Traveling, Remicade, Low Residue Diet and Adding New Things to Diet

[Niklovely]

Hi everyone! I'm new here and I just recently got diagnosed with Crohns disease. I spent 10 days in the hospital to treat my first ever flare up and have been on a low residue diet since leaving 2 weeks ago. I got my first Remicade infusion while being in the hospital and just got my second dose today. I'm also tapering off Pred at 40mg, while also taking Asacol and Bentyl.

My GI said I could start adding new things to my diet and also start some sort of low impact exercise after my second dose of Remicade which was today. But does that mean I can start now? Wait a few days? A Week? To be honest, I feel amazing today, but I'm not sure if that's from the Remicade because I woke up today feeling great, almost like I'm back to my old self. My next Remicade infusion is in 4 weeks.

Before today, I was still experiencing mild stomach cramps accompanied by gas. I have 1-2 regular bowel movements a day.

Also, I'm going on a weekend getaway with my parents this weekend and I'm kind of nervous. What should I do about my low residue diet? Should I just pack the food that's been working for me? Or try new things? What does everyone else do when you travel?

 

[Niklovely]

Just saw the Traveling Sticky post and got a lot of information there but anything else anyone can add would sure help!

Also, I'm just going for the weekend, 3 hour drive to destination.

 

[Rebecca85]

As you're just going for the weekend I would stick with foods you know are safe. It's one thing losing a day or two out a 3 week holiday after pushing it a bit too much (as I did on my first holiday after diagnosis) but you don't want to risk spending your entire holiday on the toilet or in bed!

When you get back you can start experimenting with new foods. But take it slow- something new every 2 or 3 days. And you might want to keep a food diary with details of meds, foods and symptoms to see if patterns emerge. Eg foods might be safe the week after your infusion, but not the week before. Or roast potatoes might be safe, but chips not.

Same with exercise- take it slow and stop if you feel pain or discomfort, try and build up your stamina gradually. Make sure you have adequate rest in between sessions. Walking or swimming would be nice low impact activities to try.

Good luck!