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Posted 7/8/2009 9:41 AM (GMT -5)

I was just wondering if anyone has any tips for crossing time zones/ general travel with UC. My flare seems to be dying down (dropped to 30mg of pred this morning)..but like many of us I go 4-5 times in the morning before things seem to settle down and I’m “normal” for the day. I’ll be headed to Asia for 4 weeks and it’s a 13hr time difference. Any suggestions would be great.

Posted 7/8/2009 11:20 AM (GMT -5)
After your morning "routine" take an immodium. That will calm you through the day, if you find things act up. Don't take it before, or you'll feel like to need to go and can't, and that's awful. But one should wear off by the next morning. Or try 1/2 a pill if it works too good.

Try to resist food and alcohol that might create a problem for you! whatever that might be.
Posted 7/8/2009 12:52 PM (GMT -5)
Hi! I have crohns, not UC but traveled to Asia with it. I would suggest adjusting to their time schedule the day you arrive. For me that meant one day of torture. I didn't sleep on the plane and when we landed (20 something hours later) it was 7 am. I stayed up until I was physically falling down at 7 pm. But then I woke up the next morning but bowels were on their normal schedule. If I had gone to bed when I landed, like I wanted to, I probably would have had bowel movements when I woke up (mid day/night), etc. It was good to push myself that one day to be able to enjoy the rest of my vacation.

I was in Singapore and Phuket. Where are you going? I found the diet very IBD friendly and actually felt GREAT over there. I also used xanax and immodium on my flights but didn't need any after I got there. Also, in Singapore there was no shortage of public restrooms. There are shopping centers everywhere. And bonus, one of the national lanuages is English! Finally, if you were to have a very serious emergency while in Asia I would recommend trying to get to Singapore for medical care if at all possible. People travel from all over Asia to get their care there. It is totally "westernized."
Posted 7/8/2009 1:54 PM (GMT -5)
If you're worried about diarrhea on the plane, I would suggest an adult diaper for those times when the "fasten seat belt" sign is illuminated and you can't wait. It's not a pleasant thought, but better than not having one on!
Posted 7/8/2009 2:08 PM (GMT -5)
Lomitil as soon as the feet hits the floor. By the time my morning routine is about over the med has kicked in. Plane travel take 2.
Posted 7/8/2009 10:54 PM (GMT -5)
It seems that a few of the members have had success with using Immodium or another OTC to calm the bowels. Do you worry about Toxic Megacolon? Do you find it interacts with any other drugs (Lialda/Pred)?
Posted 7/9/2009 8:50 AM (GMT -5)
I am going to South Korea to visit my family for 4 weeks, funny because I first came down with UC symptoms there on my study abroad last year.
Posted 7/9/2009 9:03 AM (GMT -5)

I use Imodium as instructed by my gastro doctors - both of them I have seen.  They told me to be cautious - never use more than prescribed on bottle and adjust to your system.  I can take 1/2 and works fine most of the time.  Even if I don't have diarrhea - helps with spasms, etc.  Also, eating light and only what you know will not bother you.

Have a fun trip!!

ElaineNY

Posted 7/9/2009 1:17 PM (GMT -5)
If you are taking a small enough dose of immodium that you are still able to go in the mornings, you shouldn't have to worry about toxic megacolon. I think you would feel plenty uncomfortable from being "blocked up" to know when you're taking too much. I've used it for flaring for decades (and back when you needed an Rx).
Ask your doctor if he/she can share any knowledge about that if you are worried.
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