I think if you've been feeling well recently and don't have tons of diarrhea, I'm not sure traveling a short distance is going to change things much for you. I would pack accordingly in case you do have an issue, like bring some imodium ad for a reliable short term fix. I wouldn't recommending taking imodium long term, but I've used it for flying a long flight when my UC was not controlled.

How you reduce stress with UC is how you reduce stress without UC: Exercise, meditate, yoga, dont' over think things, etc.

Have a good trip!

ok, so after I wrote this I realized it was very long.. my apologies but i wanted to cover all my thoughts. :-)

I traveled to Dallas from western NY this summer during a moderate flare that was unresponsive to prednisone so I completely understand your apprehension about traveling. I'd suggest a low residue diet (google it if you're unfamiliar-it's also very good during a flare to give your gut a break so it can try to heal) so as to limit the contents of your bowels and eat light the days you're actually flying to reduce the likelihood you'll need to use the facilities. I did a lot of liquid meals, smoothies or carnation instant breakfast, that way I'd get some nutrients but nothing solid. {{something I just learned-about 20 minutes after you start chewing food your gut starts it's squeezing motions to move food through so I'd be mindful of when you eat that you may have to use the facilities within the half hour. however, if you're not in a flare you may not have issues with urgency, that's totally individual to each person}} If you have time (on the flight or during a layover) and you kind of feel like you might have to go, don't risk trying to wait until what may seem like a more convenient time, just go and get out what may be in there. It took me quite some time to learn to listen to what my body was telling me. Bring a bottle of "Poo-Pourri".. it's a spray you use to keep the smell in the potty and not in the air. I found mine at ACE hardware (imagine that,lol!) but I think that more and more stores are starting to carry it. You spray it about 5 times into the toilet before you sit down and somehow it holds all the smell in. It's great!! An antidiarrheal is also a great idea. Also, pack a spare set of underwear and stretch pants/sweatpants/capri's(something that can be folded small). I put mine in a ziploc gallon bag and squeezed out all the air so that it would fit nicely in my carry-on just in case i needed them. And the ziploc doubled as a place to put the soiled clothes, keeping the potential smell contained if i wasn't able to clean them up before putting them in the bag (like a public restroom) in case of an accident. Prepare yourself this way to cover all your "just in case" bases and try not to stress. Stress doesn't do anyone's gut any favors, not even a healthy gut. :-) You'll have a wonderful trip, I can just feel it! :-)

recap:
1. go when you feel like you MIGHT have to go in order to avoid the "have to go NOW!!"
2. Immodium / Loperamide
3. ziploc w/ change of clothes
4. low residue diet
5. eat very light while flying
6. poo-pourri (more for comfort than anything)


hope this helps! :-)

I carry an extra pair of underwear and I also always wear a pad when going out just in case I start to go and can't get to the bathroom in time. The last time I flew my Dr. gave me something for anxiety to calm me down and it helped along with imodium. Like Barb said, eat light the day before flying and just try and stay calm. If you haven't been having too many issues though anyway then it shouldn't be a problem.
Best of luck on your trip, try and have fun and don't spend all your time worrying.

Do you find that your body has some kind of a routine in the mornings?
I know with my UC I have specifically bad times in the morning where I know I will be in the bathrom 4 or 5 times. But usually by the time I get to work I am good for most of my day. I'm in a moderate flare right now between doses of Remicade but usually my body gets into some kind of rhythm.

My suggestion is to give yourself lots of time in the morning that you're leaving. They day before, eat light and stay away from anything that will potentially aggravate your symptoms. I will always take a Pepto pill or immodium before I travel, just to be safe.

Try thinking that it will go well! Especially since you're only having minor issues. When you're feeling stressed or anxious about it try some deep breathing techniques.

I really wish you luck with your travels, and I'm sure it will all be just fine! :)

so how was your trip? uneventful I hope! :-)

we don't think we'll ever run out of things to do there. We're so used to the small town vibe of Idaho that all the fun things about Seattle are really fun
for further information, please visit
https://abkhaziya.net/