Traveling with Crohn's Disease

Living with a chronic illness can be difficult, let alone travelling or facing the unknown. For those who live with Crohn’s disease, the next flare-up or episode can constitute enough unknown to make travelling seem impossible.

However, managing and moving forward is an important part of coping with the disease. For those who feel the call of travel, but feel bound to the home due to their chronic illness, it may be time to throw (some) caution to the wind and set off for adventure.

Of course, certain precautionary measures must be taken to ensure that the adventure is not ruined by an embarrassing accident or episode. The same problems that exist in a person’s day-to-day will most likely be magnified and complicated abroad, but proper anticipation and preparation can help ensure a positive outcome. Those who live with Crohn’s will be familiar with having to adjust, cancel, or forgo travel plans entirely due to flare-ups or fear, but these setbacks should never destroy the will to travel and live a fulfilling life.

Not everyone feels compelled to travel, but for those living with Crohn’s disease, taking on the challenge can be more than simply seeing a new place. Many feel that their diagnosis marks the end of personal freedom, and indeed it is easy to fall into the misbelief that the disease will forever dictate and control your ability to have new and meaningful experiences. Since there is no cure for Crohn’s disease at the present time, the best thing to do is to learn to cope with the disease, and travelling can help a person feel unstoppably in control of their own life in the face of chronic illness.

Taking on the challenge of travelling with Crohn’s disease may be difficult. It may present you with even greater challenges than those that you have to face on a daily basis. However, the opportunity to face the risks and overcome the disease is well worth any potential failure. Curing the disease may not be possible, but beating the disease, and not letting it beat you, is. Here are some things to keep in mind when travelling with Crohn’s disease.

Scout all potential restrooms

The most immediate and glaring symptom of Crohn’s disease, as well as the symptom that could most easily ruin a travelling experience, is frequent and unpredictable bowel movements. More likely than not, an individual living with Crohn’s disease will already have their own city or residency mapped out for every bathroom. When travelling, the same logic applies. Knowing that there will always be a restroom nearby will go a long way in alleviating fear of sudden urges or flare-ups.

When booking flights, the best thing to do is book aisle seats closest to the plane’s restrooms. You will not want to have to climb over someone in-flight, especially if the length of the flight demands that you go more than once. Most will know their bodies well enough to know what they will feel when they feel the need to go, and this information can be helpful when anticipating foot traffic and lines. Airplane restrooms are difficult in and of themselves, so it may be helpful to alert a flight attendant or someone onboard of your situation beforehand.

In most cities, bathrooms are locked to non-customers. Those diagnosed with Crohn’s disease are eligible for a medical card that lets establishment owners know of the situation, and this could come in handy when travelling abroad. If not, simply explaining your situation should get you in for all but the strictest of establishments. If all else fails, you might be able to approach a paying customer and ask for the bathroom code, or pay for a small item and be let in that way. Many chain establishments will provide a familiar haven for those used to using those facilities, so in general, stick to familiar establishments when you can.

Carry all your own essentials

You might be able to get away with not having your essentials on you at home, but when travelling, you will not want to be without any of them in the event that anything happens. Layovers, delays, or travel setbacks will require that you carry medication, a change of clothes, and even toilet paper on you at all times. While no one wants to consider the possibility of an accident happening, having moist towelettes and a change of underwear and pants can remedy an unpredictable disaster.

As a general rule, it is better to use moist bathroom wipes than traditional toilet paper. If you haven’t made the switch yet, it is an immediate change that will greatly benefit every area of your life. You should also invest in travel medications to have as extra insurance on top of any medication that you take regularly to treat Crohn’s disease. Be especially aware when travelling to countries known for food or water contaminates that affect all travelers.

When considering your essentials, you should include your own food and snacks. Without the familiarity of trusted groceries and restaurants, you may find yourself in need of specific dietary measures. Carry around foods that you know will not upset your stomach, and know that you can never be prepared enough when it comes to snacks. People with Crohn’s disease will know their specific dietary requirements, and meeting these requirements is even more critical when travelling than they are when at home.

Travel on the safe side

Most travelling with Crohn’s disease is no different than travelling for any other person; those with chronic illness will simply need to take more precautions. Buying travel insurance is a critical way to ensure that you are refunded for any last-minute cancellations or rescheduling. Typically, paying an extra $20 for travel insurance is more than worth potentially losing out on a plane ticket or hotel booking.

While many feel that it is important to try new foods and drinks while abroad, individuals with Crohn’s disease will need to be more conservative in the things that they try. Foods that are not usually consumed may induce flare-ups or cause problems later on in the day. This isn’t to say that trying new things is out of the question, but as a general rule, pick foods that fall within your ordinary dietary restrictions, and balance new foods with a generous amount of familiar foods. Sticking to your ordinary diet 90% of the time will ensure that the 10% of new foods that you try doesn’t drastically affect your ability to function.

If you take immunosuppressant medication as part of your Crohn’s disease therapy, you will want to be extra clean when travelling. You will be less adjusted and familiar to germs in other cities or countries, and much more susceptible to illness if not careful. Carrying around hand sanitizer as part of your essentials will help when interacting with new people, places, or surfaces that might send you into a sickness.

Most importantly of all, know yourself

Travelling is exciting and it is easy to get caught up in new and wonderful sights and experiences. You may be tempted to throw caution to the wind, to stay out later than you usually would, or to push yourself harder than you usually would. While these may seem fun and even okay in the moment, they can lead to severe burnout and exacerbate your condition to the point that you are not able to enjoy your time for the remainder of the trip.

Always know when to take it to easy, or when to avoid a restaurant or experience that will have a negative impact on your overall experience. Don’t be afraid to sit out or take some time to recover while on vacation. Pacing yourself may be the only way to ensure that you get to see all of what you want to see. While travelling, you may even discover new limits or new ways to ensure that you are getting the most out of life. The only way to find out is to go, and to take the first steps in taking control of your life with Crohn’s disease.

Reference

https://themighty.com/2017/02/travel-tips-for-people-with-ibd-crohns-ulcerative-colitis/