Travel Tips for IBDer's

I recently went on a vacation to Mexico. It was only the second time I had travelled since my J-pouch surgeries and the first time out of the country since my surgeries and boy was I nervous! I've learned a lot about travelling with my new digestive system so I thought I'd share some tips:

Eat only foods you know agree with you. When you are away from home it is not the time to experiment.

Keep a piece of paper with a list of your medications and your doctors names and phone numbers in your wallet. That way, in case something does happen everything will be in one spot.

Be sure to keep yourself hydrated. Stock your room full of bottled water and Gatorade.

If you have an ostomy, take PLENTY of extra supplies. It’s better to have too much rather than not enough.

Take a break when you need to. If you are on a trip where you are doing a lot of activities, don’t feel like you need to constantly be on the go with everyone else. Listen to your body and take a rest if necessary.

If you are going to a foreign country and you have had surgeries, consider taking your surgical notes with you…just in case.

Double check that you have packed all your medications and bring them in your carry-on luggage in case your checked bags get lost. You don’t want to be without your meds!

If you have a J-pouch, ask your doctor for a prescription for Cipro and/or Flagyl and bring them with you even if you’re not prone to pouchitis…it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If flying with a J-pouch, I find it helpful to eat light the day of the flight and go to the bathroom right before you board.

If you are going to a foreign country always have change in your wallet. Some countries charge a small amount to use the bathrooms.

Know the bathroom situation in every restaurant, museum, store, etc. you go to.

Try to have fun and not to worry!