TRAVELING WITH IBD

Having IBD doesn't mean you have to stay home. Most for Crohnies and UCees (those with Crohn's disease or UC, ulcerative colitis) enjoy traveling for business or pleasure, with just a little extra planning and without much difficulty.

• Remember to pack your medicines in your carry-on rather than your checked luggage. 
• Discuss with your doctor if you should take any "just in case" medicines with you.
• Check with your doctor to make sure your vaccines (immunizations) are up to date and that you have any needed ones if you are going somewhere remote. 
• If you have liquid medicine or nutritional drinks, bring a prescription, letter or office note from your doctor. 
• Consider carrying toilet tissue and wipes in your satchel or a backpack.
• Secure an aisle seat so that you don't feel embarrassed and aren't slowed down if you need to get to the bathroom. 
• The bathrooms on trains and buses are often nicer than they are in the stations.
• Plan extra time for bathroom breaks and to rest, if you get tired.
• Many states have a law that lets you use a bathroom in a public place, if you need one in a hurry.
• Flush and freepee.org are apps that can direct you to bathrooms you can use. 
• If you are going outside the country, know what they call their bathrooms and how to find them.
• If you're camping, don't use poison oak to wipe yourself (hope that brought a smile).
• Know whether it's safe to drink the water. If it's not, also avoid ice, foods washed in water and using that water to brush your teeth. 
• Enjoy, but be careful about how much activity you pack into a day.