Travelling, Panic, Pain, Toilet

[Laurabora89]

As you can see from the title what this post is about...

I have a holiday booked at the end of July and another holiday mid September, both occasions I will need to fly. The last flight I went on the Imodium I took didn’t work and I found myself sat in the airport awaiting my delayed flight absolutely fine then all of a sudden the bowels turned on me. Mad rush to the toilet nearest my gate.

So I woke up today, currently having spasm and toilet issues but this is from alcohol so my own fault, but I was thinking about what I can do to prepare myself for my trip as I’m worrying that Imodium isn’t going to work for me. I hate taking it anyway as it blocks me up for a week and that’s not ideal on holiday.

I suffer from IBS D and recently (the past year maybe just less) IBS C. Travelling makes the D worse and I get painful cramps too. I haven’t been diagnosed with anxiety but I’m wondering if that’s what my issue is. I experience sudden bursts of D or clearing out at work sometimes when I am stressed.

So overall, please can anyone help me with preparing for travel and suggestions on how to get on top of the C & D?

[Linley]

Hi! Laurabora89

I know exactly how you feel believe me!

Firstly, I do not fly anymore as flying makes me very anxious, done that don't want to do it anymore. But I still go on holidays abroad, S.France via Eurostar this year, toilets either end of carriage, comfortable seats.....But I still prep for it as the A word(anxiety) is there. So minimal breakfast, Immodium, anti-spasmodic, bottle of water, emergency toilet bag and I am on my way. I do have to eat lightly during the journey otherwise I get bad wind pains but on a train at least you can stand up and walk about. Got to say that a glass of wine on route relaxes me but its not for everyone. Good Luck!

[Maxsmudge]

I know exactly how you are feeling as I dread our family holidays abroad. The only way I can do it is by not eating I have tried everything else but from the minute I get up in house until I reach hotel I don't eat a thing just drink water. I always make sure flight about 2/3 hours and airport within 30 minutes of hotel when we arrive. I hate my IBS D it has such a impact on my life. My nerves on the day thinking about what lies ahead doesn't help! I just try and breath and use mindful app. Good luck

[Eastbourne11]

Hi your symptoms sound very like mine were. Take a look at the FODMAP way of eating (you must read the book also). It worked immediately for me. Also the imodium normally works so keep some with you. Good luck

[Neil119]

wHAT IS ibs _b

[Linley in reply to Neil119]

The diarrhoea form of IBS

[josephinemarion]

I know exactly how you feel, not knowing what ones bowels are going to do creates great stress. I was advised to ask my doctor for Codeine Phosphate 15 mg. which stops the gut going into spasm, does not cause constipation and eases the anxiety. It certainly works for me so please give it a try!!!

[Will1234]

Hi Laurabora89

Same issue with travelling . In past have even had to cancel going . I am about a 50 year sufferer so tried a lot of things.

I have just returned from 10 days in Tenerife , which went trouble free. I took Silicolgel for about a week before going and one dose a day during holiday, pre evening meals. Also got 10, 2mg, Diazapam tablets from Doc . Only took 2 I think on days of flights . Also took 2 Imodium on days of travel. I was also careful to arrange flights at suitable times , not first thing on morning etc.

I often get D after meals and if I have an Alcoholic drink too many, ( not a lot either ), so understand others saying they don't eat during travel.

My recommendation would be to try Siliolgel for a week before travel and see how it affects things for you. It is a bit expensive but I found it really stopped me having D . It did not stop gas pains but improved urgency and helped greatly all holiday. Ate out every night and had full breakfasts too. I normally would have taken a massive load of Imodium caps , with me but like you dont like being blocked up either. That just makes you wonder when it is all going suddenly drive you running for a loo ---not good on an Aeroplane. which I think greatly increases the anxiety issue.

This holiday I carried a small packet of the Instants and I think only used once after a night out at a show , with too much wine.

I know what works for one person does not work for everyone and so the only way to do this , is try it beforehand and if your lucky and it helps , it will improve your confidence about travelling and hopefully you will enjoy being away on a holiday break.

Hope this helps.

Will123

[Ronnie6917]

Bless you , I can totally relate to that. I think the anxiety is the worst thing, if you can overcome that then the colon will hopefully calm down.

I love holidays but like you can sometimes stress out beforehand eg what if I’m not near a toilet etc

And early flights aren’t good for my system either, totally throw me out of sync.

The best advice I can offer is eat little and often, take some medication you know helps, a small amount of alcohol can help too, don’t smoke during the journey and I know it’s easy for me to say, but try and relax and enjoy the whole holiday experience- some people can’t afford to go away even once a year

All the best

😊

[Laurabora89]

Hi everyone, thanks for your advice!

I am willing to try and change my diet so will deffo look into FODMAP. I am already aware of some triggers and I usually don’t eat anything until I am airborne with the seatbelt sign off!

As for the codeine I will give that a try too, I’m wondering how does the diazepam work, what are the effects?

Laura x