Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Support Group

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common intestinal disorder that is characterized by bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramping, and constipation. Typically no abnormalities appear during standard medical testing, and so irritable bowel syndrome is identified by the symptoms. Although irritable bowel syndrome can cause serious discomfort, the intestines are not harmed.

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Gastrointestinal System
/ Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Support Group

IBS and travel??

skuhn
skuhn
Me and my husband have been married for 6 years and because of his IBS have never really traveled. Well in July we are taking a trip to Mexico along with 3 other couples. I think once we get there he will be ok, but I am fearful on the plane trip. Is there anything anyone can recommend to help him through the traveling part of it. He is on a few medications right now to help him with daily bouts, and he also takes immodiums religiously. Something that seems to help him is drinking a glass of scotch which is fine but that stuff is sooo expensive on planes. Everyone we are going with knows about his IBS but until you have it or live with it I don't think you can understand how much it really affects everyday life. Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated!
skuhn
skuhn
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deleted_user
deleted_user
hi how are u?your husband is so lucky to have an understanding wife,my boyfriend is very understanding but somethimes does get annoyed with the restrictions(weve been together 7 yrs)when it comes to the plane,i honestly dont no what to say,i just refuse to get on one,im like a hermit,one day i hpe i can,im only 23,ive took short trips before and its gd to keep busy,talking laughing playing games,just keep his mind occupied that hlps me because anxiety brings it on more!one day i hope they invent a one off pill that will make eveythng go away:)i hope everything goes to plan and yee have a wonderfull time.i was asked to go to puerto rico with my bfriends family and just refused,they all hate me now,they think im being a bitch,but i dont want to tell them the real reason.xxx
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi. I have IBS too and it definitely interferes with my daily life. It does NOT prevent me from traveling tho. What meds is he taking? My dr prescribes Reglan to control my bouts and it helps calm my intestines. Before I travel, I make sure that I have a healthy lite breakfast along with lots of water. Don't drink any dairy (hot especially) prior to boarding a plane or anything that he knows will trigger an episode. I have been a flight attendant for 10 years so I know how hard it is for people as it was awful for me. The rules are strict with getting up to use the bathroom before the fasten seat belt sign is off and this is not something to take lightly. So anything to prevent an episode during takeoff is essential. Lots of water and reglan is a miracle drug. Sleep is important too. I hope this helps. Let me know if you need anymore advice...I'm the pro when it comes to traveling with IBS!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hey there,
I was always told several things by the doctors when they told me I had it:
1. Stay away from peppermint ANYTHING!
2. Stay away from acidic things.
3. No Coffee because it speeds up your digestive system.
4.He could always go to the doctor and get something prescribe for his anxiety, but i always take 2 benidryl and knock my self out for the flight, car ride, whatever.
5. tell him to eat his comfort foods and remind him there is a bathroom on the plane ;-) ... its kinda creepy flushing it though

So I am kinda skeptical of the whole IBS thing because they told me I had it for 7 or 8 years or something like that. I was in the 8th grade when they told me and a sophomore in college when they found out that what was causing my IBS was actually a softball sized cyst. So dont give up hope! There has to be "something" causing it! Get him food allergy tested for things like gluten, wheat. But you have to think of things besides just stomach problems.

I hope I helped GOOD LUCK!!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Traveling is my absolute worst nightmare, and yet I chose to attend University on the opposite end of the country from my home, stupid me. Despite the fact that the people you are traveling with are supportive and understanding, and that there is a bathroom on the plane, the anxiety can be overwhelming to the point where you make your IBS worse because of the stress. I think my biggest de-stresser is to prepare for the worst possible scenario so then I know I am covered if anything happens. I pack extra clothes, imodium, snacks that I know are easier on my stomach like tortilla chips, and drink lots of water. There is no foolproof plan, but reducing the stress of worrying about an attack is the biggest part, for me at least. Hope you have fun!
wimbly83
wimbly83
I agree with CailiD. I too have IBS and get terrified before traveling or flying. One thing I have found to be very useful in those situations is distraction. Talking, magazines, hand-held video games, etc. Delta has on-board games and television which is great too! Maybe he can invest in an MP3 player that allows you to download movies and he can put his favorites on there to aid in distraction.

Basically anything that puts him at ease will be very useful...drinking room temperature beverages is also very helpful! Sometimes the cold makes the digestive tract move faster. If I am thirsty in the morning I will usually grab a room temperature Gatorade (as an example).

Wish you both the best!