Reply posted for emily kate.

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FPO ligisev540
Joined Dec 29, 2022

Tue, February 24, 2015 11:33 AM

 Reply posted for crc1980.

Hi all,

I'm planning a trip to Europe this summer and I'm trying to figure out how to get my IBD medication there.

I get Entyvio every 7 weeks and I'm scheduled to get in right in the middle of my vacation. 

Does anyone know if it's possible/easy to get intravenous IBD drugs in europe? I know that they're available to EU citizens but can I get them as a traveling american? I could plan to be in Berlin, Zurich, Prague, Vienna or Budapest at the time that I need the drug. 

Any info on this would be so great--can't find anything via google!!!

FPO wartherk
Joined Feb 24, 2015

Fri, December 05, 2014 5:39 AM

 Reply posted for emily kate.

I also visited Europe about a year ago with my wife. Europe is small in size but offers a variety of beautiful and incredible place to see. It is well known all over the world due to its; museums, shops, restaurants, nightlife, recreation and aesthetics. Its most famous destinations are; Rome, Berlin, Paris and one of my favorite London.

FPO algernon55
Joined Dec 5, 2014

Wed, November 12, 2014 7:49 PM

 Reply posted for emily kate.

I work as an Event Manager and I am required to travel domestically and internationally at least 1-2 times a month !! Yikes, i know right?

I've had UC for 3 years and I've been in remission and have flare ups whenever they please.

I had a flare up during a trip to MEXICO...but i stayed positive. I brought my own snacks, extra chinese herbals, enemas for emergency.

I had to let my team know that i may not feel 100% the whole trip and have slowly explained to them my condition.

Traveling can be fun if you keep a positive mindset. Maybe do some yoga or something calming every morning is what i suggest.

My trick is to get up earlier than i need to so i have some time to make myself feel better/ get rid of nauseous feelings, etc. I want to have time to drink my tea with slippery elm drops and to get situated for the day.

Hope this is helpful for anyone traveling

For more advice visit me on Instagram: @colitisconnected 

FPO kjbellavita
Joined Oct 16, 2014

Thu, July 17, 2014 10:23 AM

 Reply posted for emily kate.

I'm curious whether you've been told that you can't get the necessary shots to travel abroad?  My sons doctor has said that he will not be able to travel to certain areas if he'd need to receive "live" vaccine shots...... so, just curious if you've been told that.

FPO ellisk
Joined Jul 17, 2014

Tue, July 15, 2014 2:50 PM

 Reply posted for emily kate.

Yay traveling!  First, don't worry - you'll be fine.  I have moderate Crohn's Disease and I've traveled extensively to rural Africa, Central America, and the Amazon without dying.  You won't die either.

Be sure to get travel insurance.  I've used Travel Guard in the past, and while I have never needed to use it, a friend has been happy with the Travel Guard-paid care she received in an emergency situation.  

Bring some of your go-to emergency food.  For me that means a few cans of Ensure and fruit leather.  

Bring all drugs in your carry on.   It will be a lot, but you should do it anyway.  Cipro, Imodium, a pain killer and prednisone most especially.  

Get a letter from your doc stating your diagnosis and bring copies of your last blood test & any major tests you've had in the past six months.  Take a copy of your passport and keep all these papers handy.  Some clinics need your passport information before you can be treated.  

Wherever you go, rent a bike.  They're usually cheap and its easier to hold off on restroom emergencies if you're sitting on a bike saddle.  It also means you can get to that restroom you noticed a few blocks away a little quicker.  

FPO sjb
Joined Jul 12, 2013

Mon, July 14, 2014 8:04 AM

Hello! Where in Europe are you going? 
I went on my first trip to Europe this past May (Serbia/Italy).  I have Crohn's and went to my doctor before I left for more medication. I didn't discuss the possibility of a flare-up because I've been fine for a while. That was a mistake. I ended getting sick as soon as I got to Serbia and I was miserable for about 5-6 days overall. By the time I went to Italy I had it under control and the rest of my trip was great!

My advice to you is talk to your doctor about what to do incase of a flare-up when you are away.  I didn't have internet my first few days abroad so it would have been nice to know what to do before hand. I would advice bringing anti-diarrhea pills and a probiotic pill of some sort. My friend's family who I was staying with in Serbia bought me these things when I was feeling sick. It helped A LOT.

Other than that my advice is to have a great trip! Try not to stress about what might happen. Be confident that you are prepared to handle anything and be excited about your trip.

FPO rachel diana
Joined Jul 14, 2014

Wed, June 04, 2014 7:11 PM

 Reply posted for emily kate.

How long will you be in Europe?

I would talk to your doctor about your trip and your worries on what might happen.

Sometimes I find it better to just enjoy myself and not worry, -cross that bridge if and when it comes.

You might also see if your insurance would cover you if you got sick overseas.

Hope you have a great trip.

FPO crc1980
Joined Apr 1, 2014

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