Travel Tips for Crohn's Patients

I do a lot of travel and it's always fun watching the mad scramble for baggage on some of these flights but for Crohn's patients, such as myself travel can be a bit of a night mare.  The following contains some helpful tips for folks who want to travel and don't want Crohns to ruin the experience.

At some point, everybody needs a vacation, but if you’re managing Crohn’s disease, a getaway serves as a reminder that you can’t ever get away from Crohn’s. Like it or not, you and your Crohn’s disease are travel companions, so it’s best to learn how to get along.

Treat your Crohn’s with the utmost consideration and attention to detail, and don’t be surprised if Crohn’s repays your pampering with a minimum of hassle and discomfort. Once you acknowledge your partnership, itemize every single thing you’ll need to address in order to be able to relax and enjoy your trip. Preparation is paramount to alleviating guesswork and stress.

Pack a Survival Kit

In case of emergency, here are some things you'll want in your carry-on bag:

• prescription medications in their original bottles
• over-the-counter antacids and anti-diarrheals
• disposable tissues and moist wipes
• hand sanitizer
• a change of underwear and outfit
• nutritional supplements
• meal replacement bars

?Here are other important considerations before you travel:

• Remember to take your meds on schedule.
• Be sure to include a list of contact information for doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies located in your travel destinations and at home.
• Have your doctor sign a document detailing your condition and bring photocopies of your medical chart, prescriptions, insurance cards, passport, and driver’s license.
• Check with your doctor to learn whether or not you need any immunization shots, and buy travel insurance to cover sudden health issues.
• If you don’t own a portable electronic translator, do a little homework and learn how to say “doctor,” “hospital,” “pharmacy,” and other potentially life-saving terms in the language of your destination.
• Consult a handy international lexicon of brand name and generic IBD medications at www.ccfa.org/living/travel.