Traveling may seem like an easy feat with thoughts of what to bring at the forefront of your mind. However, for individuals who are managing Crohn’s disease, planning a trip can be challenging. While you don’t need to abandon your dreams of a fun and exciting getaway, you can be properly prepared with the following tips.
1. Pre-Arranged Shuttle Service
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause diarrhea, pain and cramping. Since you may have the need to use the restroom frequently throughout your trip, you need to be prepared beforehand. A pre-arranged shuttle service can be found online, at sites like www.shuttledirect.com, which can allow you to have access to your accommodations whether you need to go to the airport, hotel or sightseeing. Since you won’t have to spend long periods of time waiting for transportation with the help of a shuttle service, you can experience comfort knowing that you won’t be at risk for any unexpected emergencies.
2. Locate Medical Services
When you’re traveling to places far from home, you may not be familiar with the type of medical facilities until you actually need them. If you’re suffering with Crohn’s disease, you may need to be prepared and enlist the help of a healthcare professional when traveling. After you’ve gotten permission from your physician to getaway, you need to also ask them for a plan of action in case your condition worsens. Your doctor may also be able to give you doctor recommendations within a 30 mile radius of where you will be staying.
3. Maintain A Proper Diet
Maintaining a proper diet is essential. It can also keep your symptoms from flaring up and creating pain and discomfort when you’re away. A physician or certified dietician can offer tips on what to eat. Typically bland diets prove to be more beneficial than spicy or fiber rich foods. The foods you consume can also prevent you from losing important nutrients and vitamins that may be lost with excessive bouts of diarrhea. You may also be prone to being lactose intolerant and have to avoid milk and dairy products.
4. Have Your Medication
Taking your medication in a timely manner can be important to dealing with Crohn’s disease. There are a number of smartphone applications available to helping you adhere to a proper schedule. You should also carry a detailed report on your condition that is signed by your physician. This can help if you need to visit a medical care facility when traveling.
A host of other items such as your insurance cards, copies of your medication and signed prescription forms can be helpful. In case of an emergency, a survival kit can hold some necessary items that include a change of underwear, hand sanitizer, disposable tissues, nutritional supplements, prescription medications and meal replacement bars.
Your Crohn’s disease shouldn’t hold you captive to your home. With a healthy diet, preparation, planning, and the right attention to detail, you can travel the globe with little to no problems.
Having a brother who suffers with Crohn’s disease enables Nadine Swayne to forward this article in order to help others. Making travel accommodations with convenient services, such as www.shuttledirect.com, can make the trip essentially easier when dealing with such a debilitating condition, giving one the freedom to expanded horizons.
Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wefi_official/11019214415
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