IBS (d) worse on holiday

[maccafan1954]

Husband & I decided to have a few days break after new year & booked 3 nights in a hotel. Fine the first day & then off I went. First movement normal & then becoming more liquid plus clear mucus, nausea, cramps & burping. Thank god for Imodium & Buscopan. I did not eat foolishly, don’t drink or smoke. My Mum suffered like this & used to say it was change of water in different areas of the UK. Any thoughts?

[Luisa22]

Could it be stress? Even a lovely holiday break comes with stress: different routines, environment, and all the things that go with travel and being in a new place.

But I also believe different water can affect tummies! I remember holidays often used to cause family members to be a bit more constipated than normal, and they would say it was the change of water.

All tap water isn't equal. Some has more or less minerals in it. Too much magnesium for example can act as a bit of a laxative.

Some waters I can't handle. They have a slight laxative effect on me and that's all I need... but some are fine. I always just drink bottled water. I go for a lower mineral one like Aqua Pura, or Tesco's Ashbeck.

You could try this...

Is there a bottled water that usually suits you fine? One that you can easily get from a shop or supermarket? You could experiment with only using that, and use it for teas, and cooking etc too. Bit of a nuisance as I bet your husband will raise an eyebrow! But it might be worth trying that strategy

On the other hand it could perhaps be some unfamiliar food or ingredient which you don't have at home. You never know what. Some stock cube added to soup or gravy you eat or some E number? Even as simple as that. Working that out CAN drive you a bit nuts though, but if you can trace some food you don't usually have?

Or...it's the unreliable nature of IBS full stop, and this would have happened even if you'd been at home. IBS comes and goes at its own whim and fancy.

[Dolly32]

always always always! I do find it’s the change in tap water, as along with ibs-d I have a dull bladder and desperately need to pee every hour. This usually happens on the 2nd or 3rd day of hols abroad or in London where the water is very hard.

I tend to take prophylactic immodium, as I know that will slow down the madness of not avoid it altogether.

I am off to France in two weeks and the anxiety is HIGH. Plane, then 90 min transfer, that’s before the new foods and drinks.

Terrible condition isn’t it. I’m currently on my fourth day of trying silica as a new treatment.

[Misspomfrey]

I know if this was my story, it would definitely be due to anxiety and just the change of routine by going away and being out of my comfort zone. The preparation beforehand and unfamiliarity. I haven't been away for years due to this and I know in my mind that I ought to but I can't get around the anxiety of it. I also like a bit of a challenge and I'd like to see if I can cope with it, but I worry that I'll end up in a state and ruin it. Years ago, I could go anywhere without detrement 😔 having to eat different foods prepared by someone else is a worry for me, l wouldn't know what was in it.

[Fergie53 in reply to Misspomfrey]

Yep I’m like that on holiday or even days out, it seems being out of your comfort zone and definitely anxiety with me but it’s frustrating!

[MiRiderGirl]

Most of my flares have been when travelling. Stressors of many types

[711debbie]

Take a look at nervaibs.com for hypnotherapy. They're running a 20% off deal right now. It's not perfect for me because I also have histamine and gallstone problems, but it helps a lot with anxiety. Whenever I start feeling more stressed, I go back to it.

[Johny334]

hi , the same has happened to me for years , I say the exact same as your mum used to say it’s the change of water 😁, could it be ?yes I think so but also the slightest change in how we eat when we eat and subconsciously being out of our comfort zones !

Take care

[Trinity7]

@definitely water affects me. Even if i hol in uk we buy bottled water to use in kettle

[th1976]

I always found different water in the UK made it worse. I drink bottled water only.

[maccafan1954]

Thank you so much for your replies. Its a comfort to know I am not alone with this.

[sandybeach12066]

I always get sick at least one to two times when on vacation. I don't get it either.