How I coped with plane flight

[Lincolnlady123]

I was recently diagnosed with IBS , although looking back I think I have had symptoms ever since I can remember and family members likewise.

I have always dreaded flying as my stomach balloons up with the change in cabin pressure. It caused terrible wind and a constant feeling I needed the toilet, and actually needing the toilet . Added to that the general stress of travel I am always in a state !

Having had a diagnosis of IBS i changed my diet and avoid gluten and dairy as much as possible. The doctor prescribed Mebervine so I take that 3 times a day . This has helped me at least get into a pattern with my BMs, but my body still keeps me guessing.

So, to the flying.I booked flights at a time I know my stomache will be at its emptiest.For me this is after breakfast when I go at least 3 times! I booked seats as near to the toilets as I could so that I wouldn’t worry about reaching the toilet or worry about walking past so many people to get there. Who else is weird like me and think people are noticing how many times I go to the bathroom ! Im sure people have better things to do , but it’s part of my mindset!! I chose a destination that was between 2.5 and 3 hours away in order to be less anxious about the whole thing. Now for the pièce de résistance. I bought myself a pair of Shreddies underpants so that if I did suffer from wind I would feel safe to pass any as the pants contain charcoal which absorbs any smell ! These gave me extra confidence and I highly recommend.

I only had a light meal the night before, no alcohol, no gluten or dairy . I had a very small portion of scrambled egg the morning of the flight. I drank lots of mint tea and black tea. I ate nothing on the flight , just sipped water. I took mint oil capsules too.

If I started to feel anxious I’d do some deep breathing and say to myself ‘ I’m taking it a minute at a time and every minute I’ve got through is a positive minute ‘

The change in pressure did still affect my stomache but the effects were nowhere as bad as previously. I still felt windy and did get up to the toilet twice but there was very little to pass through !

I think I have come to some acceptance that this is me , this is my body , and I have to put in place whatever necessary to be able to carry on travelling.

I hope some of these tips may help some other wary plane travellers . IBS can be so debilitating. Wishing everyone all the best in finding ways forward x

[Luisa22]

That was so brave of you. And it's good that everything worked out. We have to fight (or relax!) with everything we have with IBS! It goes to show some forward thinking, planning and making sure everything is in place (re: the "Shreddies") can lessen anxiety a LOT.

[Lincolnlady123 in reply to Luisa22]

Thank you Luisa. At one point I wanted to cancel the holiday I was so worked up about it all. That’s how much we are ruled by this horrible condition! This forum and lots of googling has helped me find a way forward .

Hope all is well with you x

[Luisa22 in reply to Lincolnlady123]

Yes, I completely understand. It puts us off travelling anywhere. But you have made great strides forward! That's brilliant.

[Thinnernow]

I have same..flew to crete 2 weeks ago..was shocked at how my stomach bloated and I messed up the toilet..I think I'm going to fast the day before a fly home which is Wed as its another 4 hour flight!

[Lincolnlady123 in reply to Thinnernow]

Hi, sorry to hear you had such a bad time. Have you ever bought a packet of crisps on a plane and seen how much the packet has expanded due to the cabin pressure ? And that is what’s happening to our poor already poorly tummies!

I’m in awe of those people like my husband who eat and drink throughout the flight. Just looking at it terrifies me as I know what would happen!

I hope you have a more comforting return trip. Take care x

[XDjames]

Apart from the stress of dealing with airports I discovered that I can't pee on a pane. Even on a 14 hour flight! That was fun. Plane loos are so cramped they are almost impossible to use for no. 2 anyway. My favourite planes were those with banks of loos at the back where you aren't being watched, so you're not odd.

These days I wouldn't risk anything more than a two hour flight and even then the plane could get stuck waiting either end. So do you REALLY need to fly? Take the train if feasible, you can always argue it's better for the planet (the boat is a rare alternative). I'm content that I've had my fill of flying around for pleasure and I'm in a happy position of not actually needing to fly anywhere for work any more -plenty of keen youngsters who will jump at going instead.

[Luisa22 in reply to XDjames]

Train loos don't really inspire me with much confidence either. The last time I took a long train journey I was normal and all I needed was a pee, It was almost impossible to pee in exactly the right place because the train was lurching everywhere, and I refuse to actually sit on the seat so was perching. But with sheer determination I managed that athletic challenge!

The floor was swimming in pee and splashed water from the handbasin....and liquid soap....and bits of loo paper. Not a fun experience

[Suecoo66]

I do take similar measures including drinking mint tea on the flight. I take my own tea bags and get a hot cup of water.My daughter lives in Turkey so I have to endure a 4hr flight!

[Edgar77]

I also booked the flight at a time best for me, but at the eleventh hour they changed it!!.

[Jackie1612]

brilliant advice, thanks Lincolnlady

[diana16]

I have similar problems travelling and because I often suffer from terrible constipation I have to start planning my bms a week before I go (i.e. whether and when to take laxatives). Other times I may have to go to the loo 5 or 6 times before I go somewhere so always try to plan outings after lunch. I sympathise so much with everyone who struggles with this , wouldn't it be nice to get up in the morning, go to the loo an dthen forget about it for the rest of the day?!! Good luck

[XDjames]

Yeah, I'm a train nerd so I know what I'm dealing with! Timing is crucial too.

[Hetchins1946]

I've recently flown from London to Budapest. The flying isn't a problem for me, but airports set me off big time.This journey was so much better. I have been taking Sertraline for a while which may, or may not, have helped, but the game changer was talking to British Airways before I travelled.

The BA Assistance helpline suggested that I request Special Assistance at Heathrow - I agreed and they looked after the booking, they also suggested I have an isle seat on the plane - which was allocated free of charge (because I was using Special Assistance). They also suggested I get a Sunflower Lanyard (free at the airport, but I got one by post in advance).

My partner uses airport assistance because of mobility issues, so we are familiar with the concept - but the Special Assistance at Heathrow was the best we have ever experienced.

Several of the Assistance staff were also anxiety sufferers and one young lady also had IBS related anxiety - a lot of the Assistance staff were also wearing Sunflower Lanyards.

There is a 'quiet waiting area' available at Heathrow in the terminal we used - T3. We however chose to book lounge access because I know I find them relaxing and I can do my breathing exercises easily.

On the plane the head steward said that if I needed priority access to the toilet to let one of the staff know.

All in all it went very well, with only one 'near miss'!