Community Forum

Hi Everyone,

  My name is Sherry, I'm new to the board but not to UC. I was diagnosed in March 2004 (about 9 months after the birth of my 2nd child).  Anyway, my husband & I are going on a cruise in August to celebrate our 10 yr wedding anniversary.   I am so afraid of flaring up!!  I just had a baby (my 4th son) 6 weeks ago and I have a history of flare up after pregnancy.  I saw my GI dr yesterday and he started me on Prednisone as I'm starting to have some bleeding again.  (I've been in remission for about 1 year as well as throughout my pregnancy).  Does anyone have any good tips about travelling with UC??  Or meds that have worked really well for them??   I'm looking forward to chatting with you all and making soem new friends.  Hope to hear from some of you soon.  Thanks!

 Reply posted for Luvmy4boys.

Hey, congrats in the vacation! Its good to see your symptoms arent preventing you from getting out of the house. Ive traveled overseas and to Mexico several times since my diagnosis with mixed results. I didnt know what to expect the first couple times I went, but they arent kidding about the water in Mexico. I developed a pretty severe Shigella infection the first time around, requiring mutliple courses of antibiotics. While you should always speak with your physician before doing anything, I suggest trying a probiotic regimen prior to & during your trip, especially if youre currently taking immunosuppresants (Imuran, Entocort, prednisone, etc.). For my last two trips to Latin America, I began taking lactobacillus (brand name Culturelle) one week prior to leaving, each day while I was gone, and for about a week afterward. You can find probiotics in the antacid section of your local drug store, and they should help maintain cultures of good bacteria in your body, so opportunistic bugs dont get in. Let us know how the trip goes!

Pete

 Reply posted for Luvmy4boys.

About a month before I was diagnosed, I went on a cruise (and have another planned in a month).  The symptoms were in full swing.  The good thing about cruise ships is that there are plenty of bathrooms.  Bad thing?  When you get off the ship, bathrooms aren't as reliable. 

The only suggestions I have are the basic ones...

Try to stick with bottled water.  I find myself drinking less fluids when I'm on vacation just because I forget since I'm so busy.  Esspecially when you consider the extra sun.

Bring any medications that you might need to take.  They don't keep much on the ship.  Plus they're expensive.  And if they're perscriptions, keep them in the regular bottles that have your name printed on them.  They won't check your bags each time you enter and exit, but sometimes they'll check your carryon when you first board.

Be careful with fruits and veggies on board.  Never know how they wash them, or where they came from.

I just tend to be a little more careful.  I know that my immune system flat out sucks now.  Last thing you want is a bad cruise because you're sick, or even a bad cruise because you're worrying about becoming sick.

 Reply posted for Luvmy4boys.

As someone with somewhat active UC, and someone who has traveled frequently since being diagnosed I can share your apprehension for traveling. I got back from a small village in Mexico just two days ago and held up ok. Aside from Asacol, I am taking a mild dose of Entocort, and a hydrocortazone enema. I find the enema has really helped me with trips like these. Since being diagnosed with UC, I have been to Mexico three times, Costa Rica three times, on a cruise, and about 13 business trips, including Europe. I find that the most important thing for me to cope is to get into a rythem as soon as possible. If I am in a rythem and I can anticipate possible urges. You should have no problem getting into a rythem on a cruise, but do watch what and how much you eat, they basically shove food down you throat.

The negative of the hydrocortazone enema is the discomfort when you take it for about 5 minutes and that you'll need to lay down for a good while, do it at bed time. The positives are that it does not enter your system like prendesone and there are little to no side effects. Talk to your Dr. about it. I really feel this has saved me on may trips.

Only once in my 6 times to Costa Rica/Mexico, have I ever had a real problem and that was because I had to wake up about 2.5 hours before I was used to one day. I find that because the food is basically organic, not fattening, and still quite tasty, (think grilled fish, rice, beans and vegetable), I have always felt very good when I am down there. Cruises are different because of the heaviness of the food. Hope this helped and good luck.