Canada trip, IBS, and possible Cystitus

[Letsfixit1]

Hi everyone, I'm back from 3 weeks in Canada with my son, and wanted to share a few tips.

I always find the lead up to a holiday stressful, and can expect more stomach issues. What I didn't expect was trouble with urine, I've never had cystitus, then suddenly had burning/soreness on passing urine, an overwhelming urge to pee more often, a lack of control which was very worrying as my son's hostel didn't have ensuite toilets, and the 2 min walk down the corridor felt like a marathon! Whatsapp friends diagnosed cystitus, and a recommendation to get powders from the chemist, who said I ought to see a doctor and maybe get antibiotics, which was the last thing I wanted. The powders did help, It cleared up after a few days, then returned a week later, and at 4am one morning after the 3rd toilet visit I had a lightbulb moment - it wasn't cystitus, it was dehydration! I had reduced my fluid intake before the two 7 and 8 hr flights to avoid plane loo queues, coupled with coach travel, and 32c temperatures. So my urine was far too concentrated, causing burning and soreness. Plenty of water to drink, staying near toilets, solved the issue. I'm sure my fluid intake at home is inadequate, considering the loose bowel movements, so I'm trying to reduce tea and coffee and increase the water.

The one week cruise up to Alaska mid holiday completed wrecked my usual careful diet, I upped the immodium/loperamide to 1 or 2 daily, and it didn't seem to be an issue. I caught some kind of flu bug for a few days, and didn't fancy food then, so bowel movements became totally irregular.

I recognise how lucky I am compared to most people here - having said that an unexpected flare up with 10 mins warning (if lucky) can completely destroy all my confidence. I live my life around where the nearest toilet is, spare knickers and pads in handbag. Ive tried lots of medications, and food restrictions over the last 5 years, without improvement. I'm 70 next year and time is running out to enjoy life. 5 days to recover from jetlag this time. I hope the fluid intake tips help other people.

[Andann]

Yes, I've noticed the dehydration issue at night during summer.....and an unusual smell. It was a relief when I realised I could solve the problem myself. I'm 74, never had that before just uti.

[casares8]

Gosh you sound like me. I find it very stressful on the run up to a holiday. I am actually off tomorrow and having a few problems with cystitis all of a sudden. I really do not want antibiotics as they upset my stomach badly, and dont want a problem when travelling. Luckily i am only going to Spain this time, but when i went to Canada to see my daughter last year it took me days to recover after the journey. I also find i do not sleep days before i go which does not help. Dehydration is a good point, but trouble is i am up to the loo 4 or 5 times in the night so scared to drink too much water!

[Letsfixit1 in reply to casares8]

I was up 3 times a night in Canada without my own loo, but back in my own bed I sleep through, which is why I think a lot of it is in my mind.

[bluejourney]

Pack some dioralyte, especially if you’re going to a hot country.

[Letsfixit1 in reply to bluejourney]

Good point, I forgot about that