holiday travel

[Dahliaforever]

hi all, I have IBSD, osteoporosis with lactose intolerance . I haven’t travelled for several years and whilst I have learned how to somewhat control the IBS I have a very limited diet.

I wondered if anyone can advise me about dos and don’t on plane and in hot climate. I will be going with a very good friend but dread having to be a pain about eating/toileting.

It will be anxiety inducing

Not a real big problem in the grand scheme of things. A lot of you suffer much more than me.

Thank you for any pointers

Take Care

[BabblingBrooks]

I think there are probiotics you can take on holiday to help, Holland and Barrett sell them I think.

I had a flare up a few weeks back on holiday. I wished I’d took something with me just in case.

[Dahliaforever in reply to BabblingBrooks]

Thank you

Be prepared I guess

[MargaritaNiko]

Hi! It used to help me to book an aisle seat on the back row of the plane and then I’d know I could easily get out to use the loo if needed (do double-check the seating plan though). I also found that it helped me to be one of the last to board the plane, once the queue was already moving so I could use the loo until the final moments. I’m saying all this as someone whose IBSD is often brought on by the anxiety of not being near a loo, appreciate this might not be the case for you at all but it does help me. Other than that, if you can learn a few words of the local language or write them down, in terms of food this should help with menus, and be reassured that any cafes, restaurants, museums and department stores should have loos, I just stride in with confidence!

[Dahliaforever in reply to MargaritaNiko]

Yes I am triggered by anxiety but thank you for some good points.I like striding in . Snacks of my own as a couple of you suggested is definitely what I can easily do. Plus back of the plane , last on,as suggested by a few of you.

I actually feel like I can make a plan now.

[BabsyWabsy]

I suggest taking some of your own safe snacks, in case there is nothing suitable at the airport or on the plane. Also, I find taking a loperamide a couple of days before traveling, and then one each morning, enabled me to have a 'normal' (in terms of bm's) holiday in the Balkans in May. I had not travelled for years prior to this.

[Dahliaforever in reply to BabsyWabsy]

Yes I don’t want it to define or restrict me anymore than it does anyway.

Thank you

[Jess54]

Hi I have suffered with IBS -d for over twenty years & it’s definitely anxiety induced , travelling is my biggest trigger. I am travelling to Menorca in 2 weeks . I have started using a probiotic ( ferrocalm) which seems to have some positive results. I will take loperamide prior to the travel & on the day . I have also ordered some entersol gel ( recommended on this forum ) to try . As in other comments, I will sit in an aisle seat & wait till last minute before boarding the plane. I take my own snacks on board too . Eating out is always a problem , but I eat sensibly & don’t over eat . I have also used the Nerva app & that helps with breathing & trying to relax . Wishing you all the best xx

[TedsMum247]

Hi, I've only just noticed your post and as an IBS sufferer I can empathise with you completely. I'm a couple of years older than you and have just had to decline a family trip to Florida with my grandchildren because of my worsening IBS problems. Initially I had thought I can control things for a couple of days with Loperamides, but then realised that I would have the same problem every morning when the family wanted to go away for the day. The thought of leaving the holiday villa and being out in a car was just unthinkable, the stress would just exacerbate my problem. If this was just my husband and myself going I would just about manage to survive, but with other family there, it was going to be too much to deal with. My IBS is mainly stress related, but sometimes I'll have a flare-up for no apparent reason. I've recently noticed that if I take Lopetamides to stop the IBS D, then I don't go to the loo for days and then that caused another kind of problem. I hope you have a lovely holiday, I envy you for not letting IBS getting the better of you. Feel free to chat with me of you wish, good luck.

[justmyluck]

hi Dahliaforever, your best friends at the time of travelling are- Imodium quick dissolve (at the drugstores or Amazon, and peppermint essential oil

Imodium - put 2 under the tongue - it will take away the bloating and the urge to go, and the peppermint oil - put 2 drops in half a cup of water and drink. It will settle the stomach.

And the most important thing:

Your travelling companion should know of your condition so that they expect you to rush to the bathroom if you need to, and the bathroom on the plane is available for you when you need it. Try to eat small meals while away and not late at night, no dairy - get soy or almond or coconut milk instead or even lactose free milk if they don’t have it. And choose your food wisely to what you know at home. I hope that helps 🙏

[Dahliaforever in reply to justmyluck]

Yes it is helpful thank you . It gives me confidence knowing that you and all the others have already navigated this problem with success. Many thanks🤞

[Book_Worm5]

I second what everyone has said! Aisle seat for sure - always gives me peace of mind. I always pack some safe snacks too and rarely eat the plane meals. I sometimes take half an immodium instant - enough to calm things down but not block me up.

For hot countries I always make sure to wear loose clothing - nothing tight on the stomach. I always have a small fan with me as when I get hot I feel anxious which brings on symptoms!

Try to take it easy and make your friend aware of the issues - remember you didn’t ask for this condition and you’re trying your best.

[Dahliaforever in reply to Book_Worm5]

I am really trying my best but I get a bit reckless sometimes with food.but thank you for your kind words and I wish all of you and the best with this hateful blight on all our lives. We can do it

[Hidden]

There is an app you can put on your phone called "where is public toilet" it will show you where your closest public toilet is and can even guide you to them using sat nav. It's free to use.

I find it very helpful.

[Dahliaforever in reply to Hidden]

Sounds brilliant . I shall do that now