Feb 7 2008
Traveling with inflammatory bowel disease can be a frustrating experience. Any trip takes planning, but traveling with a medical condition requires some special preparation for comfort. No one wants to be stuck at home because they can't be very far from a restroom, so here are some tips to help plan your trip.
- Medications
- Make sure you have enough medication for the duration you're traveling, and add some extra—just in case.
- If you are traveling overseas, ask your doctor to write you a prescription using generic names. You may not need the extra medication, but it will provide peace of mind.
- Always carry all your prescriptions and medical needs (water, ostomy supplies, soft-low residue snacks, change of undergarments, wet wipes) in your carry-on luggage. I can't stress this enough!
- Keep prescriptions in their original bottles instead of other plastic containers. This way, you will not have to explain your medication to a customs officer.
- Ask your doctor about what times you should take your medication when traveling through different time zones. It may be helpful to keep a written list of when medications should be taken while adjusting to local time.
- Remember to pack any over the counter (OTC) medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrheals, antacids, etc. in your carry-on luggage as well.
- Immunization
- Your basic immunizations may need updating (diphtheria and tetanus; measles, mumps, and rubella; or polio).
- You may need other immunizations based on the areas to which you are traveling. If you or your doctor are unsure about the immunizations you'll need, contact the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) by phone at (404) 332-4555 or by fax at (404) 332-4565, for more specific information.
- Physical Challenges
- Call the airline for special arrangements if you need assistance at the airport.
- For a person to escort you as you're traveling, contact a medical escort service for more information.
- Health Insurance
- Call your insurance company to get information about their coverage while you travel.
- If you are not covered while traveling, ask for a referral to a company that offers travel insurance, or short term insurance. Many credit card companies also offer health insurance for a fee.
