Any tips on surviving a sleepless weekend?

[feace]

Am heading off on a hen do to Amsterdam for 2-days. It's the first time I've tried to get away since my diagnosis.

Unfortunately I'm facing ridiculously early flights (5am eek) and I'm looking at a long day and long nights with little sleep, with friends who don't fully appreciate how affecting my Crohns can be on my ability to party/walk/eat.

Lethargy is a BIG problem for me & lack of sleep and feeling crap generally snowballs in to one big flare up.

I really, really want to make the effort for my friend and enjoy the weekend but am getting wound up just thinking about it.

Anybody got tips or advice for seeing through a few stressful, sleep deprived days?

Thank you in advance!!

Fx

 

[ukbadger]

I know exactly where you're coming from - I did the same last weekend and got another heavy weekend planned this weekend. Make sure you get a very early night before you fly , make sure you have lots of meds with you and take them in your hand luggage. Snacks little and often to maintain energy , and above all if you feel the need to rest then do it - your friends will understand and if they don't then I'd be of the opinion that they're not that good friends !? The key for me is to have an afternoon sleep and that sometimes means missing out on a couple of hours shopping etc but it's the only way I can get through it. Oh and I don't worry about getting up for breakfast if it's been a late night - can always grab a pastry or something later.

The drinking thing is a problem for me as when I have a few drinkies my symptoms subside - no urgent D etc but it can come back to bite me on the ass the next day so do try and alternate drinks with a soft one and stick to what you know you can handle , Jagerbomb shots , Sambuca etc seem like a great idea at the time but I know about it the next day.

Have a great time , it's your weekend too so just do what you need to enjoy it to the Max.

Hayleyx

 

[bushydougie]

I went on holiday recently and made sure I had an afternoon nap every day. It really refreshed me and made sure that I could enjoy more of the evening.
The fatigue is awful but you can't fight it as it will just come back and hit you harder.
I've come to learn that I just can't keep up like I used to and need to take it much easier. I also only drink a very small amount of alcohol as thathas bad effects on my stomach which I don't need!
I hope you manage to have fun whilst also taking it easy

 

[seaofdreams]

Don't feel bad if you need to get extra rest to keep up with your friends.
I hope you have a great time and take care of yourself

 

[CyCrohn'sGuy]

Can you take a high protein, high energy drink with you to keep you ahead of things? Something like Forceval or Boost? You definitely should take an afternoon nap and as someone else pointed out, snack little and often and try and steer clear of the alcohol. I hope you enjoy the weekend despite the few obstacles.

Costas

 

[feace]

Thanks so much for all the advice and support! Just to let you know I made it through the weekend (just!) and knowing that others out there have gone through the same thing really helped me through it.

I napped, didn't drink any alcohol and ate well. Today I'm exhausted but had a good time and know that my bride-to be-friend really appreciated the effort.

I also think my friends maybe appreciate more now my limitations and I feel a lot better about saying 'Sorry, but I need to rest/sleep/only eat this' and not feel like I'm making a fuss or holding them back.

Thoroughly recommended Amsterdamn as well.

Thank you,

F xxx