Hi, I’m going on a 12-hour long flight tomorrow evening. I’m staring to become really anxious about it already as I know how bad it gets when I’m on a plane for more than 2 hours... 😓 I get terrible gas and feel very painfully bloated.
Can anyone recommend anything PLEASE? 🙏
You could try taking charcoal tablets after your pre flight meals.
Colpermin might also help - and try not to worry about disturbing your neighbour at regular intervals to go to the loo - people have all sorts conditions requiring that. Your neighbour might even be a fellow sufferer!
Longer term, if you aren’t already looking at the FODMAP lists of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ foods, do try that.
Hope it goes well!
Thank you, never heard of charcoal tablets or Colpermin - I will get some before the flight 
I have tried fodmap diet a couple of years ago. It worked for about a couple of weeks and then my symptoms were back unfortunately
Hello there. 12 hrs is a long flight. Firstly try and do some deep breathing and mindfulness techniques before you go. Imagine a calm great, comfortable flight. I do get the bloating and pain when stressed, and in airports and flights so I totally understand, and also panic about IBS attack’s anywhere public or out of my control. Over the years I’ve developed some techniques to manage it, and just knowing I’m prepared really helps. Avoid any obvious trigger foods, etc too, keep the food as basic as possible before hand. I take Imodium before I leave the house and always have it on me, along with any medication that will help as a precaution for big days. That really help calm the tummy down. Take some peppermint tea bags with you, or anything that helps ( coffee isn’t great for our problem)and ask the cabin crew for some hot water, and maybe a hot wheat bag to heat up instead of a hot water bottle for the flight. If you tell the crew it’s medical I’m sure they will heat it for you in the microwave. Comfy clothes obviously nothing tight, get some nice socks so you can kick your shoes off and shawl or something you can use as a blanket. Take a book, film or music that will help you to get into you own space and relax.
Hope that helps a bit. Have a great trip xx
Thank you, that really helps! A lot of my IBS symptoms are stress related and this week’s been particularly stressful! And being anxious about the long flight just adds to it...
I do have a Headspace app so I’ll make sure to use it before I take off.
Thank you and all the best! 😊👋
Don't know if it will help, but I use Loperamide (Imodium etc.,) when I want to stop things up for any length of time. Is that safe for you? A long flight would be my idea of Hell, but that is what I'd use if I had to do it. The very best of luck!
Hi I also take Imodium the night before and my doctor gives me Xanax to fly with it so next time ask in advance but take the Imodium. It just gives you peace of mind. I live in Hong Kong but have to fly back and fore uk so know what long flight is like for us. I also take my own food on the plane I make plain ham rolls to eat with plain biscuits and just eat something every 2 to 3 hours if I’m awake. Good luck I know how you feel. Definitely get the Xanax for next time I only half of a 0.5mg so very low dose but works for me.
Thank you! Hope you’re trip back to the UK goes well! 😊🙏
❤️
I truly urge you NOT to try something new like charcoal or any other meds before your flight because you don't know how your body will react to it and you don't want any horrible surprises especially before an important event like yours " a 12 hours flight " just stick to your usual remedies and meds which you know from your history and personal experience that they will not hurt you or cause a bad reaction .
very light bland meal on the night before your flight is a safer path in your case ..if you're used to imodium you can take 2 tablets before your flight by one hour and don't drink airplane water " every one knows it's dirty " use bottled water instead ..and i know it's difficult ..but if you can stay away from airplane meals and eat just crackers or dry biscuits " that you are familiar with before " .. as you don't know what trigger ingredients these meals can have .
you can pack your usual snacks with you in your hand bag .Having an emergency kit packed with you also gives you some peace of mind knowing you are prepared .
when you are back home and in free scheduled day when you have no upcoming events ..you can try the charcoal and other new remedies people have suggested ..with no worries .
have a safe flight and best of luck 🌹
Thank you. You’re right - it’s not a good idea to try new medicine right before the flight. It will be hard to stay away from plane food but I will try. And I’ll make sure to get up a lot.
Thank you! 😊
If you have a smart phone, you could download this free app called Pacifica. I've been using it lately when my anxiety flares up at work. You can make notes of how you feel, and it has a ton of relaxation activities like peaceful soundscapes, guided meditation, deep breathing exercises, etc. I have a hard time calming myself down without the help of Xanax and some kind of distraction like music or sounds.
Just remember that before you know it, you'll be where you're going and everything will be fine!
Thank you! 😘 never heard of this app but will try it! I usually use Headspace. I try to use it every day and I then see tHe benefits
Hi, know exactly how you feel, I do 12 hr flight every year for years now, is the only way I can see my family. Have tried lots of stuff, cost me a fortune, doctors no help all, I do 1 Imodium night before, 1 more next morning & take Imodium Instants with me. Eat very little on travel day & only non trigger stuff. Have been doing this for 7 yrs, I don’t know what else to try - I do have small glass of wine on flight to cheer me up a bit! Good luck MaggieBluee
Aw sorry to hear that... It must be awful for you doing this so often I find that alcohol makes my symptoms worse so I try to avoid it on a plane.
Have you tried using sleeping pills, so you can sleep most of the journey and not feel the pain? I’ve used them a few times and slept about 5-6 hours straight!
Really hope one day you’ll have a pain-free enjoyable flight! 🤞 😊👋
Hi, I always explain to the air line that I have problems and have to get up to go to the lavatory a lot. That usually ensures that I have a window seat. If all window seats are taken I wait until I am on the aircraft and then explain to the people next to me that I will be pushing past them frequently throughout the flight to go to the lavatory. I have never had a case where either I do not get an aisle either by being placed in one at check in - get there really early if you can, or by the other passengers changing with me. After all they don't want to be continually disturbed. Colpermin and charcoal tablets are really good too.
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