IBS and camping

[PurpleIBS5]

Hi everyone, Has anyone any advice for camping with IBS? I am IBS-C leaning with pain and fatigue being my hardest to manage symtoms for travel. I have to go to a wedding in June and it's filling me with anxiety because it will require 2x overnight ferry journeys and 2x nights camping. Right now I am low fodmap and cooking from scratch which won't be possible depending on campsite facilities. I know I could just not go but I am also sad that I am missing a lot of life events just to try to control my symptoms so I'm of the mindset now that I will do what I can to lessen the symptoms and just go. All tips welcome!

[Luisa22]

I don't know what sort of food you are able to eat. I am guessing...meat and veggies etc for main meals? Oatmeal or something? Rice or dried potatoes?

I wonder if it would be possible to buy dried packs of whatever you need. Those will just need soaking in water for a while to re-hydrate them. Then a simple camping stove with a small gas canister will enable you to cook from scratch. I'd say take a few spare cans because if you're boiling and simmering something for a while that can drain a tiny canister of gas quickly.

Dried packs will be light to carry, a tiny camping gas fold up stove isn't too bad (plus canister) Your heaviest item will be water but you might not need a massive amount. At least you will be in control of your food, can maybe eat similar things to what you'd eat at home (except dried and rehydrated versions) and can cook stuff in your tent so long as you leave the door flap open a bit while cooking for ventilation. Take some seasoning you like and which doesn't upset your gut.

I hope there would be toilet/shower facilities? Or are you wild camping?

Having a laxative that suits you, and taking some every night before sleep might help to keep things moving. A coffee in the morning can help move the gut naturally too.

[PurpleIBS5 in reply to Luisa22]

Thank you, I really appreciate this and it is very useful. Fortunately not wild camping so there is a toilet/shower block and I think you're right about being in control of cooking as much as I can. You are totally spot on with the diet. Low fodmap, very plain food for the most part which is boring and sometimes a bit awkward in a group but necessary!

[BabsyWabsy]

I don't know if this is any good. basecampfood.com/ They have a lot of options and if you click into individual variants, you can see the ingredients. Might be an easy option? I think a modern campsite would have good toilet and shower facilities. I know it doesn't stop the anxiety. Luisa makes a good point ref a laxative, but you will know what works for you. It is very easy to over think stuff. Good luck and have a good trip.

[PurpleIBS5 in reply to BabsyWabsy]

Thank you! Yes, overthinking greatly and almost trying to avoid trips and holidays because of the extra anxiety but needs must. There are some guests wild camping but that is too far for me so a campsite sounds much better

[BabsyWabsy in reply to PurpleIBS5]

I am heading to Bulgaria in a few days time. I have been over thinking it to a ridiculous extent. I have D predominant and wheat allergy. Never been to Bulgaria before but my friend is keen to show me a property she has inherited from her parents. We are staying in an Airbnb, another 1st for me. I almost cancelled it too. But! We should not allow this inconvenient problem to prevent us from having adventures. Go prepared. It will be OK. I try to switch my mind set to 'Adventure!' mode.

[Book_Worm5]

I can fully relate to the missing out on things - it really does take a toll.

Will the ferry and campsite have toilets?

As for food - when I travel I always pack some non perishable fodmap friendly foods like porridge pots/gluten free crackers etc. There might be a shop nearby that you can buy fruit and veg from if you want that. Do the research and planning! I find this gives me peace of mind.

I always carry a portable toilet bag with me for extreme emergencies (can get these on Amazon). Gives me peace of mind for car travel etc. Obviously not idea but I have no shame anymore 🤣 Might be useful for the tent?

[PurpleIBS5]

I am glad you have no shame any more! It is what it is at the end of the day. There are toilets on the ferry and campsite and there will be services down the motorway too so I think it will be fine. The trick is to do enougenough planning but not get overwhelmed with it either. The tip about snacks is 100% what I will plan. Nothing spontaneous!