When in an active flare, how comfortable are you traveling?

[David]

We have some wonderful doctors who are interested in conducting a clinical trial for a new and exciting treatment option. However, in order to get enough participants for the trial, they would possibly need people to travel. The question to all of you which will help shape decisions, is how comfortable are you traveling by plane and staying in a hotel when in an active flare.

Thank you kindly for sharing how you feel

 

[2thFairy]

I just don't. The idea of traveling during a flare freaks me out.

 

[EthanPSU]

I love traveling, flare or not. Just pack extra immodium

 

[JJ81]

I sometimes need to travel during a flare up which sometimes leads to going to the bathroom outside before I can make it there. It would be nice if there was a medication to help with this as it's my biggest concern.

 

[geminish]

i would travel as long as someone could be with me i wouldn't do it alone..lol..i would pass out

 

[Jennifer]

I'm with geminish on this one. I'd need someone there with me as I have a panic disorder and am in constant fear of passing out when traveling. I never traveled in a plane when I was in a flare but I have traveled for hours by car and did just fine (I wasn't the one driving though) so for me I know I'd be able to go by plane (a seat near the bathroom would be best though).

 

[scoutfinch]

Traveling actually calms down my flares. I think because it is usually less stressful than my day-to-day (work) and also because it keeps me distracted since it's a non-routine experience.

 

[Irene3]

Don't like to even go on day trips when I have a lot of D. Went to interstate with family a couple of years ago, and we had to stop several times for me to use a bathroom. Then once there, I stunk out the toilet (3families sharing a house), and I was so uncomfortable making everyone smell my stink. In a month or so, we're supposed to go away for three nights to the snow. Even though it's just my sis who I tell everything to, (knows my symptoms the most out of everyone I know), and our kids, I still think of the D issue when I think about it. When she said 3 nights, I immediately think...3 nights of suppressing most my farts, and feeling uncomfortable everytime I stink out the toilet. Even with my sis, I wouldn't want to sit there at night(when I get the most gas), letting one fart after another out. :/

 

[spcwife23]

Last year i was in a huge flare and i have constipation.. an emergecy came up so i traveled with my 2 year son and my self , by myself. So if its something to help me like a trial i would do what i have to... Now the people the suffer with the D its another story i dont think i would go unless immodium or something else is working well

 

[glum chump]

When I'm in a bad flare, travelling any further than my front yard is fraught with danger. I usually leave an extra half hour early for my doctor's appt. in case I need to clean up. I have a very untrustworthy body during a flare and Lomotil, Immodium, etc., don't work worth a dime.

Kismet

 

[PsychoJane]

I do travel, flare or not when I can. Since my main symptoms are tiredness and fistula, I usually don't mind the travel. The only problem comes when it is time to find a travel insurance while the flare is acting up. Then... i'm screwed because no one covers for the crohn's unless I've been in remission for 3months or more. I guess I would be my main concern; finding a way to have some sort of insurance regarding my disease if I were to travel to participate to a trial.

 

[Rebecca85]

I would not want to fly when in a flare- even in remission the pressure change messes up my bowels! On my last two plane trips, I spent one in the bathroom because I was petrified of having an accident, and the other one in the bathroom puking.

Going in a car and staying in a hotel probably wouldn't be a problem for me. Usually my symptoms are pain and tiredness rather than urgency, and so long as I am able to sit or lie down as needed i should be fine!

 

[David]

Thank you all for sharing, it is appreciated. More opinions are welcome!

 

[JDTM]

Hmmmm... Traveling by plane and staying in a hotel while in a flare in order to go on vacation? Not all that into it. Traveling by plane and staying in a hotel while in a flare in order to be part of some awesome clinical trial that could provide some relief from IBD? Now that, on the other hand...

 

[2thFairy]

True that! I would do it to be part of medical care.

 

[littlemissh]

The diarrhoea is just about manageable with immodium (assuming I am not obstructing!), the vomiting is not so would be loath to travel too far...but then i guess that the researchers are somewhere in North America so wouldn't be paying for us Brits to travel over for their research!!

 

[kiny]

When I was in a flare I was not comfortable with travel, I tended to want to not have to deal too much with other people, wanted to be left alone, I was actually quite unpleasant to be around at times, my partner has been incredibly understanding, I would have lost all hope at times if it wasn't for the support I got.

 

[shamrock15]

Well, I have travelled across the Atlantic while obstructed. Not something I would like to repeat. Went straight to hospital when I got back to Canada. For research, I would do it, however I am apparently in remission (jinx!) at the moment.

 

[SarahBear]

I wouldn't drive myself, but I am fairly comfortable traveling. I can wait a while if I have to before going to the bathroom (I'll be in pain, but I'll make it), so it's less of a problem for me than for some others. Also, since I enjoy traveling, I think I'm less stressed and thus less likely to have problems.

 

[Jessi]

My response is the same as Crabby's above.

 

[ndw0317]

I travel during flares. I often don't have a choice. I just speak to the gate attendants requesting extra time to board and advise the flight attendants of my issue so that they will cut me some slack should I have to go when I am not supposed to (take off and landing). I sit in the aisle and make sure I can slip out before the beverage cart and just hang out on the galey if necessary.

I'm currently in a nasty flare and I will be flying Friday. That should be loads of fun. ;-)

Nicole

 

[Txgirl]

I travel, I just plan my meals and what not on how I'm feeling and how my bowels are working!!