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Long distance traveling


Wed, August 27, 2008 12:00 AM

Hi. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in June and have been registered on this site since then, but have yet to post.

I leave in two weeks for a vacation to Disneyland. We always drive, as I have other medical conditions which require me to use a wheelchair, but the drive is about 6-7 hours. I am extremely worried about traveling so far and not always having a rest stop near when I need one. Does anyone have any suggestions??

I am also concerned about eating while I am in Disneyland, but do plan to take some food of my own that I know is safe. So much of the food is considered "fast food" that I am worried about the effects it will have on my system.

FPO anewday
Joined Jun 11, 2008

Tue, September 02, 2008 6:19 PM

 Reply posted for ANewDay.

Thank you to everyone who gave me tips and suggestions. I really appreciate the advice.

I go see my GI this week, so I'll be sure to talk to him about my traveling and see what he recommends, as well.

FPO anewday
Joined Jun 11, 2008

Sat, August 30, 2008 9:41 AM

 Reply posted for ANewDay.

Hi ANEWDAY. I recently went on a beautiful vaction to Puerto Rico where I would be far from any bathrooms, such as on the beach, in the rainforest and in a car or shuttle. I stressed so much before I left but I received many goods tips from this forum. I ate very bland on the morning of my departure. (rice krispies,banana, lots of water) I also took 2 tablets of Immodium an hour before leaving for any destination on my trip and I did not have ANY issues during my whole trip! I would only have one bowel movement a day and it was usually at 3am when I was in my hotel room. Of course I am back home and back to all the stress that comes with it and I have been going alot more. stress does seem to make it worse. Hope this helps...I also went to Disney ate bland there...Pria bars and wore Depends, just in case...but there are LOTS of bathrooms there. good luck to you.

FPO lfs603
Joined Aug 4, 2008

Sat, August 30, 2008 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for ANewDay.

I have made many long road trips with colitls.  It is nerve-racking but there are helpful techniques.  First of all, for me eating strategically is paramount.  When I have bad symptoms urgency is always a concern but eating the right foods at the right times can help a lot.  I have a list of foods that generally stabilze more than they provoke my system so I stick to those on the road.  I eat at least a half hour before getting in the car, and if symptoms are bad maybe not again until I finish for the day.  I bring a 5 gal bucket with garbage bags and TP.  If you cant find shrubbery for cover, look for a culvert or underpass.  If you have a van or truck perhaps you can fashion a bucket biffy inside, or just buy a porta-potty.  Also be sure to have a small bag handy with a change of clothes and some cleanup supplies.  And if the worst case happens and you have an 'accident' along the way, head for a truck stop, they have showers you can rent.

As for food in disneyland, I would bring my own in, and bring a doctor's note that outlines your digestive handicap which requires you to carry your own food. 

Good luck.

FPO zimbop
Joined Apr 24, 2008

Wed, August 27, 2008 3:57 PM

 Reply posted for ANewDay.

I have always had the same issue, increased anxiety before long distance travel. In the past, I brought my travel kit which included Tylenol PM to help me sleep in the car, toilet paper and a large towel for whomever I was with to use to sheild me on the side of the highway incase of uncontrollable urgency. I live in N.Cal and I will be planning my wedding in Disneyland over the next year. I knew would mean I would have to travel much more frequently so I reached out to my specialist to see if there was something he could prescribe to me for this stressful time. Luckily- there was! It is called Hyomax- SL. I have used it once and it was so much easier than "my travel kit". They are little tablets that you let desolve under your tounge before travel and they calm the entire stomach to releive some urgency.

Hope this helps!

FPO rachael
Joined Aug 27, 2008

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